Greetings from Pave
Welcome our latest Coin Collector. On behalf of the entire Bowers and Merena Gal¬ leries staff I wish you and yours a very happy holiday and, a bit in advance, a happy, healthy, and enjoy¬ able new year— hopefully, accom¬ panied by the bless¬ ings ofworld peace.
New coin pur¬ chases abound in this issue, as do spe¬ cial book offers— ev¬ ery title at a dis¬ count (ideal for gift giving). I invite you to sign up to be among the first to receive two great books due in early 2002: The first is The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Mu¬ seum Sylloge, the second is A California Gold Rush History Featuring Treasure from the S.S. Central America, both of which promise days of fascinating reading.
Please join me in extending a hearty re¬ welcome to two old-timers on the Bowers and Merena staff: Tom Becker and Sandi Scott. The best way to do this is to order a coin, and chances are good that Sandi will be at the other end of the line, with Tom nearby— both with immediate access to what I believe is the finest quality numismatic inventory in exist¬ ence anywhere. A great combination of qual¬ ity, value, and service await you!
The value of a hobby cannot be overstated. The systematic formation of an interesting col¬ lection is at once exciting, stimulating, and fulfill¬ ing. Several people have sent us interesting clippings lately (thanks to our own staffers and to Melissa Lamotte and David Sundman of Littleton Coins, among others). Some brief excerpts worth sharing from just two:
From the Celator, Tom Bray and Kevin Barry: "There is no more comforting routine, in our opinion, than the pursuit of our wonderful hobby.... We would like to propose that all of us take what we’ll call an 'Ancient Coin Hour.’ Each day, for an hour, set the seriousness of the world aside and relax with your hobby....”
From the Unravel the Gavel, Larry Krug in “Placing Collecting in Proper Perspective” (after the tragedy): “In times of great emergency, the antiques and collectibles field takes a back seat, not unlike sporting and entertainment events and some other areas. But it does not mean that any of these are less important when it comes to our quality of life. They all hold great personal meaning.. ..We all need to take the time to think about the things we really like to do, and then we need to make sure we take the time to do them. We mean family vaca¬ tions, fishing trips, a walk in the woods or along the beach, county fairs, and collecting. Perhaps now, more than ever before, a collection can be appre¬ ciated for the sheer personal enjoyment it brings. A decision to start a collection, add to it, show it to friends and family, is one of the truest pleasures when we talk about quality of life.”
A fine coin collection, like, perhaps, a Labra¬ dor Retriever (our family’s own J.J., more for¬ mally, JohnJacob Astor), can only give, and never takes. In reviewing the comments sent recently by readers, I was quite taken by the enjoyment our clients experience as they form collections.
Sincerely yours,
Q. David Bowers, President
December 17, 2001 # CC Issue #120 Bowers and Merena Galleries ifc Wolfeboro, NH ^ 800-222-5993
A Collectors Universe Company ( nasdaq : dct)
*2001 Bowers and Merena Galleries
ISSN 1073-9580 S3
Those Amazing “War Nickels” -
by Tom LaMarre
During World War II, nickel was needed for armor plate, and copper was required for elec¬ trical wiring, shell cases, and radar equipment. Thus, the U.S. Mint began experimenting with substitute metals for the five-cent piece, as well as some means to distinguish the new- composition coin from the former “nickel” five-cent piece (actually composed of an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel). The result was the curious “war nickel,” the first five-cent piece with any silver content since the silver half dime was discontinued in 1873.
Along the way, the search for a new alloy took some unexpected twists and turns. Just weeks after Japanese bombers attacked Pearl Harbor, the February 1942 issue of Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine reported that research chemists in the United States had developed a “nickel-less nickel” that would save for defense annually almost a million pounds each of vital nickel and copper, yet still work in vending machines. Suggested was an alloy of 50% silver and 50% copper.
Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross said that the Congressional approval of the Mint could quickly begin striking five-cent pieces of the new composition . To this end, experimental five-cent pieces were struck in the proposed alloy, having the same designs, weight, and di¬ ameter as the “regular” Jefferson nickel. When more extensive testing revealed that five-cent pieces struck in the half silver, half copper alloy would not work very well in vending machines after all, Congress instead authorized the pro¬ duction of five-cent pieces struck in an alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese.
Because the new alloy went into use during the production run of 1942-dated five-cent pieces, some means had to be found to quickly distinguish the new coins from the old when the time came to melt them. One possible so¬ lution was the use of a reeded edge. Although experimental reeded-edge five-cent pieces were in fact struck, the concept was abandoned in favor of an oversized mintmark above
1943-P nickel made with silver content, displaying the mintmark in a new location, above the dome ofMonticello on the reverse.
