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| Lot # | Date | Variety | Rarity | Grade | Description | # of Bids * | Hammer Price | Maximum Bid | Total Price | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1794 | O.108, T-6 | R.7 | PCGS VG 10 | We begin with the most important coin in the sale! Al Overton listed the variety as “O.15” in his 1967 inaugural work. M.L. Beistle plated the unique obverse in his 1929 treatise, A Register of Half Dollar Die Varieties and Sub-Varieties. The rarity of the issue has stood the test of time. Only 8 confirmed examples have appeared in the nearly 90 years since Beistle first described it. The present coin was uncovered in a consignment to Bowers & Merena’s Father Flannagan Sale, Nov. 2001 (lot 4002) where it brought $13,800. Charles De Olden became the next owner. Heritage sold his remarkable collection of early half-dollars during the 2008 FUN Show. Harry Laibstain was the buyer of lot 2829 at $27,600. He soon passed it to our consignor, Dr. Charles Link, owner of the finest collection of bust half-dollars ever assembled. Dr. Link elected to release his prize after acquiring the Robert Hilt coin (NGC XF details, cleaned) at the April 2015 Heritage sale of the Hilt family coins. (Lot 5058 brought $44,650.) The coin is charming. Turquoise and gold album toning blankets the obverse. The reverse is a natural pale grey. Surface marks are unobtrusive and consistent with PCGS’ conservative grade. The coin is more than a match in detail and eye appeal for the Green-Newman example, graded NGC F.12, sold by Heritage in Nov. 2013, lot 33410 @$32,900. (I had the pleasure of cataloging Newman’s half-dollars.) Steve Tompkins plated the De Olden-Link coin, offering a grade of F.15 in his 2015 tome on early half-dollars (p.37). Prices of “common” die varieties of 1794 half-dollars, O.101-103-104-105-106, tumbled when Heritage began selling the late Terry Brand’s hoard of over 200 pieces last year. Prices for the R.7 and R.8 die pairs, O.108 through O.111, remain firm. I’m still recovering from the shock of seeing Hilt’s 1794 VF 25 O.109 hammered down at $705,000! Est. $23,000 to $30,000. | 3 | $20,000 | $21,700 | $22,000 |
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| 2 | 1795 | O.120, T-4 | R.6+ | PCGS VF 30 | Ex Summers, Link and Osborne. High Condition Census. Overton identified 32 die pairs for the year. His O.118 is unknown in any collection and generally thought not to exist. Of the remaining 31 varieties the O.120 lies 3rd in absolute rarity, ahead of the O.114 and behind the O.132 (2 known) and O.101 (9 known). One uncirculated (or nearly so) example exists. (Heritage 2015 FUN Sale, lot 4121, NGC MS 62 @ $42,300 to Dr. Link.) This example is likely the 2nd finest of 13 or so specimens. Don Frederick’s coin, NCS XF details (Heritage April 2010 Central States Sale, lot 814) must be demoted because of a heavy cleaning. In 1993 NGC graded the inferior Overton plate coin VF 20. Chuck De Olden's NGC VF 30, offered by Heritage in Jan 2008 (lot 2842 @ $18,400), was marred by contact marks and lacks the detail of the current offering. Mike Summers cherried this coin sometime before 2005. He consigned it to MB 31 in Aug. 2005 (lot 78 as NGC VF 30) where it was acquired by Dr. Link, bringing $12,826. Dr. Link later traded the coin to BHNC stalwart Tim Osborne, the present consignor. This is a sweet coin with natural grey toning, lighter on the devices. The hair curls and wing feathers are well defined. Tompkins die state 2, with a sharp die break from rim below 7 of the date to bust, foretelling, perhaps, an early demise of the obverse die. Tompkins correctly notes[t]he latest die stage showing a full crack to the bust is more difficult to locate. This coin is plated on page 83 of Tompkins. Est. $16,000 to $20,000. | 1 | $12,500 | $12,500 | $13,750 |
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| 3 | 1795 | O.120, T-4 | R.6+ | PCGS VF 20 | Unbelievable! A second example of this charismatic rarity. This one comes with a checkered history. Since 2005 it has been offered on various occasions by Heritage, ANR, Bowers & Merena and Stack’s. The assigned grades range from F.15 to VF 30. It has been orphaned since William Waste parted with it at Heritage’s Nov. 2005 Dallas Sale where it was encapsulated by NCS as a cleaned VF, bringing $10,350. ANR, B&M and Stack’s had their chances at it over the next 2 years, each suggesting a grade of VF 30. Then, for 8+ years, Chris Merrill provided a foster home. He purchased it privately in Dec. 2009, encased in its current PCGS holder, sporting a darker patina than in 2005. Merrill consigned his collection to Heritage in 2017. At its Feb. 2018 Long Beach sale the coin was overshadowed by Merrill’s 1817/4 and overlooked by the collecting community. It was literally “stolen” by our consignor at $4,320! The coin is darkly toned in the fields, lighter on the devices. Contact marks are insignificant. Hairlines, if any, are buried under the toning. The sharpness grade is no less than VF 30. Note, especially, the detail in Liberty’s curls and the eagle’s wings. The coin is plated at page 84 of Tompkins. Est. $5,000 and up. | 1 | $4,000 | $4,355 | $4,400 |
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| 4 | 1805 | O.108 | R.4+ | PCGS XF 40 CAC | A beautifully toned 1805 from the collection of Tim Osborne, earlier in the collection of Dr. Charles Link. Last appearing in MB 41 Aug. 2015, lot 2, where it brought $2,209 and was described as follows: Iridescent blue and antique grey toning capture the eye. Evenly worn with light friction in the fields. This date is considerably tougher to find (in all grades) than its brethren from 1806 and 1807; price records routinely fail to reflect the disparity. Est. $2,000 to $2,500. | 6 | $2,727 | $2,727 | $3,000 |
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| 5 | 1806 E over A | O.124 | R.6 | PCGS Genuine - Surface Damage | A handsomely toned XF-AU coin formerly in the collection of Charlton Meyer, Jr. In terms of sharpness it is the finest known, at least two notches above Don Frederick’s scratched and cleaned “PCGS Genuine, XF details.” The obverse is marred by several small pits from a pointed instrument. Meyer, captivated by the detail, eye appeal and rarity of the coin, acquired it from Jim O’Donnell during the 1990 ANA Convention. It went unsold in my July 30, 2008 sale of Meyer’s Selected Rarities (lot 13) against an estimate of $6,000 to $9,000. The coin stayed in Louisiana when Tim Osborne acquired it privately after the sale. Tompkins places the coin at no.1 in his “Top Ten Pictorial Census,” page 331 of his 2015 reference work on early half-dollars. Est. $3,000 and up | 6 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,300 |
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| 6 | 1806 Pt.6, Stem | O.126, T-26 | R.7- | PCGS Shield F.12 CAC | The parade of pre-Turb rarities concludes with this nifty coin. Paul Munson discovered the die pair sometime after Al Overton published his 1970 2nd Edition. Paul’s BHNC clubmates honored the tradition of placing the finder’s initials before such new discoveries. The marriage, therefore, was known as “1806 PM-1” until Don Parsley described it in his 1990 revision of Overton’s standard reference. Nearly 50 years later the population fails to reach a baker’s dozen. The coin is essentially perfect for the grade, with natural grey toning and blemish free surfaces. Striking weaknesses at the eagle’s left wing and the back of Liberty’s head are standard, even on high grade specimens. The coin comes with an illustrious provenance. Its stewards, all long-time BHNC members, include Dick Kurtz, Mike Summers, David Kahn and the current consignor, Tim Osborne. Steve Tompkins placed it no.5 in his Pictorial Census. (Tompkins, p.348.) Est. $6,000 to $8,000. | 1 | $5,700 | $5,700 | $6,270 |
