Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 13

The Benson Collection of U.S. Coins, Part 2

Flowing Hair and Bust Half Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 930		1819 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Large 9 over 8. PCGS graded EF-45. Nice luster and mostly untoned, save for a dark ring at the edge of gold and blue. The surfaces show more tiny ticks than others in this grade, but the coin is still appealing. Estimated Value $125 - 150. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for $1.60. View details	Realized $414
Lot 931		1819 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Large 9 over 8. EF-40. There is a small but deep scratch below the bust to the right side of the second 1 in the date, and another small dig above the first 1. Nevertheless, this coin has gorgeous color, luster and surfaces otherwise, and the scratch is not that distracting. Further, the reverse die is shattered with the cracks noted in the Overton reference for the die state. A true collector coin despite its minor problem. Estimated Value $40 - 50. From the Benson collection and purchased from Celina Coin Co., on July 26, 1944 as "Unc" for $4.00. View details	Realized $460
Lot 932		1819 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. AU-50. This one has been cleaned and retoned with milky yellow shades which deepen to gold at the edge. Well struck, and a coin that could probably be improved by retoning. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased from French's on July 24, 1944 for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $265
Lot 933		1820. O-108, R-2. . O-108. AU-58. Gorgeous blue and green peripheral toning over lustrous fields, with the centers more steel gray in color on the obverse, the reverse similar, but more golden in color. Fully struck throughout, with the diagnostic double leaves sharply defined. Hairlines are at a minimum. While not a rare variety, the bust half dollars of 1820 are always popular with date and variety collectors alike. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $690
Lot 934		1820 Capped Bust Half Dollar. 20 over 19, square 2. PCGS graded AU-53. Nice luster and color, with one thin line across parts of the obverse from star one to eight. Clean rims and average surfaces for the grade. Estimated Value $500 - 600. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister in 1944 for $3.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $776
Lot 935		1820 Capped Bust Half Dollar. 20 over 19, curl 2. VF-30. Good luster and color at the edges for the variety. Clean surfaces for the grade. Estimated Value $90 - 110. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source around 1944 for $2.00. View details	Realized $276
Lot 936		1820 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base, no knob 2, large date. VF-35. Dipped and still bright at the centers, but with desirable blue and gold at the rims. Estimated Value $70 - 80. From the Benson collection and purchased from Celina Coin Company, July 26, 1944 for $2.00. View details	Realized $230
Lot 937		1820 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base, no knob 2, large date. VF-35. Cleaned and retoned to a rather dull yellow gray. Estimated Value $60 - 80. From the Benson collection and purchased from French's July 24, 1944 for $2.50. View details	Realized $138
Lot 938		1820 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base, no knob 2, large date. Fine-15. Cleaned long ago and nicely retoned with bright blue and gold at the rims. Estimated Value $40 - 50. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source around 1944 for $2.00. View details	Realized $92
Lot 939		1821 Capped Bust Half Dollar. EF-40. Pretty peripheral toning, but there are some scratches over the left wing of the eagle. Estimated Value $50 - 60. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for $1.50. View details	Realized $132
Lot 940		1822 Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded AU-53. Iridescent blue and gold at the rims, while the centers are still bright on the obverse, the reverse with just a ring of gold at the edge. A couple of nicks above the last star. Nicely struck, and an excellent example of this late die state variety. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for $1.50. View details	Realized $414
Lot 941		1823 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. PCGS graded AU-55. A magnificent example that boasts gold toning at the edge, and strong luster throughout. Estimated Value $250 - 300. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on September 12, 1944 for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $776
Lot 942		1823 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. PCGS graded EF-40. An especially beautiful example of this later die state because of the peripheral rainbow toning and hints of luster in the protected areas. Estimated Value $200 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from W. F. Webb on October 11, 1944 for $1.61. View details	Realized $460
Lot 943		1824 Capped Bust Half Dollar. 1824 over date. PCGS graded EF-40. Toned with dark gold at the rims, and we note a couple of cuts in the left obverse field, and some shallow scrapes under the left wing of the eagle. Estimated Value $100 - 125. From the Benson collection and purchased from Hughes on July 26, 1944 for $1.50. View details	Realized $207