Monticello’s dome, including for the first time a “P” in Philadelphia.
To meet the wartime demand for small change, all three mints worked around the clock from 1942 to 1945, producing record numbers of coins. In 1943 alone, for example, the Philadelphia Mint turned out more than 270 million five-cent pieces! Unfortunately, with the production of Proof coins suspended from 1943 through 1949, the 1942 Type II five-cent piece is the only “war nickel” Proof available to collectors.
After the war, the nickel reverted to its original composition and mintmark style, end¬ ing a series of changes that caught at least one careless counterfeiter off guard. In the early 1950s, Francis Leroy Henning of Erial, New Jersey (located about 15 miles from the Phila¬ delphia Mint), made more than a half million counterfeit nickels, most of them dated 1944. However, Henning used nickel instead of the wartime alloy to make the coins. He ran into trouble when collectors began noticing slightly oversize and overweight 1944-dated nickels lacking the characteristic mintmark above the dome ofMonticello.
Amid newspaper reports, was one concern¬ ing a flood of counterfeit “nickels” into a
nearby creek and river. Federal agents arrested Henning in Cleveland in 1955. He was tried, sentenced to six years in prison, and fined $5,000.
In other nickel-related news, Felix Oscar Schlag, designer of the Jefferson nickel, had found it necessary to put away his sculptor’s tools and find another profession during the war. Addressing an educational forum at the 1 964 ANA convention in Cleveland, Schlag said:
The future (in 1940) seemed bright and promising. There were inspiring offers for the Governor Homer monument, one for Admiral Moffett, and an appointment with President Roosevelt was planned for the creation ofa ma¬ rine monument.
Then the war came. Planned commissions and promises of others were halted. Materials were difficult to obtain. All national, state, and personal interests in art were at a low. It seemed that everything which meant life to me was crashing. I spent time and money to get other commissions. My economic situation became desperate. I was over 50 years of age, had no mechanical training, and had never worked in a factory....
At the beginning of the war, I tried to enlist in the U.S. Army. As 1 was still in good physi¬ cal condition I expected to be accepted. I had all my belongings packed and stored. Then came the letter from the War Department com¬ mending me for my patriotism but refusing me because they said a man of my age could not stand the rigors of army life.
Out of necessity, Schlag turned to photog¬ raphy, opening a portrait studio in Owosso, Michigan, where he died in 1974 (although more than a decade later his name still appeared in the Owosso telephone directory, Mrs. Schlag never having changed the listing.)
Earlier, in the mid 1960s, an acute shortage of nickels in the New England region was at¬ tributed to the melting of millions of “war nickels” for their silver content, the culmina¬ tion of a bizarre chain of events worthy of Rob¬ ert LeRoy Ripley’s “Believe It or Not.”
Bowers and Merena
Box 1224
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE
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PERMIT #65 BRUNSWICK, ME 04011
2
The Coin Collector ^ December 17, 2001
COLONIAL AND EARLY AMERICAN COINS
Delightful 1652 Noe-29 Pine Tree Shilling Small Planchet Variety 1652 Massachusetts Bay Colony. Pine Tree shil¬ ling. Small Planchet. Noe-29. EF-40 (PCGS). An exceptional example of this important variety, a lovely specimen with pleasing medium gray sur¬ faces. This is one of the largest planchets seen for this small planchet variety, with this coin among the
finer examples known . 4,650
1773 Virginia halfpenny. Breen-180. With Period, Seven Harp strings. MS-64 RB (PCGS). Lovely medium brown with consider¬ able faded red lustre. A popular colonial type is¬ sue, one of the relatively few that are often
available in higher quality . 1,195
1760 Hibemia-Voce Populi. Breen-227, Nelson- 3, Zelinka-7E. “VOOE” spelling; not an error, but caused by a die break connecting the top and bottom of the opening in a nonnal letter C. VF- 25 (PCGS). Satiny medium brown surfaces. 379 1740-P French Colonies. Sou marque. Breen-540. AU-55. Pewter gray surfaces with golden high¬ lights. These were made of billon, a composition of 25% silver and 75% copper. The sou marques were struck in extensive quantities and circulated in colonial America, including Canada and Loui¬ siana . 395
Impressive 1776 Continental Dollar 1776 Continental dollar. Breen-1095, Newman 3-D. E.G. Fecit. Pewter. AU-50
(PCGS). Deep gray surfaces with lustrous light gray around the devices. A few light surface marks are present. An attractive example of this ever- popular, highly desirable issue. These so-called dollars were produced as a prototype for a hard currency to replace existing paper money in cir¬ culation in the colonies. Long considered one dollar coins as a substitute for $1 paper notes, al¬ though some have suggested they were meant to be a smaller denomination. This variety is signed by the artist, Elisha Gallaudet, with his signature
appearing as E.G. FECIT . . . 18,750
1783 Nova Constellatio. Breen-1107, Crosby- 2B. Pointed Rays, Small US. AU-50 (PCGS). Medium chestnut brown surfaces with darker brown highlights. A lovely example for the spe¬ cialist or state coinage type collector. Nova Constellatio issues were produced in anticipation of a standard national coinage . 1,275
Delightful 1786 New Jersey Copper
1786 New Jersey copper. Maris-20N. EF-45
(PCGS). Lovely olive-brown surfaces with ex¬ ceptional aesthetic appeal. First coinage date for the Newjersey coppers, a state issue that was con¬ tinued through 1788 . 2,950
1787 Newjersey copper. M-32T. EF-40. Well
centered with medium brown surfaces. Believed to have been minted by Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox at Rahway Mills . 1,095
1787 New Jersey copper. M-46e. Small Planchet, Plain Shield. EF-45 (PCGS). At¬ tractive medium brown surfaces. Attributed to Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox at the Rahway Mills coinage facility . 1,195
Our motto is “Your friends in the rare coin business,” and Sandi Scott is the perfect example of this business ethic. Sandi has been in numismatic sales for over a decade and looks forward to getting to know you! Sandi will process your order