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| 7 | 1807 Lg. Stars 50/20 | O.112 | R.1 | PCGS Shield AU 58 CAC | Been holding out for that perfect 1807 to fill-in your date or PCGS registry set? When Tom Sears acquired this one from your cataloguer in Nov. 2010 he knew he had the right coin. It was then in an NGC MS 62 capsule. The coin is as pretty as the photo suggests. A ring of album toning flanks the lustrous centers. The strike is first rate; the surfaces leave nothing to be desired. In short, a “WOW” coin. Est. $5,500 to $6,500. | 8 | $7,570 | $7,570 | $8,327 |
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| 8 | 1807 Lg. Stars | O.114a | R.5+ | PCGS VF 20 CAC | The stars and legend feature both luster and swirling die cracks. This is the coveted late die state of the Large Stars variety. The obverse sports a heavy die break from star 12 to top ribbon. As suggested by the CAC sticker the coin offers superior eye appeal for the assigned grade, including natural toning, and pleasing surfaces. Est. $1,000 to $1,500. | 2 | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,210 |
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| 9 | 1808 | O.102a | R.2 | PCGS AU 58+ CAC | The first of ten coins consigned by Keith Davignon. If you’ve followed my recent auctions you know what that means. Mind-boggling eye appeal! Here is a blast white 1808. formerly in the collections of Jim Brilliant and Gehring Prouty. Luster matches that of a freshly minted Franklin half-dollar. The surfaces are immaculate, the central devices well struck. Prouty acquired the coin at the Jan. 1992 B&M sale of Brilliant’s collection where lot 105 was graded “MS 60/63.” Prouty’s personal insert includes his grade and comment, “AU58/63 …white/lustrous – beautiful.” Davignon found the coin in my bourse case during the 2014 ANA Convention in Chicago. Auction and Prouty inserts accompany the lot. Est. $4,000 to $5,000. | 2 | $3,700 | $4,000 | $4,070 |
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| 10 | 1809 III Edge | O.107a | R.4 | PCGS XF 45 | Silver-grey toning with nice luster for the grade. An altogether pleasing example of the so-called experimental edge variety. Overton collectors will appreciate the R.4 rarity rating of the late die state. Est. $600 to $800. | 4 | $700 | $950 | $770 |
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| 11 | 1809 III Edge | O.109a | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 | Keith Davignon found this incredible coin sitting in the bourse case of the late Elliot Goldman (Allstate Coin Co.) during the 1989 ANA Convention in Colorado Springs. Deep, iridescent toning glows with unbroken luster. You’ll have to hunt for the whisper of friction on this pristine 1809. Preview this one in person or by proxy or your bid may fall short. Est. $4,500 to $5,500 | 7 | $4,200 | $4,400 | $4,620 |
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| 12 | 1809 III Edge | O.111a | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 | Yes, a third example of this Redbook variety, one for every budget. The PCGS label memorializes the important provenance, “Meyer-Link.” Untoned save for a ring of copper at the rims. Bold luster befits the grade. Softness through the dentils is mandatory on this later die state. Meyer purchased the coin as a raw “AU 55” in Feb. 1986. He was the first to assemble a collection of all 450 Capped Bust die pairs listed in Overton. The next owner, Dr. Charles Link, became the third collector to do so - augmenting his assortment with the crushed lettered edge proofs of 1833-1834-1835. Est. $2,300 to $2,750. | 1 | $2,200 | $2,500 | $2,420 |
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| 13 | 1810 | O.101a | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | Here starts an exciting run of high grade 1810’s. This one is richly toned throughout, with iridescent turquoise and gold highlighting the stars and legend. Students of the series will marvel at the almost fully struck left wing and crisp detail in Liberty’s curls. Lot 620 in Superior Galleries’ Oct. 1989 Heifitz Sale, without auction insert. Est. $2,500 to $3,000. | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,750 |
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| 14 | 1810 | O.103 | R.2 | PCGS AU 53 | Deep rose, gold and turquoise toning. Some striking weakness in Liberty’s central curls. Eagle’s wings well struck! Plenty of luster; the surfaces are virtually free of marks. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $900 to $1,200. | 3 | $1,300 | $1,300 | $1,430 |
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| 15 | 1810 | O.104a | R.3 | PCGS MS 62 | Brazen white with bold luster. The centers are remarkably well struck. A tick in the field near Liberty’s throat is of no consequence for this truly uncirculated 1810. Here is a great coin for the date collector. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $3,300 to $4,300. | 1 | $3,200 | $3,200 | $3,520 |
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| 16 | 1810 | O.106 | R.4 | PCGS AU 53 | A handsome coin with generally well struck centers. Evenly toned, obverse and reverse, with no luster breaks in the fields(!). The surfaces are free of contact marks. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1.000 to $1,500. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 17 | 1810 | O.108 | R.3 | PCGS AU 58 | Silver/grey toning with even cartwheel luster. Soft rims and dentils are the norm for this die pair. A die break bisects the reverse from 11:30 to 6:00. The higher numbered Overton varieties of this year are especially difficult to find in high grade. Most AU’s or better are O.101 through 103. Est. $2,500 to $3,000. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 18 | 1810 | O.110 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 OGH | Full luster. It is a challenge to spot any luster breaks on this lightly toned 1810. The green PCGS label dates to 1993-1998. Weak rims, the centers decently impressed. The 6th and last offering from this difficult year. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,500 to $2,000. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 19 | 1811/10 | O.101 | R.1 | PCGS AU 50 | Sunset colors predominate. A lovely coin, formerly in the cabinets of Gehring Prouty and our present consignor, Dr. Charles Link. A sharp dot separates the 8 and 1 of the date; another, at the top of the first 1, attests to an early die state. If you’re addicted to AU coins with attractive toning this one deserves consideration. The royal pedigree is a nice bonus. Est. $900 to $1,200. | 6 | $1,300 | $1,300 | $1,430 |
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| 20 | 1811 Lg. 8 | O.104a | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | A thin ring of iridescent toning outlines the dentils. The untoned centers are alive with cartwheel luster. Here is a coin that never saw circulation. Minuscule signs of handling befit the “58” designation. Well struck and ready for a home in a first class die variety or Red Book set. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,200 to $3,200. | 3 | $2,710 | $2,710 | $2,981 |
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| 21 | 1811 Sm. 8 | O.109 | R.2 | PCGS MS 61 | Bold luster blankets the smooth, untoned surfaces. Well struck devices except for the apex of the left wing where the familiar die break runs from rim to shield. You’ll have no quarrel with the MS designation. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,300 to $3,300. | 3 | $2,300 | $2,400 | $2,530 |
