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Sale 2
Lot 112
"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist within the United States." An extremely rare Congressional manuscript copy of the Thirty-Eighth Congress Joint Resolution submitting the proposed Amendment to the United States Constitution to Abolish Slavery in America signed by over 150 members of Congress. President Lincoln believed adamantly that the United States had to completely abolish slavery and that the Constitution had to be amended accordingly. However, the Constitution gave the President no role in the process of constitutional amendments and so a motion was passed on Feb 7, 1865, condemning him for having signed some of the official copies of the Resolution. The official Congressional copies were to have been signed only by the Congressmen. Approximately one dozen of these documents exist, most of which are in institutional collections and rarely appear on the market. This particular document contains more signatures than any other known - a total of 152 signers. Many of whom were important and powerful politicians during the Civil War. The Thirteenth Amendments to Abolish Slavery in America is an important cornerstone to any collection. Beautifully framed and matted with original large albumen photograph of President Lincoln taken by photographer C.S. German in Springfield, January 13, 1861, being one of the earliest known photographs of Lincoln with a beard. Matted with a typeset transcript of the Thirteenth Amendment. Overall size 47 1/2 x 31 1/2". Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution One page, Elephant Folio, on vellum, with double ruled dark blue borders, Washington DC., December 5, 1864. Signed by Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, Speaker of the House, Schuyler Colfax, and Secretary of the Senate, John W. Forney, as well as 150 members of the 38th Congress. Being the congressional engrossed copy signed by 150 members of both the House and the Senate, including future President James Garfield, as well as Lyman Trumbull, Thaddeus Stevens, and many others as follows:
"Thirty-eighth Congress of the United States of America, at the Second Session, begun and held at the City of Washington, on Monday, the 5th day of December, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four. A Resolution submitting to the legislatures of several states a proposition to amend the Constitution of the United States. Be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America and Congress assembled (two-thirds of both Houses concurring) that the following Article be proposed to the legislatures of the several states as an Amendment to the Constitution of the United States which when ratified by three-fourths of said legislatures shall be valid to all intents and purposes as a part of the said Constitution, namely: Article XIII, Section 1 - neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. Section 2 - Congress shall have the power to enforce this Article by appropriate legislation. I certify that the Resolution originated in the Senate. - John W. Forney
Schulyler Colfax, Speaker of the House of Representatives, - Hannibal Hamlin, Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate."
Estimated Value $60,000-UP.
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Lot 1240
The Norweb 1804 Quarter. NGC graded MS-63. Browning-1. Rarity-4. Of all of the classic silver coins designed by Robert Scot, the 1804 quarter stands out as one of the most desirable. And for a variety of reasons. The 1802 half dime may be a lot rarer (as it should be, with a mintage half that of the 1804 quarter) because it was a denomination more heavily used at the time than the larger denominations--and circulation drained the half dimes almost to nonexistence. The tiny-mintage 1796 and 1797 half dollars stand alone as rarities, even though a small number of high-grade coins were put aside when the country was young. The Bust dollars, being "dollars," have been sought by an unusually broad spectrum of collectors. And the two major rarities among them, the 1794 and 1804, are almost too famous for their own good, and as a consequence are pricey beyond the means of almost all collectors.
That leaves the Bust quarters to be considered. The rare 1796, although having the smallest mintage of the series, was saved in small numbers as the first year of issue. A fair number exist in Choice and even Gem Uncirculated grades. As a one-year type, with the Small Eagle reverse, 1796 has always had a great deal of collector pressure exerted upon it. The next year of issue, 1804, sported a new, Heraldic eagle reverse, but evidently it was not saved with much relish by contemporary collectors, or even by happenstance, as it is much, much rarer than the 1796, especially in the nicer states of preservation. Then, too, it can be argued that Scot's design of Liberty--as well as his Heraldic eagle--"fit" the quarter dollar much more pleasingly than on other denominations. Neither side appears "crowded" by its design. Its images, in this size, might be said to be "perfect."
How rare is the 1804 quarter? In-the-know collectors have appreciated its rarity for decades. For others it's just a "tough" coin to find, in any grade. In reality, something on the order of a dozen coins only (perhaps less, if resubmissions play much of a role) seem to exist and have been graded by the services above the VF grade level. And as experienced collectors of America's early coinage know, most Bust coins, in all the denominations, suffer from scratches and nicks and early (if not later) cleaning problems. So, any 1804 quarter above VF, and indeed any without problems, is rare in the absolute sense.