1786 Vermont copper. Baby Head. Ryder-9.
Rarity-4+. F-12. Struck on an irregular planchet (as always seen) from naively prepared dies — a typical “rustic” Vermont copper, this being an early entry into the portrait series, having a simple, childlike portrait . 1,175
Mint State 1789 Mott Token
1789 Mott token. Breen-1020. MS-63 (PCGS). Deep and glossy chestnut brown surfaces with full lustre, an exceptionally high-grade for this issue. An arcing depression crosses the reverse, apparendy from a partial planchet cut. Late die state with heavy internal cud at upper left corner of the clock. The reverse rim at 6:00 is imperfect, as of¬ ten seen . 3,245
1794 Franklin Press token. Breen-1165. AU-
55 (PCGS). Superb medium brown with glossy surfaces and outstanding visual appeal for the is¬ sue. Typical die break on press. This American- associated token was struck in 1794 for the printing firm of Cox and Bayliss, printers who used the same press young Ben Franklin worked on during his 1726 stay in London, a device which currently resides in the Smithsonian In¬ stitution. A specimen of this popular issue to please the type collector or advanced colonial specialist . . . 575
1795 Talbot, Allum & Lee cent. Breen-1035.
AU-58 (PCGS). Lovely medium brown surfaces. Few Talbot, Allum, and Lee cents circulated to any degree, with most surviving examples in higher grades, generally at least EF. A large quan¬ tity of these tokens were sold to the United States Mint for use to produced half cents . 595
1787 Fugio cent. Kessler Newman-16H.l.
Rarity-6. United States. Four Cinquefoils. EF-40 (PCGS). Attractive with nice details for the grade. An elusive variety for the Fugio special¬ ist . 1,195
1787 Fugio cent. KN-104-FF. New Haven “restrike.” MS-65 RB (PCGS). Brilliant red and brown. Very attractive. This coin was the subject of a curious caper involving C. Wyllys Betts, Horatio Rust, and perhaps a few others. If the buyer of this piece would like expanded de¬ tail, a letter to the editor (QDB) will bring a little “file.” . 1,495
HALF CENTS
Especially Nice 1794 Half Cent 1794 Breen-la. Colien-la. Rarity-3. EF-45
(PCGS). Medium brown surfaces. An especially nice, especially high-grade 1794 half cent. Al¬ though the half cents of the following year, 1795, often or even usually come “nice,” this is not true for 1794. The present coin is truly excep¬ tional . 3,695
1794 B-2b, C-2a. Net VG-10. Sharpness of F-15 with a few tiny imperfections in the right obverse field. Otherwise, a most attractive medium tan ex¬ ample. Very few examples of this date, let alone the Liberty Cap design type, can be found with “perfect” surfaces. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money promptly refunded . 475
Affordable 1796 Half Cent Rarity 1796 B-2, C-2. With Pole. AG-3, or better de¬ scribed as G-5 obverse, FR-2 reverse. Minute surface roughness is visible as nearly always seen. This is an entirely pleasing low-grade example of an important rarity. Perhaps only 125 to 150 ex¬ amples of this date, comprising two die varieties, may be traced today. Most of the survivors, like
this example, are very low grade . 5,950
1800 B-l, C-l. EF-40. Nicely detailed with pleas¬ ing steel brown surfaces. First year of issue for the
Draped Bust design type . 450
1803 B-2, C-2. Rarity-4+. VG-8. Lovely steel brown with smooth surfaces and iridescent high¬ lights. Later die state with a rim break over STAT. This is the rarest of four die varieties for the half cents of 1803 . 525
1803 B-3, C-3. VG-10. Pleasing light to medium
brown surfaces with a few very minor imperfec¬ tions. Although a common variety, this example illustrates a very early die state, and is quite scarce as such . 89