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| 22 | 1811 Sm. 8 | O.110a | R.1 | PCGS MS 64 | Ex Dr. Charles Link and Keith Davignon. A spectacular 1811! A glow of copper toning encases the crisply struck central devices. The surfaces are smooth as glass, shimmering with gobs of mint luster. Here is the quality one expects from the Link and Davignon collections. Keith acquired it from Chuck during the March 2015 Baltimore Show. Est. $6,000 to $7,000. | 1 | $5,500 | $4,000 | Not Sold |
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| 23 | 1811 Sm. 8 | O.110a | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 | Album toning at the rims features hues of turquoise and gold. Short drift marks (minor planchet imperfections) run horizontally across the obverse. Strong luster throughout. This is a first rate 1811 for the quality and budget conscious collector. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,500 to $3,000. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 24 | 1812/1 Lg. 8 | O.101a | R.5 | NGC VF 35 | Has the time arrived to fill that gaping hole in your 1812’s? Here is a wholesome example of a classic rarity. The pale grey surfaces, though lightly hairlined, display few contact marks. Consult your favorite Price Guide and be ready for the battle that invariably accompanies an offering of the “12 over 11 large 8.” Est. $6,500 to $7,500. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 25 | 1812 | O.110 | R.1 | PCGS MS 64 CAC | Frosty white with unimaginable depth of luster. This beautifully struck 1812 will highlight your date or type collection. Pay special attention to the detail in Liberty’s curls and drapery lines. The surfaces are immaculate. Early dates of this quality are rare. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $5,000 to $7,000. | 2 | $5,050 | $5,555 | $5,555 |
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| 26 | 1813 50/UNI | O.101 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Early die state, with an exceptionally bold UNI under and alongside the denomination. Original pale gold toning contributes to the eye appeal of this softly lustrous, CAC approved, piece. These are SO tough to find in AU. Don’t miss your chance. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $3,200 to $4,000. | 5 | $4,650 | $5,500 | $5,115 |
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| 27 | 1813 | O.102 | R.4 | PCGS XF 40 | “R.4” is the traditional dividing line between die varieties that carry a premium and those that don’t. Here is one of the truly sticky R.4’s. The detail of the coin is better than XF 40. Too much luster survives. The blunt strike, always found on the O.102, accounts for the PCGS grade. The heavy double profile is a common feature of this date. Est. $350 to $500. | 11 | $551 | $625 | $606 |
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| 28 | 1813 | O.103a | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | Ex Keith Davignon. Stunning luster adorns the untoned surfaces. Keith picked up this one from J.J. Teaparty in Feb. 1998, 20+ years ago. Its flash remains undiminished. – and irresistible. The coin is essentially without faults, a paradigm AU 58. Est. $2,500 to $3,500 | 1 | $2,200 | $2,200 | $2,420 |
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| 29 | 1813 | O.107 | R.4 | PCGS XF 45 | Hints of luster and a smattering of hairlines may be seen under a gloss of pale gold toning. Striking weakness at the top of the left wing is typical of this moderately scarce die state. No marks deserve mention. Est. $300 to $500. | 7 | $455 | $455 | $501 |
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| 30 | 1813 | O.107a | R.1 | PCGS AU 58+ CAC | A little rub on the cheek and top of the breast. That’s it. Otherwise we’d be gazing at a choice unc bust half. Everyman Registry Set collectors will pursue this lovely coin with vigor -- and with good reason. Cartwheel luster flows beneath the veneer of antique russet toning, overshadowing ubiquitous softness at the eagle’s beak and top of left wing. Liberty’s curls remain in full flower. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $3,000 to $4,000. | 2 | $2,550 | $2,550 | $2,805 |
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| 31 | 1813 | O.107a | R.1 | PCGS AU 53 | A gorgeous coin! Iridescent album toning frames the centers. There is but a hint of weakness at the top of the eagle’s left wing. The coin saw only short-term circulation, retiring from commerce with minimal signs of contact or handling. A top-flight AU 53! From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $550 to $800. | 2 | $550 | $550 | $605 |
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| 32 | 1814/3 | O.101a | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 | The PCGS label identifies the Overton variety, adding, “Mint Error … Reverse Planchet Flaw.” The surfaces are painted with a shroud of deep gold toning, lighter through the stars and legend. The obverse strike is unusually strong. The reverse as well, though not without slight weakness in the left wing. Roughness through the junction of the eagle’s torso and left wing extends to the beak. As noted by PCGS, it is not to be confused with environmental damage; it is simply the product of a poorly prepared planchet. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,500 to $2,500. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 33 | 1814 Single Leaf | O.105a | R.4 | PCGS XF 45 | Evenly toned with flickers of iridescence and soft underlying luster. The strike is as good as it gets on this pair of worn dies. A toning spot in front of Liberty’s nose should allow easy identification by our posterity. Nice coin for the Red Book collector. Est. $1,500 to $2,000. | 2 | $1,300 | $1,555 | $1,430 |
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| 34 | 1814 Single Leaf | O.105a | R.4 | PCGS XF 40 | A solid XF with a smidgen more wear than the preceding example. Mostly grey toning, occasionally uneven; luster here and there. The surfaces are essentially free of marks. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,000 to $1,500. | 2 | $1,450 | $1,550 | $1,595 |
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| 35 | 1814 | O.107 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC OGH | Incredible toning! This one must have spent generations wrapped in tissue paper or the like. A rainbow of blues, reds and turquoise coalesce and sparkle with iridescence. Plenty of clash marks but few signs of contact. An exciting coin! From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,500 to $2,500 | 10 | $2,601 | $2,601 | $2,861 |
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| 36 | 1814 E/A | O.108a | R.1 | PCGS VF 35 | Struck from worn and clashed dies. Light to medium grey toning. The obverse looks XF. The reverse looks the way this Red Book staple usually looks – soft in the head. The eagle’s head, that is. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $500 to $700. | 5 | $490 | $532 | $539 |
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| 37 | 1814 | O.109 | R.2 | PCGS AU 50 | Light grey toning with soft luster. A short drift mark lies in front of Liberty’s nose. Late die state with heavy clash marks, obverse and reverse. Never ignore an 1814 in AU! From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,100 to $1,500. | 4 | $665 | $1,060 | $732 |
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| 38 | 1817 Punct. Date | O.103 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 | A lustrous example with pastel blue and pale russet toning. The “punctuation mark” is sharp, as are the stars and dentils. Softness in Liberty’s central curls and the eagle’s claws is usual. (Compare the MS 63 Overton Plate Coin.) The eye appeal of this offering will generate exciting competition! From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $3,000 and up. | 9 | $3,801 | $3,801 | $4,181 |