Lot 944		1824 Capped Bust Half Dollar. 4 over 4. NGC graded MS-66. One of the finest graded of this date by NGC, tied with a couple of others, with a pair graded higher by that service. Brilliant blue, red and gold toning on the obverse over especially bright luster. The reverse similar, but mostly white with a thin ring of toning at the periphery. Boldly struck and high in the condition census for the variety, and date too! If you have long been searching for a really special coin, one that boasts deep, original blue toning, and one that is very high grade, then look no further than this lot. One of the highlights of the Benson collection, and certain excite even the most advanced collector. We note a thin double profile on Liberty's face. Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Barney Bluestone on September 21, 1944 for $1.74. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 945		1824 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. PCGS graded AU-55. Medium gray with rose highlight in the fields on both sides. Well struck and preserved. Estimated Value $175 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from Barney Bluestone on September 22, 1944 for $1.76. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $345
Lot 946		1824 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. PCGS graded EF-40. Dark blue and gray toning throughout with nice luster beneath. A strong double profile on Liberty. One rim bump over the I of AMERICA. Estimated Value $70 - 80. From the Benson collection and purchased from Chapman on June 24, 1944 for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $242
Lot 947		1824 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. EF-40. Reflective surfaces and toned around the edge. A strong double profile on Liberty as often seen from her chest to her upper curl. Estimated Value $70 - 80. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 24, 1944 for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $121
Lot 948		1824 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. VF-20. Antique gray at the centers, and with lovely peripheral toning. Minor handling marks. Estimated Value $40 - 50. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 24, 1944 for $1.50. View details	Realized $52
Lot 949		1825 Capped Bust Half Dollar. AU-55. Make sure to view this coin before the sale, as it has virtually the same eye appeal as the 1824 that NGC graded MS-66, but this one has a few faint scratches on the obverse. Blazing luster and deeply toned with electric blue and red on the obverse, mostly white on the reverse save for blue at the edge. Boldly struck, with mountainous curls on Liberty, and full feathers on the eagle. The reverse has some faint adjustment marks or roller lines which are present on the devices. Who knows, this one may fall through the cracks when it crosses the block. Estimated Value $150 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 24, 1944 for $1.60. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $633
Lot 950		1826 Capped Bust Half Dollar. AU-55. This one has been lightly polished, but has now retoned with medium gray and gold on the obverse, lighter silver on the reverse. Nicely struck by the dies, with light cracks through the reverse legends. Estimated Value $125 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 24, 1944 for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $196
Lot 951		1826 Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded AU-53. Flashy luster and well struck by the dies, with deep peripheral toning on the obverse. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed in 1944 for $2.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 952		1827 Capped Bust Half Dollar. 7 over 6. VF-20. This one has several scratches on the central obverse, and a few more on the reverse. Toned with lovely hues on the obverse. Estimated Value $50 - 60. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on September 6, 1944 for $5.00. View details	Realized $75
Lot 953		1827 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base 2. . O-104. NGC graded MS-64. A fully struck specimen, nice and bold throughout. This gorgeous example shimmers with satiny white mint luster. Because it is a common variety, this beauty is an ideal type coin. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,335
Lot 954		1827 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base 2. PCGS graded AU-55. Excellent color and eye appeal, with a few scattered handling marks on both sides. Dark gold toning around the rims. Scarce this nice. Estimated Value $175 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for $1.50. View details	Realized $368
Lot 955		1827 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base 2. PCGS graded AU-50. Antique gray tones with sunset gold at the rims. Well struck and nicely preserved, with minimal handling marks. A common variety, but very nice overall. Estimated Value $150 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased from Celina Coin Company on July 26, 1944 for $2.50. View details	Realized $207
Lot 956		1827 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Curl base 2. PCGS graded AU-55. Good luster in the fields and nice colors at the rims. Moderate handling marks from very brief circulation and a decent example of this popular and scarce curled base 2 variety. Estimated Value $170 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on September 12, 1944 for $5.00. View details	Realized $414
Lot 957		1828 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Curl base, no knob 2. PCGS graded AU-53. Blue, red and gold toning around the obverse rim, with some luster in the fields. Average handling marks, but much better eye appeal. Estimated Value $175 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on February 26, 1944 for $2.00. View details	Realized $357
Lot 958		1828 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base 2, large 8's. PCGS graded AU-50. Satiny gray toning with antique gray at the rims. Moderate handling marks expected for the grade, and a pleasant coin overall. Estimated Value $170 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister on September 6, 1944 for $4.00. View details	Realized $230
