TortoraFamilyCollection Coin Album
A nice, no-problem example of this early half cent type coin.
A nice, no-problem example of this early half cent type coin.
"Superb Braided Hair Type, Hammered Strike, Steely Fields, Center Brown, Peripheral Orange . The Braided Hair half cent design was employed from 1849 through the end of the denomination's issuance. Mintages dropped notably in 1854 with only 55,358 struck that year. Cohen-1 is the single die pairing. Gem examples are very scarce with MS66 Brown and Red-Brown being very rare. This superb example is only one of five at the MS65+ level for both coloring certifications. A superb type piece with original brown and orange coloration along with a very sharp strike. One of the CoinFacts plates coins and ex. DL Hansen Collection. Housed in normal PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2022) holder with CAC approval.", as described by the seller.
Purchased raw in 2021 and submitted to NGC for holdering in 2025. Subsequently submitted to PCGS for crossover later in the same year.
Purchased raw in 2021 and submitted to NGC for holdering in 2025. Subsequently submitted to PCGS for crossover later in the same year.
Purchased raw in 2021 and submitted to NGC for holdering in 2025. Subsequently submitted to PCGS for crossover later in the same year.
Purchased raw in 2021 and submitted to NGC for holdering in 2025. Subsequently submitted to PCGS for crossover later in the same year.
Purchased raw in 2021 and submitted to NGC for holdering in 2025. Subsequently submitted to PCGS for crossover later in the same year.
1820 Matron Head Cent. N-13. Rarity-1. Large Date. MS-65+ BN (PCGS). From the Stacks Bowers lot description at its March 2021 Auction (Session 1 - Numismatic Americana, Early American Coins & U.S. Coins), where it sold (Presumably to my seller) for $2,100: 'Highly lustrous and unabraded surfaces retain about a third of their original mint red. Lightly toned to a bluish steel-brown elsewhere creating a lovely patina and choice overall appearance. Satiny with hardly any marks to disturb this delicate texture. We'll note faint traces of an old fingerprint over the hair bun and at the lower left wreath, but this is not of much concern. Displays an exacting strike on the devices and only slight weakness on a few of the star lines. The characteristic die crack is seen encircling the stars and date. A beautiful Gem for a high-end date or type set. Provenance: From our (Bowers & Ruddy's) Wilfred E. Helwig sale, February 1979, lot 1557.' https://www.ngccoin.com/variety-plus/united-states/cents/coronet-head-cents-1816-1839/813340/ Link to 1979 Bowers and Ruddy's auction catalogue (1820 cent featured on page 68): https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/auctionlots?aucCoId=510373&auctionId=520529 Links to information about the Randall Hoard: https://www.pcgs.com/news/a-history-of-major-us-hoards-randall-hoard https://www.numismaticnews.net/world-coins/randall-hoard-stories-mostly-untrue https://nnp.wustl.edu/Library/PersonDetail/1592
1820 Matron Head Cent. N-13. Rarity-1. Large Date. MS-65+ BN (PCGS). From the Stacks Bowers lot description at its March 2021 Auction (Session 1 - Numismatic Americana, Early American Coins & U.S. Coins), where it sold (Presumably to my seller) for $2,100: 'Highly lustrous and unabraded surfaces retain about a third of their original mint red. Lightly toned to a bluish steel-brown elsewhere creating a lovely patina and choice overall appearance. Satiny with hardly any marks to disturb this delicate texture. We'll note faint traces of an old fingerprint over the hair bun and at the lower left wreath, but this is not of much concern. Displays an exacting strike on the devices and only slight weakness on a few of the star lines. The characteristic die crack is seen encircling the stars and date. A beautiful Gem for a high-end date or type set. Provenance: From our (Bowers & Ruddy's) Wilfred E. Helwig sale, February 1979, lot 1557.' https://www.ngccoin.com/variety-plus/united-states/cents/coronet-head-cents-1816-1839/813340/ Link to 1979 Bowers and Ruddy's auction catalogue (1820 cent featured on page 68): https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/auctionlots?aucCoId=510373&auctionId=520529 Links to information about the Randall Hoard: https://www.pcgs.com/news/a-history-of-major-us-hoards-randall-hoard https://www.numismaticnews.net/world-coins/randall-hoard-stories-mostly-untrue https://nnp.wustl.edu/Library/PersonDetail/1592