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| 39 | 1817 | O.112 | R.2 | PCGS MS 62 | From the collection of Keith Davignon. Another beauty from Keith’s stash. Intense luster rolls beneath the copper and russet toning. The strike is first rate with surfaces to match. A tick under the left wing hardly deserves mention. Ex MB 25, June 2000, lot 11; there consigned by Al Overton’s son-in-law, Don Parsley. Est. $3,000 to $4,000. | 3 | $3,200 | $3,800 | $3,520 |
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| 40 | 1817 | O.112a | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Perhaps the prettiest coin in the sale! Deep rose toning blankets the centers. Electric blue, aqua and turquoise run through the stars and legend. Light friction on the high points, the fields are untouched. Ex Tom Sears who found this jewel on the bourse floor of an unspecified ANA convention. Ignore standard price guides, this one has runaway potential. Est. $2,000 and up. | 23 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,200 |
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| 41 | 1818/7 Sm. 8 | O.102 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | A magnificent example headed to a connoisseur’s collection. Antique grey centers with fabulous orange iridescence through most stars and much of the legend. Originality is the hallmark of this important coin. High grade 102s are distinctly tougher to find in choice AU than the large 8 varieties, O.101 and O.103. Do not by shy with your bid if this one is on your want list! From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $3,250 to $4,250. | 6 | $4,377 | $5,250 | $4,815 |
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| 42 | 1818 | O.106a | R.3 | PCGS AU 58 | Crisp dentils and 13 stars with center points! This untoned 1818 comes with bold luster and few signs of contact. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,000 to $2,500. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 43 | 1818 | O.110 | R.4 | PCGS VF 30 | A technicolor rarity. The O.110 and O.115 are stoppers for die variety collectors seeking to finish their 1818s. It is a challenge to find a pretty example of either marriage. This example has a shiny obverse and matte-like reverse, each side encased with hues of pale blue, aqua and gold. Some luster survives. Est. $300 to $500. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 44 | 1818 | O.111 | R.1 | PCGS AU 50 | “Target toning” from album storage. Residue between the arrowheads attests to originality. A bit short on luster, but you’ll love the eye appeal. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $500 to $750 | 14 | $1,400 | $1,401 | $1,540 |
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| 45 | 1818 | O.112a | R.5 | PCGS AU Detail | A VERY rare die state, ex Dr. Charles Link. All die cracks described by Overton are in full flower. I’ve not handled an example in over 6 years. (An XF example appeared in MB 35, lot 54, April 2012.) Despite the PCGS qualification this is an attractive, high grade coin. Hairlines lie below what I believe to be natural toning, probably from album storage. Luster engages and enlivens the stars and legend. Acquired privately from your cataloguer in Nov. 2005 as “AU 55, hairlined.” Est. $500 to $1,000. | 3 | $575 | $700 | $632 |
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| 46 | 1818 | O.113 | R.3 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | Full luster with a splash of colorful toning atop Liberty’s cap. Typical softness (for the die pair) at the lowest drapery lines and corresponding portion of the motto. It’s hard to find any friction on the coin. A few contact marks may have influenced the graders. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,300 to $3,200. | 3 | $3,644 | $4,610 | $4,008 |
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| 47 | 1819/8 Sm. 9 | O.101 | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 | Six of 15 die pairs of the year are overdates. Just one overdate has the small 9. Here is a choice AU example. Lightly toned, no marks and luster in the fields that is just a notch below that through the stars. A classic “AU 55.” From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,400 to $1,800. | 1 | $1,250 | $1,250 | $1,375 |
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| 48 | 1819 | O.111 | R.2 | PCGS AU 53 | Here is a truly exciting “AU 53,” beautifully toned with abundant luster. The eye appeal is first rate. Decently impressed with nice surfaces. You’ll have no quibble with this 1819 – unless you think the coin deserved better from PCGS. Est. $700 to $1,000. | 6 | $1,200 | $1,201 | $1,320 |
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| 49 | 1819 | O.115 | R.3 | PCGS AU 58 | Silver-grey with a balanced strike. The luster is not as vibrant as we like, diminished, perhaps, by stray handling marks. Still, this is an 1819 with no signs of actual circulation. Est. $1,500 to $1,800. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 50 | 1820 Lg. Dt., Knob 2 | O.104a | R.7 | PCGS Gen. VF Detail | One of the two rarest die states in the Capped Bust series. (The other is the 1833 O.105a.) This is the first I’ve handled. Perhaps 4 or 5 examples are known, the best being Fred Hagemeyer’s PCGS XF 45. Heritage relegated the Rex and Cindy Phillips example, PCGS VF 20, to its August 2017 ANA Internet session (lot 7571). Collectors did not ignore it. The unevenly toned, truly homely specimen brought $8,813. Confirmation of the sale price and a photograph are here. Overton’s reference identifies 2 characteristics of the O.104a. The reverse die generally comes with two die breaks, one through RI of AMERICA to wing, another through the denomination. As the die wore these breaks became “heavier” and "a die chip appeared at the edge below [the] center pair of leaves.” I’ve not seen, and no one I’ve spoken with has seen, an example with the die chip. Attribution is wholly dependent upon an assessment of the two die breaks. The specimen offered here is from the collection of Dr. Charles Link. It rivals the Phillips coin for eye appeal – seriously ugly. The dies, of course, are well worn; damage is apparent at stars 1-2 of the obverse. The toning is dark and unattractive. But, folks, if you need an R.7 die state you cannot be fussy. The coin is sold without reserve. Est. $1,000 to $2,000. |
9 | $555 | $640 | $610 |
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| 51 | 1820 Lg. Dt., No Knob | O.108 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Another coin with jaw-dropping eye appeal. The album toning includes iridescent shades of red, green, aqua and russet. Luster flows beneath the raucous toning. Don your bidding boots! Est. $2,000 and up. | 6 | $1,901 | $1,901 | $2,091 |
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| 52 | 1821 | O.103 | R.2 | PCGS AU 50 OGH | The deeply toned obverse displays enticing hues of cobalt and gold. The reverse favors lighter shades of russet and gold, with a darker area, left wing to motto. The green PCGS label dates to 1993-98. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $500 to $700. | 4 | $579 | $1,301 | $637 |
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| 53 | 1821 | O.106 | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 | Blinding luster oozes from the untoned surfaces. Adjust your eyes, then marvel at the detail in Liberty’s curls, not to mention the eagle’s claws and feathers! This low mintage 1821 will be a centerpiece of your collection! From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $3,000 to $4,000. | 5 | $2,800 | $3,808 | $3,080 |