Finally we should consider the presently offered coin, the astounding Norweb Collection piece. It is among the very finest existing of its date. It has some small surface abrasions but it is well struck and handsome. Over the years, as it resided in the Norwebs' hands, and others before theirs, it has acquired a lovely, oldtime "set" color ranging from shades of deep bluish gray to hues of pinkish gold. Where the toning is lighter, the brilliance of its luster shines through still. A small circular "spot" of planchet granularity is to be found before the U of UNITED on reverse, which will forever identify this as the famed Norweb coin. Considering how few 1804 quarters exist at this level of preservation, and how well this size coin accommodates Robert Scot's magnificent design, this coin's allure is undeniable. NGC has graded only this coin at the MS63 level to date, and none better. PCGS reports 3 MS63 coins and a single MS64.
Historical tidbit: while the Land Act of 1804 encouraged western expansion, which was to burgeon in the next four decades, the fledgling U.S. Navy sailed daringly into Tripoli harbor to recapture its frigate, called the Philadelphia.
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Lot 1855
A 1913-S in Very Choice PCGS MS 64. PCGS graded MS-64. One of the most difficult to locate dates in this series, the 1913-S just hasn't turned up in large quantities. The few that do show up in Europe or South America invariably are baggy from decades of shuffling about in 1,000 coin bags. Over the past 13 years of precision grading, PCGS has built quite a data base of coins. Their Population Report enumerates a scant 3 in this grade with 2 graded higher. If you are collecting Indian Eagles, then here is one of those rare opportunities to purchase a truly rare coin in superlative condition.
Abundant luster in the fields; and sharply impressed by the dies. Free of annoying marks or hairlines, this coin is certain to please the fastidious collector.
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Lot 1260
The Finest Known 1896-S Quarter!
NGC graded MS 67. NGC graded MS-67. A superb gem of a coin, the luster glows forth from the fields subdued by a light smattering of coppery toning. Fully struck throughout, with even the tiny details on the eagle's claws sharp and defined, similarly every tidbit of Barber's design present on this significant rarity. Even the stars show full radial lines as a testament to how well this coin was struck. Unimprovable in every way, this numismatic classic is certain to attract attention far and wide when it crosses the block.
The San Francisco Mint pinged off 188,039 of these during 1896. Of these this coin is the Finest Known. It is the only coin so graded by either NGC or PCGS in this grade, and there is none graded higher. If you want to have this rare date in the absolute finest condition, then here is the coin you must have. Why not upgrade that worn out one you've been gagging on for all these years with a superb gem? In NGC holder #668354-001.
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Lot 35
Washington, George. Fitzpatrick has this letter (Vol. 27, p.74) from the Richard Varick transcripts in the Library of Congress.
Large bold signature, mounting traces on verso of second page, else fine. A remarkable letter! 1st President of the United States, 1789-1797.
With the Signing of the Treaty of Paris on the Horizon, Washington bestows a Diplomatic letter of Goodwill on the Leader of the Dutch Pro-French Patriotic Party.
Letter Signed. Two pages, Two-sided, Folio, "Head Quarters - State of New York August 2, 1783." Elaborate and elegant letter of thanks and good will from Washington to Baron de Capellan, the head of the Dutch pro-French Patriotic Party. Transcribed in part:
"Sir The very acceptable present of the Patriotic Society of the City of Enkhuysen, came safe to me a few days ago by this agreable token of their respect and regard, I feel myself highly honored and it was a very particular enhancement of the pleasure I felt on this occasion, that it was accompanied with a Letter from you. Your Nation, Sir, and your Charter in particular, have indeed merited the confidence & regard of the Confederated States of America and they will I trust be considered with grateful veneration. The Union so happily commenced will I hope be cultivated by both, with the utmost care and attention, and I pray to heaven that it may be as durable as mutual Interests and reciprocal benefits can render it -- permit me Sir most sincerely and cordially to rejoice with you on the re-establishment of your Honors & Usefulness & to felicitate not you only, but your Country, in whose cause you have proved yourself so noble and effacious an Advocate, in this happy & most honorable Event, an Event which my opinion augers well to the future Liberties & prosperity of the Republic.