1804 B-8, C-9. Crosslet 4, With Stems. EF-45.
Lovely fight and medium brown are attractively blended, the reverse darker brown. A popular “Guide Book” type . 375
1806 B-3, C-l. Small 6, Stemless. MS-60 (NGC). Sharply detailed with mottled tan and dark brown surfaces. Much scarcer in high qual¬ ity than the usually seen Large 6 variety . 995
1808 B-3, C-3. VF-30. Nicely struck with choco¬ late brown surfaces. Scarce in higher grades. 595 1811 B-l, C-l. Rarity-4. Net F-15, sharpness slightly finer, very lightly cleaned in the past, and now with natural steel brown surfaces. An im¬ portant opportunity to acquire this date. Scarcer of two die varieties known for this year. The half cents dated 1811 are seldom found in medium or high-grade, generally being Good or VG at
best . 1,250
Important 1811 Half Cent 1811 B-2, C-2. Rarity-3. Net VF-35; sharpness slightly finer. Now with lovely dark tan over lightly cleaned surfaces. Minor hairlines are vis¬ ible. As always, your complete satisfaction is guar¬ anteed . 2,500
Lustrous 1825 Half Cent
1825 B-2, C-2.MS-64 BN. An outstanding example with deep olive lustre and pale bluish iridescence. This is a very elusive issue in Mint State . 1 ,850
Half cents of the Classic Head design were issued bearing dates from 1 809 through 1811, and again from 1 825 through 1836, with intermissions in 1827 and 1830. The final year of 1836 was only issued in Proof format.
1828 B-l, C-3. 13 Stars. MS-64 BN (PCGS). Lovely medium brown surfaces. This is a most important opportunity for type collectors. . 695
1829 B-l, C-l. F-12. Olive-brown surfaces. .. 56
1832 B-2, C-2. VF-25. Pleasing chestnut brown
surfaces . 75
1833 B-l, C-l. MS-64 BN (PCGS). Beautiful
brown surfaces with green and rose highlights. Although a common issue, most examples are circulated or in low Mint State grade levels. Among all half cents of the type, this date is gen¬ erally one of the most attractive . 595
1835 B-2, C-2. MS-64 BN (PCGS). Sharply struck with lustrous dark brown obverse. The reverse is lighter tan with iridescent highlights. Exquisite detail and excellent lustre . 525
Tiny obverse die crack links stars 2-7. All 1835 half cents — circulation strikes as well as Proofs — were made from one die pair, causing all sorts of complexities when a prooflike piece (of which this is not one) is found!
1850 B-l, C-l. MS-61 BN (NGC). A well struck
example with pleasing medium brown surfaces. A slight haze suggests the surfaces have not been cleaned or tampered with . 395
1851 B-l, C-l. AU-50. Delightful olive-brown. 149
LARGE CENTS
1797 Sheldon-131 Cent Stemless Wreath
1797 Sheldon-131. Rarity-2. No Stems, Reverse of 1797. EF-40 (PCGS). Pleasing dark brown sur¬ faces. A lovely high-grade specimen of this distinc¬ tive stemless type — a classic for many years. The obverse die is instandy recognized by a prominent curved die break from the left border . 3,495
Nearly Mint State 1802 S-230 Cent '
1802 S-230, B-8. AU-55 (PCGS). Light brown
surfaces with tan highlights. Very close to Mint State. Ideal for the date and variety and a perfect candidate for the type collector . .-. 2,995
Attractive 1803 S-258 Cent
1803 S-258. EF-45. Attractive medium brown sur¬
faces with tan highlights. A pleasing coin that will nicely answer the connoisseur’s call for a high- grade example of this date and variety . 1 ,695
1805 S-267,B-1. Net EF-40, Sharpness and qual¬ ity of AU-50 or slightly finer, but with a hint of microscopic porosity in places. Still, a beautiful example of the only variety of the date. Superb medium tan with some deeper highlights. This is an “eye-catcher” of a large cent, and definitely a strong value for the grade. Your complete satis¬ faction guaranteed . 1 ,395
Small Date 1812 Large Cent
1812 S-288, B-3. Small Date. EF-40 (PCGS). Well centered chocolate brown surfaces. An attractive ex¬ ample of die scarce Classic Head type and perfecdy acceptable for the date or type collector . 1,795
Choice 1817 N-9 Large Cent Well Struck and Beautiful
1817 Newcomb-9. 13 Stars. MS-64 BN. Well struck with iridescent surfaces. This is a slightly scarcer die marriage and will serve as a nice addi¬ tion to the specialist’s collection . 1 ,695
1817 N-14. 13 Stars. MS-63 BN. Lovely light tan surfaces. A candidate for the type or date collec¬ tor . 629
1820 N-13 Large Date. MS-65 BN. (PCGS). Sharply struck with highly lustrous tan surfaces accented by pale blue toning. Among Randall Hoard varieties from 1816 to 1820, this die vari¬ ety is the most sharply detailed, a wonderful can¬ didate for the type collector . 1,195
1820 N-13. MS-64 RB. Lustrous red and brown with attractive iridescent colors. A wonderful example of this Randall Hoard variety. ... 1,295
1821 N-l. EF-40 BN (NGC). Deep chocolate
brown surfaces. A lovely high-grade example of the second rarest date (1823 being the rarest) among later copper cents 1816-1857. Not often do we have one this nice! . 1 ,295
Notable 1823 Restrike Ex Naftzger Collection
1823 Restrike MS-65 RD. A wonderful example with fully prooffike orange surfaces and just a hint of delightful pale blue toning on the highest points. The various cent restrikes were the sub¬
ject of a talk presented by Mark Borckardt at the 1996 ANS Coinage of the Americas Conference.