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| 54 | 1821 | O.106a | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 | The same die pair as lot 53, with a filled N in UNITED. This lightly toned, lightly circulated example comes with cartwheel luster and pleasing eye appeal. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $700 to $1,000. | 4 | $700 | $1,100 | $770 |
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| 55 | 1821 | O.107 | R.3 | PCGS MS 61 | The splash of rainbow toning atop Liberty’s cap and through the left-hand stars yields exceptional eye-appeal. A razor-sharp strike and intense luster are a near match to lot 53. A bit of cabinet friction on the cheek is about the only difference. The O.107 is moderately scarce and tends to come well struck. This is a nice one, with some prooflike areas on the reverse. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,300 to $3,300. | 5 | $2,750 | $3,838 | $3,025 |
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| 56 | 1822 | O.109 | R.2 | PCGS MS 62 | A frosty UNC with attractive rings of copper toning through the stars and legend. Perfectly centered and well struck, obverse and reverse. Stray hairlines and a very, very faint fingerprint in the right obverse field kept this from an MS 63 designation. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,200 to $3,200. | 6 | $2,401 | $2,620 | $2,641 |
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| 57 | 1822 | O.110 | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | Colorful iridescence highlights the fields, esp. on the obverse. Though not intense, full luster rolls across the surfaces. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,700 to $2,500. | 1 | $1,500 | $1,853 | $1,650 |
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| 58 | 1822 | O.110a | R.2 | PCGS AU 53 CAC | Stunning eye appeal! You’ll smile and shake your head when you preview this amazing 1822. After finishing an abbreviated semester of circulation it was put away in a sulfur-infused environment, emerging with electric shades of the rainbow. Truly a WOW coin. Ex Dr. Tom Sears who ponied up $3,000 when he added this one to his collection. Est. $1,000 and up. | 10 | $1,600 | $1,802 | $1,760 |
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| 59 | 1823 | O.107 | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 | Dashes of iridescent toning at the peripheries contrast with the brilliant centers. This 1823 is awash in luster. Liberty’s curls and the eagle’s talons and feathers are fully struck. There’s but a trace of friction on the cheek, alongside a minuscule graze near the eye. Great flash! From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,500 to $2,200. | 1 | $1,500 | $1,700 | $1,650 |
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| 60 | 1823 | O.112 | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 | Remnants of album toning enhance portions of the stars and legend. Strong luster throughout argues for a higher grade. The double profile (die chatter) is especially common on this date. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $600 to $800. | 4 | $675 | $675 | $743 |
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| 61 | 1824/Var Dates | O.103 | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 | Evenly toned with occasional turquoise iridescence through the left-hand stars and legend. Luster fits the grade. Well struck. From an old-time collection, inferred by a bit of wax (non-destructive sealant) above the denomination. Est. $1,200 to $1,500. | 3 | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,210 |
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| 62 | 1824 | O.111 | R.2 | PCGS MS 64 CAC | A beautifully impressed 1824. Immaculate surfaces save for a lonesome tick under the eagle’s beak. Soft gold toning befits the regal bearing of this lovely coin. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $3,500 to $4,000. | 2 | $4,000 | $4,444 | $4,400 |
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| 63 | 1824 | O.111 | R.2 | PCGS XF 45 CAC | A second example, for those not needing the die pair in MS 64. Lovely album toning paints the obverse. The reverse lacks color but features soft luster and grey toning with a few sparkles of iridescence. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $300 to $400. | 5 | $400 | $1,001 | $440 |
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| 64 | 1825 | O.106a | R.3 | PCGS AU 53 | Untoned with strong luster. The surfaces suggest only short-term circulation. A wholesome coin for the date and grade. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $400 to $500. | 7 | $500 | $610 | $550 |
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| 65 | 1825 | O.112 | R.3 | PCGS MS 64 CAC | Oh my gosh! What a gorgeous coin from Keith Davignon’s collection. Rich, iridescent album toning circles the stars and legend. The centers are a lovely pastel russet. If you seek a gem quality bust half, one to put envy in the hearts of your colleagues, here is your coin. Years back I failed to find an answer to a pair of questions posed by now retired Portland, OR dealer Steve Estes. Steve inquired, “Why pay twice as much for an MS 65 when a nice MS 64 is available? What can you see on an MS 65 that you can’t on an MS64?” Est. $4,000 to $5,000. | 9 | $6,305 | $7,100 | $6,936 |
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| 66 | 1825 | O.117 | R.4 | PCGS AU 55 | Pale gold and blue obverse toning. The reverse with an even blanket of gold. Nearly full luster. How nice to find a sticky R.4 in high grade, with superior eye appeal. Est. $600 to $800. | 4 | $625 | $625 | $688 |
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| 67 | 1826 | O.105 | R.3 | PCGS MS 63 | Dazzling luster, sharply struck and beautifully toned. Typical of coins from the Davignon Collection. Hints of prooflike surfaces showcase the russet and gold toning. Keith picked up this one at the 2012 FUN Show. Est. $2,300 to $3,000. | 5 | $2,405 | $3,808 | $2,646 |
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| 68 | 1826 | O.109 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | Lightly toned centers are framed by iridescent copper. A well struck example. No significant marks and minimal signs of handling. A nice coin in the grade everyone seems to want. Est. $800 to $1,000. | 9 | $2,200 | $2,600 | $2,420 |
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| 69 | 1826 | O.112 | R.4+ | PCGS AU 58 CAC | Steel grey with virtually no signs of friction. Cartwheel luster that lacks the intensity we often see in our “58’s.” The Prouty AU 58 brought $2,572 in 2013 (MB 37, lot 45). This one is not as snazzy but carries a coveted CAC sticker. Most from this die pair have a filled N in UNITED. Al Overton suspected the existence of the “prime” die state but never encountered one. From the collection of Dr. Charles Link. Est. $1,000 to $1,500. | 8 | $1,600 | $1,710 | $1,760 |
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| 70 | 1826 | O.118a | R.1 | PCGS MS 63 CAC OGH | One of a handful of coins to qualify as wholly original. The surfaces are immaculate. The lovely toning probably came from storage in tissue paper and/or a National Coin Album. I suspect that the family that preserved this one for us over many generations lived in a dry climate. We know the coin was encapsulated sometime between 1993 and 1998. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,300 to $3,000. | 10 | $4,201 | $4,250 | $4,621 |
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| 71 | 1826 | O.118a | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | The central devices are fully struck despite the late die state. The coin is untoned but not “brite.” It carries a boatload of luster. You’ll struggle to find any friction on this high grade 1826. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $800 to $1,000. | 1 | $700 | $700 | $770 |