Lot 959		1828 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base 2, small 8's large letters. AU-58. This one shows hairlines from a cleaning on the obverse, but has retoned over the decades with fiery gold and blue at the rims, still bright at the center. Worth inspecting as you will find the colors quite bright and alluring. Estimated Value $175 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $529
Lot 960		1828 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base 2, small 8's and letters. PCGS graded MS-62. Dark steel gray in color with hints of blue near the rims and rose at the centers. A good strike by the dies, and the surfaces show minimal handling marks. We note one thin scratch at the inside point of the fourth star. Estimated Value $500 - 600. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $978
Lot 961		1829 Capped Bust Half Dollar. 9 over 7. PCGS graded EF-40. Great peripheral color and well preserved. The surfaces show an average number of handling marks for the grade. Estimated Value $100 - 120. From the Benson collection and purchased from Chapman on June 24, 1944 for $2.00. View details	Realized $265
Lot 962		1829 Capped Bust Half Dollar. 9 over 7. Fine-15. Cleaned with resulting hairlines in the fields. Dark toning on both sides. Estimated Value $40 - 50. From the Benson collection and purchased from Celina Coins on July 26, 1944 for $3.00. View details	Realized $52
Lot 963		1829 Capped Bust Half Dollar. EF-40. A stunning beauty that boasts glowing gold tones at the rims, and abundant mint frost. Well struck and preserved with delightful eye appeal. Estimated Value $75 - 100. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s for $2.00. View details	Realized $230
Lot 964		1829 Capped Bust Half Dollar. VF-20. Cleaned long ago and now toned with greenish gold around the rims, bright at the center of the obverse, the reverse mostly untoned. Estimated Value $35 - 45. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 24, 1944 for $1.50. View details	Realized $46
Lot 965		1829 Capped Bust Half Dollar. . O-118. O-118, Rarity-4 and 1830. O-103, Rarity-2. The first grades AU-50, but is cleaned rather harshly, and the 1830 grades AU-55. Worth inspecting, as the 1829 is a tough variety. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details	Realized $311
Lot 966		1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small 0. NGC graded Proof 64. An Extremely Rare Proof Example. First off, examination of the mirror surfaces and strike confirm that this is a proof. The stars and full and complete, each of the thirteen showing full radial lines and most showing the central ridge which extends down the middle of each star arm. Further, the central clasp on Liberty's shoulder is sharp, and minute traces of doubling are noted on several of the peripheral devices, confirming at least two strikes from the dies. Well mirrored fields, including between the shield stripes from polished dies, which is expected on proofs. Minor weakness in the strike on the absolute top most curls, and on the eagle's left claw above the C. The surfaces are toned with gold and sunset yellow colors predominating, with blue splashes near the edge of both sides. Frosted on the devices, and the coin boasts good contrast. No others have been reported in proof of this die pairing, and it is quite possibly Unique. in proof. Further research will likely enhance the rarity of this date and variety in proof. As to the rarity, we note PCGS has graded a single example in Proof as PR-62. NGC reports only a single coin graded in proof, this example as PF-64. Estimates of the total population range from four to ten coins, of various die pairings, and we were able to locate auction records of at most six different coins over the past 100 or so years (others may have been offered, but this the information we could reasonably locate) as follows: 1). Bowers and Ruddy's Terrell Sale, 5/73:837: The present coin. Note the two tiny specks below TE of UNITED for the plate match. 2). Lester Merkin's Sale, 2/12/71: 720 later Stack's Reed Hawn Sale, 8/73:93 (two toning dots over head). (Both plated) 3). 1949 ANA Sale, Numismatic Gallery, lot 1482 (No plate) at $38.00. 4). David Aker's John Jay Pittman Sale II, 5/20/98:1494 "possible proof", O-108, realized $10,450. (Plate). 5). Stack's Davis-Graves Sale, 1954:519 "has break from D to ribbon" at $30. (No plate). 6). Chapman's Parmelee Sale, 1890: 998 at $5.50 (No plate). Some duplication is likely in the above group, and not all coins were plated making confirmation of the pieces known extremely difficult if not impossible. With so few known, the present coin is likely either the Parmelee or the 1949 ANA coin (or both!) but this is uncertain until individual notes are studied from attendees of the auction who examined and made notes about the coins offered. Breen notes only Overton-110 as a known variety in Proof in his Proof reference, and later in his Encyclopedia mentions "several varieties of proofs" but does not enumerate the Overton numbers that he had seen. A foremost opportunity for the specialist to purchase an extremely rare coin. Remember that proofs from this era were issued on a hit or miss basis. In some years a dozen of various denominations may have been coined, in other years none. As seen above, the 1830 proof half dollar is an extremely rare animal. One could argue that there are half a dozen known, and could just as easily argue that this 1830 proof half dollar is unique. Whatever the case, we heartily recommend this beautiful proof coin. Estimated Value $15,000-UP. From Bowers and Ruddy's Terrell Sale, May 18-19, 1973, lot 837, prior and past offerings possible. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 967		1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small 0. PCGS graded EF-45. Nearly the "a" die state but lacking the lower crack through the last couple of stars. Dark russet and blue toning and quite lovely for the conservative grade assigned. Estimated Value $60 - 70. From the Benson collection and purchased from Chapman on June 24, 1944 for $2.25. View details	Realized $345