1820 Matron Head Cent. N-13. Rarity-1. Large Date. MS-65+ BN (PCGS). From the Stacks Bowers lot description at its March 2021 Auction (Session 1 - Numismatic Americana, Early American Coins & U.S. Coins), where it sold (Presumably to my seller) for $2,100: 'Highly lustrous and unabraded surfaces retain about a third of their original mint red. Lightly toned to a bluish steel-brown elsewhere creating a lovely patina and choice overall appearance. Satiny with hardly any marks to disturb this delicate texture. We'll note faint traces of an old fingerprint over the hair bun and at the lower left wreath, but this is not of much concern. Displays an exacting strike on the devices and only slight weakness on a few of the star lines. The characteristic die crack is seen encircling the stars and date. A beautiful Gem for a high-end date or type set. Provenance: From our (Bowers & Ruddy's) Wilfred E. Helwig sale, February 1979, lot 1557.' https://www.ngccoin.com/variety-plus/united-states/cents/coronet-head-cents-1816-1839/813340/ Link to 1979 Bowers and Ruddy's auction catalogue (1820 cent featured on page 68): https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/auctionlots?aucCoId=510373&auctionId=520529 Links to information about the Randall Hoard: https://www.pcgs.com/news/a-history-of-major-us-hoards-randall-hoard https://www.numismaticnews.net/world-coins/randall-hoard-stories-mostly-untrue https://nnp.wustl.edu/Library/PersonDetail/1592
1820 Matron Head Cent. N-13. Rarity-1. Large Date. MS-65+ BN (PCGS). From the Stacks Bowers lot description at its March 2021 Auction (Session 1 - Numismatic Americana, Early American Coins & U.S. Coins), where it sold (Presumably to my seller) for $2,100: 'Highly lustrous and unabraded surfaces retain about a third of their original mint red. Lightly toned to a bluish steel-brown elsewhere creating a lovely patina and choice overall appearance. Satiny with hardly any marks to disturb this delicate texture. We'll note faint traces of an old fingerprint over the hair bun and at the lower left wreath, but this is not of much concern. Displays an exacting strike on the devices and only slight weakness on a few of the star lines. The characteristic die crack is seen encircling the stars and date. A beautiful Gem for a high-end date or type set. Provenance: From our (Bowers & Ruddy's) Wilfred E. Helwig sale, February 1979, lot 1557.' https://www.ngccoin.com/variety-plus/united-states/cents/coronet-head-cents-1816-1839/813340/ Link to 1979 Bowers and Ruddy's auction catalogue (1820 cent featured on page 68): https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/auctionlots?aucCoId=510373&auctionId=520529 Links to information about the Randall Hoard: https://www.pcgs.com/news/a-history-of-major-us-hoards-randall-hoard https://www.numismaticnews.net/world-coins/randall-hoard-stories-mostly-untrue https://nnp.wustl.edu/Library/PersonDetail/1592
1820 Matron Head Cent. N-13. Rarity-1. Large Date. MS-65+ BN (PCGS). From the Stacks Bowers lot description at its March 2021 Auction (Session 1 - Numismatic Americana, Early American Coins & U.S. Coins), where it sold (Presumably to my seller) for $2,100: 'Highly lustrous and unabraded surfaces retain about a third of their original mint red. Lightly toned to a bluish steel-brown elsewhere creating a lovely patina and choice overall appearance. Satiny with hardly any marks to disturb this delicate texture. We'll note faint traces of an old fingerprint over the hair bun and at the lower left wreath, but this is not of much concern. Displays an exacting strike on the devices and only slight weakness on a few of the star lines. The characteristic die crack is seen encircling the stars and date. A beautiful Gem for a high-end date or type set. Provenance: From our (Bowers & Ruddy's) Wilfred E. Helwig sale, February 1979, lot 1557.' https://www.ngccoin.com/variety-plus/united-states/cents/coronet-head-cents-1816-1839/813340/ Link to 1979 Bowers and Ruddy's auction catalogue (1820 cent featured on page 68): https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/auctionlots?aucCoId=510373&auctionId=520529 Links to information about the Randall Hoard: https://www.pcgs.com/news/a-history-of-major-us-hoards-randall-hoard https://www.numismaticnews.net/world-coins/randall-hoard-stories-mostly-untrue https://nnp.wustl.edu/Library/PersonDetail/1592
Flawless first strike proof, with holder signed by Thomas Cleveland.
Flawless first strike proof, with holder signed by Thomas Cleveland.
Appealing peripheral toning highlights the obverse, while generous luster is retained on the reverse.
Appealing peripheral toning highlights the obverse, while generous luster is retained on the reverse.
Clean and beautiful 1883 No Cents variety with a cameo-like proof finish.
Clean and beautiful 1883 No Cents variety with a cameo-like proof finish.
Charming lustrous Buffalo nickel in the last year of its issue, with the slightest bit of gold toning. A nice companion to my similarly-graded 1938 Jefferson nickel in its first year of issue.
Charming lustrous Buffalo nickel in the last year of its issue, with the slightest bit of gold toning. A nice companion to my similarly-graded 1938 Jefferson nickel in its first year of issue.
Charming lustrous Buffalo nickel in the last year of its issue, with the slightest bit of gold toning. A nice companion to my similarly-graded 1938 Jefferson nickel in its first year of issue.