Nice pedigree! . 2,150
1830 N-4. Large Letters. AU-55 . Lustrous chest¬ nut brown with exceptional aesthetic appeal. 595 1837 N-13. Rarity-2+. Plain Hair Cords. MS- 64 BN. Dark bluish steel lustre with considerable
faded orange mint lustre. . . 1 ,275
1840 Large Date. N-8. MS-64 RB. A wonder¬ ful example with fight pinkish orange lustre and attractive brown toning. Splashes of pale blue add to the appeal of this choice cent. Late die state with numerous prominent obverse rim breaks from 1:00 to 6:00 . 975
1850 N-12. MS-64 RD (PCGS). Deep orange
mint lustre with a few small spots on the ob¬ verse . 1,295
1851 N-2. MS-65 BN (NGC). Lovely olive-
brown with considerable faded orange lustre. A desirable example . 875
1853 N-3. MS-65 BN (NGC). Lustrous medium
brown surfaces. Very nicely struck . 745
1853 N-10. MS-65 RB (NGC). A wonderful ex¬ ample for the date or type collector, exhibiting nearly full orange lustre with traces oflight brown toning on the high points of the design. An im¬ portant opportunity . 850
1857 N-l. Large Date. MS-65 BN. Considerable faded orange lustre on both obverse and reverse. A lovely example of the final large cent issue. 1 ,375 1857 N-l. Large Date. MS-64 RB This won¬ derful example has very nearly full mellow orange mint lustre just beginning to fade to attractive fight brown. Examples of this final issue are sel¬ dom encountered with orange lustre . 1,375
Amazing 1868 Large Cent Rarity Gem Copper Proof Fewer than a Dozen Known to Us First We Have Offered in Years 1868 Proof-65 BN (PCGS). One of the very finest of only a few we have ever seen. Large copper cent of the circa 1843-1857 Braided Hair style, but dated 1868. Struck after cents of this format were officially discontinued, to create a rarity for numismatists, in the style of die 1 9 1 3 Liberty Head nickel, 1 884 and 1885 trade dollars, and related items. We are unable to ac¬ count for even a dozen different specimens, at least one ofwhich is impounded in a museum (American Numismatic Society). The present piece lias been consigned to us as we go to press. For the forthcom¬ ing book, More Adventures with Rate Coirn, Dave Bow¬ ers has created a chapter on this great rarity — calling it “antipodal to the 1804 dollar,” in that just about everyone knows about the famous, classic 1804, but relatively few are aware of the 1 868 large cent. Just as a set ofLiberty Head nickels cannot be truly complete without an 1913, a set oflarge copper cents cannot be truly complete without an )868. This is the first we have offered in a long time! . 28,750
Flying Eagle Cents
1857 MS-64 (PCGS). Brilliant. A lovely specimen of the first circulating year of the new Flying Eagle design. Released to the public on May 25, 1857,
the coins became instantly popular . 1 ,395
1857 MS-60. Lustrous tan surfaces with hints of
gold highlights . 295
1857 AU-55. Sharply defined with medium brown
surfaces . 209
1857 AU-50. A pleasing dark tan example. ... 185
1857 EF-45. Dark brown surfaces . 145
1857 EF-40. Medium tan surfaces . 119
Tom Becker, sales director, stands ready to help you with all of your rare coin needs. He has been front row cen¬ ter in numismatics since 1968 and his expertise is just seconds away by toll- free call. Does his face look familiar? Yes, Tom has been a valued member or our staff once before and we are pleased to have him back! We’re sure you’ll find working with Tom to be delightful.