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| 72 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.106 | R.2 | PCGS MS 62 | Intense luster, a full strike and nearly mark-free surfaces add up to a wonderful addition to a date, type or variety set. The coin was “professionally” dipped, meaning that toning was removed without impairing mint luster. There are no signs of cleaning or mishandling. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,600 to $2,200. | 2 | $1,600 | $1,600 | $1,760 |
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| 73 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.108a | R.4- | PCGS MS 62 CAC | Ex Robinson S. Brown, Jr. – Donald L. Parsley – Keith Davignon. Keith picked this one up in 2003 (MB 28, lot 14), encased in an old NGC MS 63 holder noting the Robinson S. Brown, Jr. provenance. Don Parsley was the consignor, having purchased it when I sold Robbie’s collection in 1995. This sharply struck coin (examine Liberty’s curls) features delicate hues of iridescent silver and blue. You’ll fall in love with the surfaces. Another winner from the Davignon Collection. Est. $2,000 to $2,750. | 4 | $2,224 | $3,033 | $2,446 |
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| 74 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.111 | R.4 | PCGS AU 53 | A beguiling halo of copper toning frames the lightly toned centers. Exceptional luster for the modest grade. Rub across the high points, not much in the fields. A strong “53” and R.4 to boot! From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $400 to $700. | 12 | $855 | $860 | $941 |
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| 75 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.112 | R.3 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | A whisper of friction, perhaps imaginary, on the cheek. Bold luster throughout, unbroken through the fields and across the devices. Silver-grey toning suggests a careful dipping some decades ago. The surfaces and strike are first rate. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,200 to $1,500. | 1 | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,210 |
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| 76 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.114 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 | Snazzy album toning encases the stars and legend. The centers are lightly toned. A poorly refined planchet strip explains the drift mark on the reverse, eagle’s beak to rim. Weak dentils suggest a late die state. Still, a pretty coin. Est. $400 to $500. | 1 | $375 | $375 | $413 |
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| 77 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.124a | R.5 | PCGS Genuine -- Cleaning -- XF Details | I’ll venture that 9 out of 10 dealers and collectors, when first viewing the coin, miss the cleaning. Hairlines are well hidden under antique grey toning. Luster flickers around the devices. The upshot is an attractive example of a seriously rare die variety that generally lacks eye appeal. The strike is as good as it gets. The obverse die spent its youth, adolescence, middle age and most of its seniority married to a different reverse die (O.135). Its second marriage was short lived, yielding the established rarity offered here. It is my guess that the O.124 lies fourth in the parade of 1827 rarities, behind the O.149, O.148 and O.137 and ahead of the O.127, O.144, O.145 and O.122. Est. $1,500 and up. | 3 | $800 | $800 | $880 |
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| 78 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.127 | R.5 | PCGS XF 40 | Even deep grey toning shields a tick before Liberty’s nose and a short scratch, right of the date. The strike is typical of this RARE variety – blunt. Plenty of detail for the assigned grade. In the 1990’s an XF O.127 routinely brought $2,000 to $3,000. Prices slipped over the past decade or so. Expect this one to bring half its historic highs. Est. $1,000 to $1,500. | 3 | $850 | $1,710 | $935 |
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| 79 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.129 | R.4- | PCGS AU 58 CAC | A creamy white coin with boisterous luster. Well struck for this scarce issue which often comes with shallow obverse rims. The surfaces are remarkable for their lack of contact marks. CAC had an easy time approving this one! Est. $1,200 to $1,700. | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,100 |
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| 80 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.132 | R.3 | PCGS MS 62 | Silvery surfaces, untoned save for a thread of gold through the dentils. No cabinet friction on this one. Bold luster flows across all devices. Well struck. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,700 to $2,200. | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,650 |
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| 81 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.136 | R.4 | PCGS AU 55 | Lightly toned intermediate die state of this scarce variety. The grade is spot-on, with more luster than one might expect in a choice AU. Pleasing surfaces. A tick on the chin hardly deserves mention. Est. $600 to $900. | 4 | $520 | $550 | $572 |
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| 82 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.138 | R.4 | PCGS AU 58 | Booming luster. The sharply impressed, untoned centers enjoy a ring of copper toning through the dentils. Rub on the cheek. That’s it. A magnificent example of this solid R.4 die pair. From the collection of Dr. Tom Sears, acquired privately from your cataloger May 22, 2011. Est. $2,000 to $3,000. | 1 | $2,000 | $2,278 | $2,200 |
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| 83 | 1827 Sq. Base 2 | O.139 | R.4- | PCGS MS 62 CAC | Another high-grade example of a seriously scarce die marriage. The lovely toning features wisps of iridescent turquoise at the peripheries and a diaphanous blanket of gentle russet through the centers. Minor handling marks kept this gorgeous coin from loftier levels. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,200 to $3,500. | 8 | $3,800 | $4,775 | $4,180 |
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| 84 | 1828 Curl 2, Knob | O.107 | R.2 | PCGS AU 50 | Light, silver-grey toning with flashes of pale gold. OK+ luster for the grade. Later die state, evidenced by soft devices. Overton collectors know the O.107 to be an R.2. Then why is it so tough to find, especially in AU or better? Because the Red Book variety (Curl 2 w/ Knob) is found on only 2 of 23 die pairs in 1828(!) and the other die pair, O.106, is a high R.4. The confluence of die variety and Red Book variety collectors accounts for the premium attached to the O.107. Est. $450 to $600. | 3 | $600 | $650 | $660 |
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| 85 | 1828 Sq.2, Sm.8, Lg. Lets | O.112 | R.3 | PCGS MS 64 CAC | Ex Dale Friend, Dr. Charles Link and Keith Davignon. The PCGS label notes the “Friend” provenance. Jaw-dropping eye appeal! A frequent reaction to viewing bust halves from Dale Friend’s collection. Dr. Link talked him out of the coin sometime before the 2012 ANA Convention in Philadelphia when an MS 65 appeared. Chuck grabbed that one and passed this one to Keith in March 2016 as part of a trade. Electric blue dominates the stars and legend. The centers are bathed in a creamy coat of orange, copper and russet. Preview is necessary if you hanker to own this phenomenal coin. Est. $4,000 and up. | 7 | $6,300 | $6,600 | $6,930 |