Lovely uncirculated example from the D.L. Hansen collection with exceptional obverse toning, including sunset-like pink and russet hues which strengthen over the left side.
Lovely uncirculated example from the D.L. Hansen collection with exceptional obverse toning, including sunset-like pink and russet hues which strengthen over the left side.
Incredible toning. Purchased raw in proof set cello and submitted to PCGS for holdering in 2026. Cost was for entire proof set.
Incredible toning. Purchased raw in proof set cello and submitted to PCGS for holdering in 2026. Cost was for entire proof set.
"Substantial Eye Appeal! Hammered Strike, Frosty Cartwheels, Peripheral Gold Toning. Eye appeal galore and bold strike on this wonderful 1835 Capped Bust quarter." as described by the seller.
"Substantial Eye Appeal! Hammered Strike, Frosty Cartwheels, Peripheral Gold Toning. Eye appeal galore and bold strike on this wonderful 1835 Capped Bust quarter." as described by the seller.
Charming orange russett toning adorns the obverse of this high grade common year coin.
"Incredible quality with satin white luster throughout and a bold strike. Virtually free of contact marks on the devices or fields. Bold visual appeal with a full head in gem condition." as described by the seller.
"Incredible quality with satin white luster throughout and a bold strike. Virtually free of contact marks on the devices or fields. Bold visual appeal with a full head in gem condition." as described by the seller.
Elegant uncirculated early American half dollar, brimming with original luster.
Charming type coin hard to find in this grade, featuring subdued toning around the edges and crisp devices with remnants of original luster.
Charming type coin hard to find in this grade, featuring subdued toning around the edges and crisp devices with remnants of original luster.
From PCGS Coinfacts: "Ron Guth: The 1898 Half Dollar is plentiful in most grades and it is an excellent choice for type purposes. MS63 and MS64 examples can be found with ease, and even MS65's are available frequently. MS66 examples are fairly scarce, but there is a nice cluster of MS66+'s that offer excellent quality and colorful eye appeal. The best example is a single PCGS MS67. David Akers: Mint state examples of this issue are not especially difficult to locate, but true Gems...are considerably more rare than generally believed. By no means is the 1898 a common date like the 1892 or certain other issues after 1907."
From PCGS Coinfacts: "Ron Guth: The 1898 Half Dollar is plentiful in most grades and it is an excellent choice for type purposes. MS63 and MS64 examples can be found with ease, and even MS65's are available frequently. MS66 examples are fairly scarce, but there is a nice cluster of MS66+'s that offer excellent quality and colorful eye appeal. The best example is a single PCGS MS67. David Akers: Mint state examples of this issue are not especially difficult to locate, but true Gems...are considerably more rare than generally believed. By no means is the 1898 a common date like the 1892 or certain other issues after 1907."
From PCGS Coinfacts: "Ron Guth: The 1898 Half Dollar is plentiful in most grades and it is an excellent choice for type purposes. MS63 and MS64 examples can be found with ease, and even MS65's are available frequently. MS66 examples are fairly scarce, but there is a nice cluster of MS66+'s that offer excellent quality and colorful eye appeal. The best example is a single PCGS MS67. David Akers: Mint state examples of this issue are not especially difficult to locate, but true Gems...are considerably more rare than generally believed. By no means is the 1898 a common date like the 1892 or certain other issues after 1907."
Stunning high grade business strike with exceptional surfaces and soft autumn sunset-colored hues along the bottom of the obverse, extending to the top of the reverse. The seller had the holder labeled with a "WOW!" sticker.
Stunning high grade business strike with exceptional surfaces and soft autumn sunset-colored hues along the bottom of the obverse, extending to the top of the reverse. The seller had the holder labeled with a "WOW!" sticker.
Stunning high grade business strike with exceptional surfaces and soft autumn sunset-colored hues along the bottom of the obverse, extending to the top of the reverse. The seller had the holder labeled with a "WOW!" sticker.
Incredible rose-gold palate adorns the obverse and reverse of this high grade half dollar with full bell lines, from the D.L. Hansen Collection. Excerpt from a Stack Bowers auction of a similar coin (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1AAFZV/1957-franklin-half-dollar-ms-67-fbl-pcgs-cac): "Writing in the 2023 edition of his Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars, specialist Rick Tomaska has this say about the 1957 in MS-67 and MS-67 FBL: All known examples are toned, most if not all from Mint sets. The toning ranges from average in eye appeal to breathtaking. The latter are extremely rare - only a few such pieces are known to exist. The prettier examples are typically found in deep shades of purple, blue, and golden amber." With colors that are similar to those described by Tomaska, the offered coin is clearly one of the "prettier examples" obtainable within the uppermost reaches of the Condition Census for this issue. Provenance: From the John Stoebner Collection of Franklin Half Dollars. The All-Time Third Finest Set of FBL Franklins on the PCGS Set Registry. Earlier from Legend Rare Coin Auctions' September Premium Session 2018, lot 78; Legend Rare Coin Auctions' Regency Auction 34, September 2019, lot 318.