3
The Coin Collector ^ December 17, 2001
This & That
TRANSITIONS: F.W. Woolworth & Co., one of the grand names in American retailing, changed its name to Venator some time ago, and, now recently, to Foot Locker. Philip Morris, trying to re-invent itself, is changing to Altria (sounds like a brand of Toyota car), etc. Personally, we like older, longer, more traditional names, and find Altria to be quite forgettable, right along with Diageo, Agilent, and a bunch of others. (Inspired by an article in the Wall Street Journal )
• • •
WE HAD NEVER HEARD OF the Dahlonega Gold Mining Company until we saw a recent catalogue issued by Scott J. Winslow (Box 10240, Bedford, NH 03110) described as follows: “1 890, Georgia. Stock certificate for 250 shares, Brown/Black. Vignette of workers in a mine at top center. Twenty years before the 1849 gold rush to California, thousands of gold seekers flocked into the Cherokee Nation in North Georgia, beginning the nation’s first major gold rush. Dahlonega, Georgia was an important mining center that prospered during the boom with a branch of the United States Mint being set up and coining over $6,000,000 in gold. Uncancelled and very fine. $200 - up.”
• • ♦
HARLAN BERK, president of the Professional Numismatists Guild, recently had the opportunity to visit Colorado Springs and the ANA Museum. His comment: “The Bass Exhibit was dazzling!”
• • •
SEEKING THE OLDEST: The WD-40 Company in San Diego mounted a search for the oldest “can” made for a related product, Three-In-One Oil. It turned out the latest “can” was actually a bottle, believed to have been made circa 1894-1895. The proud owner, Darrel Meyer, found it in Laramie, Wyoming, and collected $1,000 for his find. ( Bottles and Extras )
• • •
MOVEABLE MINTMARK: A recent item in Numismatic News noted that illustrations published by the Mint showed the mintmark on the Buffalo dollars in one position, and that actual coins showed the mintmark differently. The explanation as given was that the pieces photographed were test coins, and that the actual production coins were not the same as photographed. The question arises: Are any of the “test coins” available or will some filter on the market?
9 9 9
COMMENT: “Yesterday i was speaking with a southern book fair organizer about September 1 1th and how it has affected the events she runs. Somewhat to her surprise she found the visitors at one of her recent fairs enthusiastic, positive, almost ebullient in fact, as they cruised for books to nourish and sustain both mind and spirit. By turning out in such expectedly large numbers it was as if people were saying collectively to the terrorists, do what you will but we have lives to lead, people to see, books to buy and ideas to explore. In my conversations I find very much the same attitude. Even though most people realize that the rules of war have changed and that the whole world is now on the front line, I have yet to talk to anyone who wants to pack it in and hide out in a mine shaft in New Mexico.” (John C. Huckans, editor, Book Source Monthly )
Amazing 1857 Clashed Die Cent Obverse Clashed with Half Dollar Die 1857 From die clashed with Liberty Seated half dollar, and showing traces of the half dollar design. MS-66 (NGC). This piece exhibits traces of clashed dies with a Liberty Seated half dol¬ lar, one of three very curious and related pieces of this year. Details are to be found in the Snow and Bowers texts on the subject (or will be sent gratis to the purchaser, on request). An exceptionally high-grade specimen of this American classic — a “must have” for the advanced collector! .. 8,750
Beautiful 1857 Cent with Half Dollar Clash
1857 From die clashed with Liberty Seated half dollar, and showing traces of the half dollar design. MS-63 . Another desirable and very lus¬ trous example of this intriguing variety, which shows traces of clashed dies with a Liberty Seated half dollar die. A great “story coin” for the special¬ ist, and without doubt, one of the most curious and fascinating varieties in any series of this era. 1,895
1857 From die clashed with a Liberty Seated half dol¬
lar die and showing traces of the half dollar design . VF-30. Pleasing grayish tan surfaces . 385
1858/7 Overdate. VF-35 (PCGS). A pleasing ex¬ ample of the only overdate in the Flying Eagle cent series . 795
1858 Large Letters. AU-55. A lustrous light tan
example . 219
1858 Large Letters. EF-45. Pleasing light tan sur¬ faces . 145
1858 Small Letters. AU-58. Nearly complete lus¬ tre with exceptional aesthetic appeal . 259
1858 Small Letters. AU-50. A delightful medium
tan example . 195
Indian Head Cents
1859 pattern Indian cent. Pollock-270, Judd-
226. Rarity-7. Proof-62 (PCGS). Copper- nickel. Plain edge. An outstanding opportunity for the specialist. This is much scarcer than the usually seen Pollock-272, Judd-228. Sharply struck with reflective light tan surfaces . 975
1859 MS-64 (NGC). Regular issue. Sharply struck
with attractive light tan lustre. A popular single year type issue and the first Indian cent issued for circulation (a few 1858-dated pattern coins are also known) . 895
This is the only year with the olive (or laurel; the Mint used both terms) wreath on the reverse.