May Heaven long bless your Country with the Enjoyment of her Liberty, the choicest Earthly favor, and may personal happiness and domestic pleasures ever attend your footsteps thro all your future Walks of Life.
With sentiments of the highest Esteem and regard. I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient and very humble Servant, G: Washington".
Estimated Value $40,000 - 60,000.
Ex Superior's Signers Sale, November 6, 1993, Lot 367.
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Lot 2029
Near Gem 1931 with abundant mint bloom. PCGS graded MS-64. One of the classic rarities of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, the 1931 mintage was quite large, but virtually all were subsequently melted in 1933. How many were preserved is unknown, but certainly it wasn't many. PCGS, for all its years of grading, has only seen 55 of this date. Of these, 21 are so graded, with 23 graded higher.
This coin in particular has blazing mint bloom, with radiant luster and original greenish gold colors. The obverse certainly appears to be a grade better, and the reverse has only 1 tiny tick mark crossing the ray below D of DOLLARS. An outstanding example for the date specialist, and worthy of a gem collection.
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Lot 1598
1855 Type 2. PCGS graded MS-64. Handsome surfaces aglow with mint luster. Well struck on the Indian Princess's hair, and on the wreath and bow, with only a touch of softness at the top of the 8 in date. In all, pleasing and far better than most.
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Lot 1695
1860 Trompeter. PCGS graded Proof 64. A splendid early Proof quarter eagle which has remained the proud possession of the individual who bought it from Ed Trompeter's astounding collection back in February 1992, where it appeared as Lot 40.
The mintage was a mere 112 coins, yet even fewer (by a far measure) have survived and turned up for third-party grading. NGC reports 10 graded, 63 to 66. PCGS reports only 4, one 65 and three 64s. That will change, because this coin was in the same NGC PR64 holder from 1992 until recently, when the owner wished it to cross over to PCGS, which it has, with the same designation. It was never resubmitted, just crossed over. Readily identifiable by the strike-through or "pit mark" on the denomination (see the Trompeter cataloguer's remarks).
This coin is a real beauty, gleaming with reflectivity and wonderful bright yellow color. The strike is splendid, and the devices exhibit the two-tone cameo effect that helps make these pieces so special and so desirable. Formerly from the Garrett Collection before Trompeter.
Just to keep this coin in historical perspective, you might recall that in 1860 the Pony Express had its brief run, carrying the mail between St Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California--and died out as quickly as it was born, when the transcontinental telegraph was completed. And … between May and November of this year, 1860, Abraham Lincoln achieved nomination and was elected sixteenth President of the United States--which, within months of the coining of this little Proof, would no longer be united. These were desperate times. No wonder so few delicate, golden Proofs survived.
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Lot 1627
1861-D. PCGS graded AU-53. One of the most desirable dates and mints in the Gold Dollar series, the 1861-D deserves all of its fame. Two obverse dies were shipped in late 1860, and arrived in January of 1861. The Confederacy seized the Mint in April of 1861 before any Gold Dollars had been issued that year. An unknown quantity was struck by the Confederacy after April, and few of these are known today. The present coin is certainly one of the best, falling in the higher range of grades known. Always struck with weak obverse lettering, the grade is awarded more by surface quality than by apparent wear, as the dies were in such wretched condition. One of the only coins available that was definitely struck by the Confederacy at a United States Mint, and loaded with history.
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Lot 2037
Nearly Mint State $50 Slug. PCGS graded AU-55. A stunning coin for the Territorial specialist. The surfaces show some die rust, which has been reduced by brief circulation. Moderate hairlines are also noted in the fields. The rims don't have the usual heavy dents that seem to plague this issue (they were called "slugs," after all, as all of you will remember, because Barbary Coast kidnappers used them in bandanas to slug captives over the head, then haul them off to indenturedness aboard sailing vessels). The obverse has some tiny areas of tooling where minor marks have been buffed down. The eagle is bold, and the shield too, with full details on every tiny device. Always popular for the engine-turned reverse, which shows virtually no signs of contact. An important and very rare coin indeed.
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