Lot 968		1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small 0. VF-35. Moderate hairlines beneath the lovely peripheral toning, with the centers still bright. Estimated Value $30 - 40. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for $1.40. View details	Realized $69
Lot 969		1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small 0. Fine-12 but harshly cleaned. Harshly cleaned and possibly scraped on the obverse, but now retoned. Inspection a must. Estimated Value $25 - 35. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source for $1.50. View details	Realized $46
Lot 970		1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Large 0. PCGS graded EF-45. Beautiful toning around the obverse periphery, with gold on the reverse edge too. Good luster and well preserved. Estimated Value $60 - 70. From the Benson collection and purchased from Celina Coin Co., on July 26, 1944 for $3.50. View details	Realized $311
Lot 971		1831 Capped Bust Half Dollar. . O-106. MS-64 or better. Beautiful russet and blue toning over lustrous fields and devices. We note the devices are sharply impressed, and that this is a scarce die pairing. This one is at the low end of the condition census for the variety, but we would expect this magnificent coin to sell to a type collector who is assembling a high grade mint state collection. An outstanding example that was put away many years ago and just finally come back into the light of day. Estimated Value $2,500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 972		1831 Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded AU-58. Strong luster and graced by lovely toning around the periphery. Estimated Value $200 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed in 1944 for $1.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 973		1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. . O-110. NGC graded MS-63. A sparkling frosty mint specimen exhibiting a near full strike on the obverse with an area of weakness on the reverse at PLURIBUS. We notice some minor green stains in some of the protected areas, one of note behind the cap. We suspect that NGC has taken this into consideration and graded this coin accordingly. In our opinion, these minor stains are removable and as such, this coin could grade even higher. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,725
Lot 974		1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. PCGS graded AU-55. Wonderful peripheral toning on the obverse, with similar but lighter gold on the reverse rims. Well struck by the dies, and we note minimal hairlines and handling marks. Estimated Value $170 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for $1.50. View details	Realized $575
Lot 975		1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. AU-55 and a possible proof. This coin is a possible proof, as the fields are entirely reflective and mirror like, including between the shields lines on the reverse. However, it briefly circulated and the fields are now hairlined. A few areas of dark patina are noted on both sides, but the coin is virtually untoned. As far as we know, Overton-122 was not a die pairing used to produce proofs, and this could possibly be a very early strike after the dies were just prepared. Boldly struck on the stars, Liberty and the eagle, the only weakness is on the top of the 0 in the denomination. As always, inspection recommended so you can make up your own mind as to if this is a proof. Estimated Value $500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 976		1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. VF-35. Steel gray and nice for the grade. Estimated Value $40 - 45. From the Benson collection and purchased in the 1940s for $1.50. View details	Realized $58
Lot 977		1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. VF-35. This one his hard to attribute as there is virtually no reeding to work with for diagnostics. It does have a double corner on the left side of the shield. Dark steel gray with some areas of deep gold. Estimated Value $40 - 45. From the Benson collection and purchased in the 1940s for $1.50. View details	Realized $46
Lot 978		1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Large letters. AU-58. Quintessential Benson toning on this gorgeous coin, with rings of vibrant blues and gold around the obverse, and a much smaller but still vibrant ring on the reverse. One small planchet streak before Liberty's face in the field. A few hairlines, expected on these, but blazing luster and excellent quality for the grade. Well struck for the large letters variety, with the usual long die break on the reverse from the left wing to the olive leaves, and die rust behind the eagle's head. Estimated Value $175 - 225. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on October 13, 1944 for $10.00 as "Proof", because of the reflective surfaces. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $483
Lot 979		1833 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. Satiny gray gold toning on both sides over lustrous fields. Struck from worn dies as are most seen, with slightly drawn stars and other design elements. The antique toning really enhances the eye appeal of this coin. Probably in the top half dozen known, and just a hair behind a couple of gems reported on the Parsley-Overton census. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,610

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