1860 Rounded Bust. MS-64 (PCGS). Lovely light
tan lustre with sharp design features. The wreath at lower left reverse is partially obliterated due to foreign material on the die . 345
1860 Rounded Bust. AU-50. Light tan surfaces. 79
1860 Pointed Bust. AU-50. Attractive with very
light tan surfaces. Scarcer of the two bust tip va¬ rieties of this year. . . 139
1861 MS-60 (PCGS). Golden tan with a hint ofli-
lac toning. A delightful example of this scarce is¬ sue . 179
1861 AU-55. Sharply struck with traces of gold lus¬ tre . 175
1861 AU-50. Pleasing gold surfaces with splashes of
darker brown . 159
1862 MS-65 (PCGS). A glittering gem Mint State
example of an ever popular issue. Pale rose irides¬ cence graces honey gold surfaces. A lovely ex¬ ample of what the old timers in the hobby refer to as “white” cents . 975
1862 MS-65 (NGC). Highly lustrous and sharply struck. Lovely light golden tan surfaces. Consid¬ ered a common date among the copper-nickel issues, however, still elusive in gem quality. 975 1862 MS-63. Sharply struck with lustrous light tan surfaces. A popular issue for inclusion in type col¬ lections . 145
1862 AU-58. Lustrous golden tan . 79
1862 AU-55. Attractive light tan with considerable lustre. Reverse shattered with heavy die cracks. 69
1862 AU-53. Pleasing light tan surfaces . 65
1863 MS-65 (NGC). Lustrous with foil diamonds on
the ribbon and foil lines on the shield. An exceptional gem example for the date or type collector . 995
1863 AU-58. Nearly complete light gold lustre. 75 1 863 AU-55. Very light tan with hints of gold ton¬ ing . 59
1863 AU-50. Pleasing olive-tan surfaces . 55
1864 Copper-nickel. MS-60. Fully lustrous with
considerable eye appeal . 145
1864 Bronze. MS-60. Outstanding quality with
sharp design details and lustrous surfaces . 99
1864 Bronze. AU-55. Deep chocolate brown with
hints of tan lustre . 69
1864 Bronze. EF-40. Choice olive-brown sur¬ faces . 59
Gem MS-65 RB 1864-L Indian Cent 1864 Lon Ribbon. MS-65 RB (PCGS). Lustrous red and brown surfaces. This is an outstanding gem example with considerable aesthetic appeal.
Seldom found so nice . 1,595
1864 L on Ribbon. AU-50. Cleaned and recolored, but with still attractive surfaces. A coin for the bargain hunter (in the course ofbuying collections we sometimes get pieces such as this, and price them low to move them out) . 239
1864 L on Ribbon. VF-30. A pleasant example with
medium brown surfaces . 185
1865 Fancy 5. MS-65 BN (PCGS). Attractive sur¬
faces with some red visible. A popular issue from the close of the Civil War . 395
1865 Fancy 5. MS-63 RB. Sharply struck with considerable orange lustre blended with olive-
brown . 149
1865 Fancy 5. AU-58. Choice olive-brown sur¬ faces . 75
1865 Fancy 5. AU-55. Dark olive and attractive. 59 1865 Fancy 5. AU-50. Pleasing light brown sur¬ faces . 49
1865 Fancy 5. Doubled 65. EF-45. Olive-brown. 35 1865 Fancy 5. VF-30. Chestnut brown and ma¬ hogany . 25
1865 Plain 5. AU-55. Olive and chestnut brown. 59 1866/6 AU-58. A scarce issue, this with lustrous
light brown surfaces and sharp design definition. This doubled date variety is popular among spe¬ cialists . 265
1866 AU-55. Choice olive-brown surfaces. A
pleasing example of this scarce date, first in a se¬ ries of scarce and rare date Indian cents . 245
1867 MS-64RB (NGC). About 50% mint red
mixed with light tan. A well struck example with excellent eye appeal . 575
1867 MS-63 BN (PCGS). Medium brown surfaces with some red visible in the protected areas. A scarcer date . 329
1867 AU-50. Dark olive-brown surfaces. A lovely
example . 225
1868 AU-50. Sharply struck with olive-brown sur¬ faces . 195
Bold 1869/9 Recut Date Indian Cent 1869/9 MS-66 BN (NGC). A well struck example with even medium brown surfaces. Highlights of red peek out around the rims. An impressive gem example that is certain to find a home in the
