Going Thru The Esses Coin Album
Ex D.L. Hansen. A slippery west coast issue., this scarce Mercury dime issue is elusive in fully struck near-Gem or finer condition, and the present piece is an exceptional example displaying brilliant, satin luster with lovely peripheral iridescence. An original and distinctive Gem dime, suitable for the finest set thanks to its exceptional eye appeal.
One of two die pairs of the 1875-S twenty cent piece that earn a place in the Cherrypickers' reference, BF-16 shows the top of a misplaced 7 in the dentils below the primary numeral. On the reverse, the mintmark is boldly repunched. This Premium Gem example is one of the two finest BF-16 coins attributed at PCGS (11/20), and it is conditionally scarce in this grade as a date representative. Only a handful of finer 1875-S twenty cent pieces are reported, all varieties included. This piece is beautifully lustrous and tinted a warm golden hue. Minor strike softness on the obverse stars and Liberty's lap is not bothersome. No major abrasions are seen.
Ex Richmond Collection (NGC Cert# 1716019-043), Ex Pelican Bay Collection (NGC Cert# 1716019-043). Coin was graded MS65 at NGC at time of purchase and was down graded to MS64 when sent to PCGS. This example became the 5th graded MS64 at PCGS. Briggs 1-A, Flynn-RPD-001. The 1865-S is a well-known condition rarity in Gem Mint State or finer grades. The mintage was small -- only 41,000 pieces were struck. Virtually all of the mintage circulated in West Coast commerce at a time when silver coins were in extremely short supply. Consequently, even circulated examples are rare in all grades today. The typical surviving 1865-S quarter is well worn, with an average certified grade of just 40.1. This MS65 example is the former Richmond Collection coin and currently serves as NGC Coin Explorer's plate coin. Frosted Gem surfaces display an attractive pearlescent sheen from light-gold toning supported by strong silver luster throughout both sides. The smooth surfaces show only a few faint grazes and no individual marks of note. The 1 in the date is repunched at its base and the strike weakens slightly at 8 and 6, as well as at a few star centers. The surface quality and eye appeal are exceptional. NGC Census: 1 in 65, 1 finer.
This 1928-S quarter offers an impressive strike and superlative condition for this challenging San Francisco Mint issue. Liberty's head is fully defined, as the FH designation confirms, with the balance of the design elements ranging from bold to full. This is certainly an exceptional quality of strike for the issue, and it is enhanced by smooth and vibrant satin luster that further supports the assigned grade. Attractively toned as well, with surfaces that approach numismatic perfection.
Ex Towers Collection. Arrows, Minute S, WB-103, Die Pair 3, R.3. A die chip on Liberty's chest and two other prominent lumps in the middle-left (facing) gown folds confirm the obverse, while the Minute S mintmark is high and left of the feather tip. Die cracks at stars 4, 5, and 8 suggest a late die state. Pleasing gold toning envelops the frosty, sharply struck surfaces and reddish-gold accents visit the borders. Scarce at this grade or any finer.
CAC. Like most issues in the Barber series, the 1914-S half dollar is conditionally scarce in Gem condition and rare any finer. This CAC-endorsed coin displays satiny luster with a hint of champagne toning. The eagle's right (facing) talons and the fletchings are a trifle soft, as usual.
CAC. Like most issues in the Barber series, the 1914-S half dollar is conditionally scarce in Gem condition and rare any finer. This CAC-endorsed coin displays satiny luster with a hint of champagne toning. The eagle's right (facing) talons and the fletchings are a trifle soft, as usual.
Trivial marks are noted on the obverse of this lovely Gem, preventing an even higher grade assessment. Both sides are fully lustrous with brilliant mint frost, and delicate champagne toning enhances the eye appeal. Scarce in this grade and rare finer.
During its first year of operation, the San Francisco Mint produced gold dollars, quarter eagles, half eagles, eagles, and double eagles. While the quarter eagles and half eagles are major rarities, Mint State dollars are also elusive with PCGS reporting only 22 examples finer than this piece (4/25). This sharply defined piece has pleasing yellow luster, has a few grade-limiting marks.
Ex Sand Hill Collection. A very pretty and CHOICE example of this very scarce date. Only 13,000 were struck and only 175 are estimated to survive in all grades, 20 in all Mint State grades (per PCGS CoinFacts). Well struck up with semi-Prooflike, rich orange-gold surfaces. While the initial look is that of a higher grade, close inspection shows some very minor marks consistent with the assigned grade. Coming from a mintage of 13,000 pieces, the 1860-S gold dollar is scarce, and it is underrated -- particularly in Mint State. This MS63 coin is a rarity, with most Uncirculated coins known residing in MS61 or MS62. The strike is razor-sharp, and each side exhibits rich orange-gold patina with faintly reflective fields. Light contact marks define the grade.