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| 86 | 1828 Sq.2, Sm.8, Lg. Lets | O.115 | R.2 | PCGS MS 62 CAC | Here is the fetching little sister of the preceding 1828. They share remarkably similar toning - and eye appeal. Luster befits the CAC approved grade. The surfaces exceed expectations. Again, be sure to preview this lot before offering a bid. Est. $3,400 to $4,000. | 3 | $3,400 | $3,999 | $3,740 |
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| 87 | 1828 Sq.2, Sm.8, Lg. Lets | O.116 | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | An opalescent halo of pale gold, aqua and sea green infuses the stars and legend. The well struck centers are lightly toned. Minimal signs of handling and a trace of friction are consistent with the coveted “58” designation. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,000 to $1,400. | 5 | $1,300 | $2,222 | $1,430 |
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| 88 | 1828 Sq.2, Sm.8, Lg. Lets | O.117 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | A fourth 1828 with beguiling album toning! All sport well-deserved CAC stickers. This one favors pale blue around its central devices. The delicate surfaces display a few insignificant marks. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,000 to $1,400. | 6 | $2,400 | $2,400 | $2,640 |
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| 89 | 1829/7 | O.101 | R.1 | PCGS AU 50 | Light grey with soft luster throughout. Strong overdate. The surfaces are virtually free of marks. Just right for your AU date or Red Book set. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $400 to $550. | 5 | $500 | $610 | $550 |
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| 90 | 1829 | O.103 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | Ex Floyd Farley and Dr. Tom Sears. Supremely smooth surfaces. Unbroken luster lies beneath a veneer of pale grey toning. Floyd Farley, BHNC #2, added the coin to his collection in 1966, about the time Al Overton published his 1st edition. Farley’s insert notes the initial attribution, “O.6.” He also memorialized Elton Dosier’s grade for the coin, “AU 55.” (In those days no one used more than 2 AU grades: 50 and 55.) Farley consigned the coin to Mail Bid Sale #28 in July 2000. I offered lot 118 raw at the Farley/Dosier grade, AU 55. Tom Sears prevailed. PCGS thought more of the coin, tendering its AU 58 designation. Farley’s insert and Sears’ notes accompany the lot. Est. $900 to $1,200. | 4 | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,210 |
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| 91 | 1829 | O.108a | R.3 | PCGS MS 62 | Silver-grey toning, a bit mottled on the obverse. Nice surfaces and decent luster. A “no problem” MS 62. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,400 to $2,100. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 92 | 1829 | O.115 | R.1 | PCGS MS 64 CAC | From the collection of Keith Davignon. Keith found this in MB 41, lot 74 – my Aug. 2015 Rosemont, IL ANA Sale. There described: Intense, frosty luster throughout, just what we expect of a near gem. A partial halo of iridescent gold and copper contributes to the eye appeal. The surfaces are remarkable. I find but one, miniscule tick on the coin (near left edge of motto). Add this coin to your date or type set and expect oohs and ahs from your collecting colleagues. Est. $3,500 to $4,000. | 1 | $3,200 | $3,200 | $3,520 |
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| 93 | 1829 | O.115 | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 OGH | At a glance you know this is an uncirculated half-dollar. The luster is deep, the surfaces with that magical look of originality. For toppers, the strike is first rate while the light toning glows with subtle iridescence. Here is a “62” with terrific eye appeal. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,800 to $2,500. | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,650 |
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| 94 | 1829 | O.115 | R.1 | PCGS AU 50 CAC | A third offering from this pair of dies, one for every budget. This example will suit collectors who favor the original look of a “grey dirt” coin. Soft luster rolls under a natural grey patina. The surfaces are smooth as glass. CAC found the combination irresistible. You will too. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $400 to $550. | 3 | $420 | $420 | $462 |
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| 95 | 1829 | O.118 | R.4+ | PCGS XF 45 CAC | Ex John Tidwell, Dr. Glenn Peterson and Dr. Tom Sears. A lustrous glow of Territorial Gold encases this pretty coin. Though softly struck, the originality and eye appeal are top drawer. The PCGS label notes the Peterson-Tidwell provenance. Therein lies a story. In their day John and Sophia Tidwell had the no.1 die variety set of Capped Bust Half-Dollars. It included the Elton Dosier 1817/4 and all three crushed lettered edge proofs. At John’s retirement and with his eyesight failing the Tidwells allowed me to sell their set during the 2004 ANA Convention in Pittsburgh. This coin, then encapsulated by ANACS and graded AU 50, was in my bourse case, priced generically. Dr. Peterson snapped it up. It was sometime later that I learned how difficult it was to find this die pair in high grade. An XF is certainly R.5; in AU and UNC, try R.7! Proof of the pudding came at the 2016 Anaheim ANA. Chuck Link consigned a PCGS MS 62, the 2nd finest known. When the smoke cleared Dr. Peterson prevailed at $7,385 (MB 43, lot 66). As I said, the O.118 is tough to find in high grade! After the sale Tom Sears, hat in hand, asked his medical colleague if the Tidwell coin might be for sale. It was. I see a battle brewing as it makes its first auction appearance. Good luck! Est. $1,000 and up. | 12 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,650 |
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| 96 | 1830 Sm.0 | O.101 | R.1 | PCGS AU 50 | The soft glow of dying embers from a winter fire bathe the surfaces. Some weakness in the reverse strike. Full motto. Immaculate surfaces. Exceptional eye appeal for a mere “50.” From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $400 to $500. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 97 | 1830 Sm.0 | O.107 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Pure white with blazing luster and mark-free surfaces. High rims, sharp dentils and a distinct double profile add to the charm of this 1830. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $400 to $550. | 3 | $550 | $550 | $605 |
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| 98 | 1830 Lg. Lets. Rev. | O.114 | R.5 | PCGS VF 30 | This charismatic rarity has long frustrated Red Book and die variety collectors. It is usually the last 1830 one needs to complete a set of 3 Red Book varieties or 23 die marriages of the year. The traditionally soft impression deceived PCGS when it arrived at the grading room. Luster radiates through the stars, legend and around the central devices. No marks deserve mention. The even toning is a mix of pale gold and antique grey. The “Loma Linda” specimen offered at Heritage’s Jan. 2018 FUN Show sale (lot 3688) carried a PCGS grade of VF 35 but was marred by an unsightly planchet defect on the reverse. Still, it brought $3,600. This is one nicer. Est. $3,500 to $4,500. | 7 | $3,700 | $5,000 | $4,070 |
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| 99 | 1830 Sm.0 | O.115 | R.2 | PCGS AU 58+ | Eye appeal! Gorgeous rainbow toning blankets the pleasing surfaces. What’s not to like about this one?! Be sure to preview it in person. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,800 to $2,700. | 2 | $1,500 | $1,610 | $1,650 |