connoisseur’s collection . 1 ,895
1870 MS-64 RB (NGC). An outstanding example with nearly foil orange lustre. Quite sharply struck and a desirable example of this scarce issue. 695 1870 MS-63 BN. Lustrous brown with some red visible . 485
1870 Doubled Die reverse. EF-40. FS-008.7. At¬
tractive mahogany surfaces with lighter tan high¬ lights . 425
1871 MS-64 RB. Sharply struck with slightly re¬
flective surfaces. Pleasing orange lustre is inter¬ mingled with olive-brown. A desirable example of this elusive issue . 875
1872 F-12. Attractive light brown. A scarce date. 309
1872 VG-10 (ANACS). Medium brown sur¬ faces . 139
1873 Closed 3. MS-64 RB. Brilliant red and
brown. Very pleasing in every respect . 850
1873 Open 3. MS-65 RB (NGC). Lustrous red
and brown surfaces . 1,345
1874 MS-65 BN (PCGS). Medium brown surfaces
with a hint of red at the periphery. A very pleas¬ ing specimen . 675
1874 MS-64 RB. Lustrous red and brown. ... 395
1874 AU-50. Sharply struck with pleasing olive-
brown surfaces . 129
1875 MS-65 BN (NGC). Lustrous with some red
visible . 379
1875 MS-63 RB. Lustrous red and brown. ... 295 1875 EF-45. A lovely example with pleasing me¬ dium brown surfaces . 99
1875 MS-65RB (PCGS). About 50% mint red mixed with light tan. An appealing example of this scarcer issue . 895
1875 MS-63RB. Mint red mixed with light tan. A slight haze suggests pristine, natural surfaces.
299
1876 MS-65 RB. Very attractive about 90% red.
A beautiful Indian Head cent from the centennial year of American independence . 1,195
1877 F-15 (ANACS). Nice attractive medium
brown surfaces . 995
1878 MS-65 RB (PCGS). Lustrous red and brown
surfaces with lots of red on both sides . 895
1879 MS-62 BN. Medium brown surfaces with a
whisper of red visible . 105
1879 EF-45. Chestnut brown . 69
1880 MS-63 RB. Lustrous red and brown with
about 90% red on the surfaces . 135
1880 MS-62 BN. Lustrous brown surfaces with highlights of red . 85
1880 AU-50. Medium tan obverse with darker-
brown reverse . 39
1881 MS-65 RD (NGC). Lustrous red with a few
fly specks noted for accuracy . 895
1 883 MS-65 RB (NGC). Lustrous medium brown
surfaces with red highlights . 285
1883 MS-64 BN. Lustrous brown . 165
1883 AU-50. Medium brown surfaces . 32
1884 Proof-65 RB (NGC). The obverse is 95% red
while the reverse is about 50% red and 50% brown. A nice example . 479
1884 Proof-64 RB (PCGS). Brick red and brown surfaces. A lovely specimen that offers “a lot of
coin for the money.” . 299
1884 MS-64 RB (NGC). Lustrous and mostly
red . 239
1884 MS-64 BN. Pleasing medium brown sur¬ faces . 165
1884 AU-55. Chestnut brown with splashes of mahogany . 39
Important 1886 Variety 2 Indian Cent 1886 MS64RB Variety 2 (PCGS). Hints of mint red around the devices. Beautiful glossy surfaces.^ A most appealing example of this scarce and
popular variety . 1195
1886 Type I. Proof-66 RB (PCGS). Lustrous red and brown . 1,095
1 887 MS-62 BN. Deep steel blue with considerable
orange lustre . , . . . 65
1887 AU-58. Lustrous . i . 39
Scarce 1888/7 Indian Cent 1888/7 G-4 (ANACS). Though exhibiting consid¬ erable wear the surfaces are problem free for the grade. The overdate is clearly visible under the second 8 . 1895
1888 MS-64 BN. Well struck brown surfaces. 185
Blazing 1889 Indian Cent
1889 Proof-65 RD (NGC). A full red example
with some wonderful rose highlights on Miss Lib¬ erty. Very difficult to locate in this high-grade with full mint red (although in lower grades the 1889 is easy enough to find) . 1,995
1889 MS-63 RB. Virtually foil red with a few tiny
spots and blemishes . 99
1889 AU-55. Intermingled tan, chestnut, and dark brown . 29
1 889 AU-50. Olive-brown with splashes of darker
toning . 25
1890 AU-50. Light tan surfaces . 25
1891 MS-63 BN. Lustrous brown with some red
visible . 70
1891 AU-58. Olive-brown