Unique toning on both reverse and obverse. Purchased from JMS coins at the 2026 World;s Fair of Money Convention in Pittsburgh. Description from a similar coin on collectors corner: The 1964-D Kennedy half dollar, the only branch mint circulation issue struck in the original 90% silver alloy and the sole Denver Mint example with the mintmark placed beside the reverse branch stem, is a significant one-year type that becomes a true condition rarity at the MS67+ level. This pristine Superb Gem sits firmly within the Condition Census and offers exceptional technical quality paired with dramatic visual appeal. The obverse and reverse shows radiant satiny mint luster glows beneath vivid peripheral bands of orange-red, molten gold, ocean-blue, and soft lavender iridescence that frame the portrait in a full crescent of premium album-style color, leaving the central devices brilliant and highly contrasted. Surface preservation is outstanding throughout, with immaculate fields, vibrant cartwheel brilliance, and superior eye appeal that easily supports the Plus designation. With a PCGS Price Guide value of $2,750 and a population of just 18, with only one finer coin which sold for $22,325 in 2016. A less attractive example sold for $2,520 09/24 HA. This toned MS67+ example represents an elite opportunity for the advanced Kennedy half dollar specialist seeking the finest branch mint silver type with exceptional originality and color. QA approved.
I purchased this shimmering enhanced finish Kennedy half dollar to round out my modern half dollar type set.
I purchased this shimmering enhanced finish Kennedy half dollar to round out my modern half dollar type set.
This attractive and well-struck type example of a Seated Liberty dollar retains a generous amount of original luster in both the devices and fields. This coin launched my dollar type coin collection.
This attractive and well-struck type example of a Seated Liberty dollar retains a generous amount of original luster in both the devices and fields. This coin launched my dollar type coin collection.
Soft, clean luster complemented by a focus of pleasing toning along the bottom edge of the reverse makes this higher grade trade issue an eye-catcher.
Soft, clean luster complemented by a focus of pleasing toning along the bottom edge of the reverse makes this higher grade trade issue an eye-catcher.
Although the 1880 s Morgan dollar is a generally available date for type collectors, pieces in this condition are legitimately rare, while the wonderful toning further enhances the coin's uniqueness and appeal. Of note, images of this coin are featured by PCGS in the Coinfacts entry for the 1880 s Morgan Dollar.
Although the 1880 s Morgan dollar is a generally available date for type collectors, pieces in this condition are legitimately rare, while the wonderful toning further enhances the coin's uniqueness and appeal. Of note, images of this coin are featured by PCGS in the Coinfacts entry for the 1880 s Morgan Dollar.
Although the 1880 s Morgan dollar is a generally available date for type collectors, pieces in this condition are legitimately rare, while the wonderful toning further enhances the coin's uniqueness and appeal. Of note, images of this coin are featured by PCGS in the Coinfacts entry for the 1880 s Morgan Dollar.
Although the 1880 s Morgan dollar is a generally available date for type collectors, pieces in this condition are legitimately rare, while the wonderful toning further enhances the coin's uniqueness and appeal. Of note, images of this coin are featured by PCGS in the Coinfacts entry for the 1880 s Morgan Dollar.
Link to Heritage Auctions provenance: https://coins.ha.com/itm/peace-dollars/1925-1-ms67-pcgs-mintage-10-198-000/a/1377-7162.s?type=DA-DMC-PCGS-USCoins-1377-09122024#
Link to Heritage Auctions provenance: https://coins.ha.com/itm/peace-dollars/1925-1-ms67-pcgs-mintage-10-198-000/a/1377-7162.s?type=DA-DMC-PCGS-USCoins-1377-09122024#
Link to Heritage Auctions provenance: https://coins.ha.com/itm/peace-dollars/1925-1-ms67-pcgs-mintage-10-198-000/a/1377-7162.s?type=DA-DMC-PCGS-USCoins-1377-09122024#
Flawless clad proof with giant deep mirror cameo fields, on its last year of issue.
Flawless clad proof with giant deep mirror cameo fields, on its last year of issue.
The first issue of the state quarters from 1999 in a reasonably high proof grade.
The first issue of the state quarters from 1999 in a reasonably high proof grade.
On my coolest coins list: A flawless clad proof commemorative Basketball Hall of Fame half dollar, colorized version.
On my coolest coins list: A flawless clad proof commemorative Basketball Hall of Fame half dollar, colorized version.
Flawless silver American eagle from the 225th anniversary of the opening of the U.S. mint.
Flawless silver American eagle from the 225th anniversary of the opening of the U.S. mint.