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| 100 | 1830 Sm.0 | O.117 | R.2 | PCGS AU 55 CAC OGH | Ex John & Sophia Tidwell and Keith Davignon. An old friend from MB 45, lot 36 where it brought $990. There described: A handsome coin with natural grey toning. Vibrant, unbroken luster in the fields may signal an upgrade effort by the next owner. The surfaces are especially nice. [Keith Davignon] Purchased it during the Aug. 2004 ANA Convention from my offering of the Tidwell Collection. Est. $700 to $900. | 6 | $725 | $727 | $798 |
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| 101 | 1830 Med.0 | O.119 | R.1 | PCGS MS 61 | The delicate, silvery centers are surrounded by a phantasmagoric ring of electric toning, lighter on the reverse. The strike is superb. Except for the shield all devices are fully stuck. The old PCGS label says, “Large 0.” Overton singled out the O.119 as the only 1830 with a medium sized 0. He correctly notes that at 2.5 mm it is a tad taller than earlier listed varieties and ¼ mm shorter than the Large 0 varieties of O.120-123. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,300 to $1,800. | 1 | $1,200 | $1,300 | $1,320 |
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| 102 | 1830 Med.0 | O.119 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58 | Last offered at my 2015 Rosemont ANA Convention Sale, MB 41, lot 80, bringing $950. The PCGS label correctly attributes the coin and identifies it as the “Medium 0” variety. (PCGS coin #39830.) Here is the description from MB 41: From the Davignon Collection. Very light toning. The luster a bit hazy in the obverse field from a gentle wiping. Balanced strike with sharp dentils and high rims. Acquired privately from Superior Galleries at the November 2007 Baltimore show. Est. $750 to $1,000. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 103 | 1831 | O.102 | R.1 | PCGS MS 63 | A faint ring of copper toning runs through the stars. The centers are ablaze with luster. You’ll love the strike. Check out Liberty’s curls and the eagle’s talons. Sharp! A showpiece coin for the advanced collector. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,000 to $2,500. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 104 | 1831 | O.103 | R.1 | PCGS MS 62 | Pale russet encases most stars. Otherwise untoned with fiery luster. The surfaces approach MS 63 quality. I wonder if PCGS was misled by the familiar group of 3 dots in the obverse field. They are, of course, from the ejection mechanism associated with the screw press. This is a heck of an MS 62. Well struck to boot. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,300 to $1,800. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 105 | 1831 | O.110 | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | A splash of turquoise atop Liberty’s cap and nearby stars. The remainder untoned with terrific “flash.” A hint of weakness in the motto. Liberty’s curls are decently impressed. Nice surfaces! From the Cape Cod Collection. $900 to $1,200. | 2 | $850 | $850 | $935 |
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| 106 | 1831 | O.119 | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | An alluring crust of deep gold and antique grey toning flaunts the originality of this offering. Undisturbed luster swells deep below the patina. The coin is essentially without faults. AU 58? From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $450 to $600. | 8 | $755 | $800 | $831 |
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| 107 | 1832 Sm. Lets. | O.110 | R.1 | PCGS MS 63 | Another show stopper! Electrifying toning circles the peripheries. The glowing centers are a perfect complement. Smooth surfaces and nicely detailed centers round out the blessings that visited this remarkable coin. Preview is a must, even if this one is not on your want list. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $2,200 to $3,000. | 2 | $2,200 | $2,900 | $2,420 |
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| 108 | 1833 | O.112 | R.2 | PCGS AU 53 | Ex Keith Davignon. Lightly toned with exceptional luster and surfaces for the grade. Acquired privately a few years back. The provenance is confirmed by Davignon’s handwritten attribution still pasted to the PCGS capsule. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $375 to $475. | 3 | $365 | $401 | $402 |
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| 109 | 1833 | O.113 | R.2 | PCGS AU 58 CAC | A well struck 1833 with steel-grey toning and startling depth of luster. The lovely surfaces are free of handling or contact marks. The coin saw no circulation. It is a challenge to find even a hint of friction. CAC agreed. From the Cape Cod Collection. Est. $1,200 to $1,600. | 1 | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,210 |
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| 110 | 1835 | O.106 | R.1 | PCGS MS 63 | Richly toned in deep, haunting shades of copper and turquoise. The obverse rims are weak while the reverse is sharp throughout. Luster pours from every nook and cranny. High grade 1835’s are far more scarce than other late dates, 1830-36. Est. $1,800 to $2,500. | 1 | $1,600 | $1,800 | $1,760 |
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| 111 | 1835 | O.106 | R.1 | PCGS AU 58+ CAC | The dream grade for competitors in PCGS’ “Everyman” Half-Dollar Registry Set listings. A whisper of friction on the cheek hardly disturbs the booming luster that encases the coin. The obverse strike is excellent, the reverse exceptional! A thin toning streak crosses the portrait. Otherwise lightly toned in shades of silver, russet and iridescent turquoise. Will this bring more than the preceding MS 63? Est. $2,000 and up. | 0 | $0 | $0 | Not Sold |
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| 112 | 1836 | O.101 | R.1 | PCGS AU 55 CAC | Antique grey toning with a raft of underlying luster. Mark-free surfaces with a balanced, perfectly centered strike. This high-end AU is from the cabinet of BHNC veteran Tim Osborne. Est. $550 to $700. | 4 | $645 | $805 | $710 |
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| 113 | 1836 | O.104a | R.3 | PCGS AU 55 Gold CAC OGH | Where’s the rub? Raucous luster is unbroken through the lightly toned fields and across the devices. The surfaces are a marvel. Perhaps PCGS did not care for the splash of darker toning on the portrait. Last offered at Heritage’s Feb. 2013 Long Beach Sale, lot 3468 where it landed just short of $1,300. The reverse die, in its first use, was later married to a new obverse – dated 1834! Est. $1,000 to $1,500. | 1 | $900 | $900 | $990 |
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| 114 | 1839-O RE | GR-4 | R.4 | PCGS AU 55 | Ex Dr. Charles Link. This important coin provides a fitting end to an extraordinary auction. It is the 2nd finest known of a rare die pair. The mildly prooflike surfaces are untoned, with a smattering of hairlines from short term circulation. A medallic turn of the dies, found here, is common to this die pair. A fully prooflike PCGS MS 63 GR-4 (with medallic turn) recently surfaced, after hibernating in a private collection for 35+ years. Dr. Link was first in line when it became available. Walter Breen saw that coin some years before it was offered (as a branch mint proof) by New England Rare Coin Auctions in its March 1982 Metropolitan NY Sale, lot 1419. Your cataloger was the lucky buyer! (Sadly, I parted with it later that year.) Breen mistakenly thought the coin to be a proof and espoused a theory that all 1839-O proofs would come with a medallic turn. Later research, incorporating information regarding the more famous 1838-O proofs, put the kibosh to Breen’s supposition. Est. $2,000 and up. | 8 | $4,288 | $4,600 | $4,717 |
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Sheridan Downey, Numismatist
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(510) 479-1585
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