http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/rare-coin-news/ en info@zoomcoin.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-11T23:26:48+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/saint-gaudens-20-double-eagle-ngc-matte-proof-67/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/saint-gaudens-20-double-eagle-ngc-matte-proof-67/#When:23:26:48Z Price: $135,000 Some original estimates of the mintage for the matte proof 1911 double eagle are as high as 100 pieces, however, two prominent authors have suggested a mere 20 to 25 coins were struck. Apparently, there are inadequate mint records to get a definitive number and the estimates are based upon the number of pieces that have surfaced over the past forty years. The total NGC certified population stands at 44 coins with 10 of those in Proof-67 grade and unbelievably, 5 finer! There have only been 6 appearances at auction for a Proof-67 graded coin since 1994. Between 1994 and 2000, the average auction price realized is $55,550. From 2003 through 2006, the average auction appearance realized $92,216, although other dates in PR67 were realizing an average of $88,933 during the same time-frame. Only one example has sold at public auction since the economic meltdown of late 2008 and early 2009 (July 2009), and it realized an impressive $103,500. This offers strong evidence of how rarities held value during a period of extreme uncertainty and paper assets and real estate had collapsed some 50-70%. The specimen offered is of superb gem quality exhibiting a complete strike and beautifully soft matte proof surfaces. No doubt it would satisfy the most sophisticated of collectors. The CU3000 Price Guide lists the Proof-67 at $180,000 and Numismedia is $136,500. Our ask price: $135,000 2012-05-11T23:26:48+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/historic-3-million-1907-pf67-rolled-edge-eagle-to-be-on-display/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/historic-3-million-1907-pf67-rolled-edge-eagle-to-be-on-display/#When:23:33:41Z (Long Beach, California) -- One of only two known proof 1907 rolled edge Indian Head $10 gold coins will be exhibited at the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo, May 31 - June 2, 2012. The show will be held in the Long Beach, California Convention Center, 100 S. Pine Ave. "There are only about 50 known rolled edge 1907 Eagles, and this is one of only two known with satin proof surfaces and graded NGC Satin PR67. It will be exhibited by Monaco Rare Coins of Newport Beach, California," said Ronald J. Gillio, Expo General Manager. "This important and monumental rarity was not discovered to be a proof finish until several years ago. It was previously misattributed as mint state. The coin now is insured for $3 million," said Adam Crum, Vice President of Monaco Rare Coins. "Some researchers believe this coin may have been owned by President Theodore Roosevelt who asked acclaimed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to design the Eagle and Double Eagle coins that were introduced in 1907. One prominent numismatist told me, 'After all the research we did, your coin has to be Teddy's.' Obviously, more research is required, but that is what being a numismatist is all about, isn't it? I look forward to more discovery," said Crum. The only other 1907 Proof Rolled Edge Edge known to exist was sold at auction in January 2011 at public auction for $2,185,000. It has become known as the “Leach” specimen. The upcoming Long Beach Expo also will be the launch for the "First Digital Coin Show" where collectors and dealers can get together online before and during the show through a free mobile application from the Collectors Corner division of Certified Coin Exchange (CCE). "Dealers can register the inventory they'll have at their Long Beach tables. Collectors and other dealers then can use the new mobile app with CollectorsCorner.com to easily locate any coins they're seeking as well as finding the dealers and locations of their tables," explained Cassi East, CCE President. "Imagine knowing where your special coin is located even before you get on the bourse floor!" Also, after a ten-year absence, a sports collectibles section will be returning to the Long Beach Expo beginning with the May-June show. The Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo will be open for dealer setup beginning two hours earlier than in the past on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, from noon to 7 pm. Public hours will be Thursday and Friday, May 31 and June 1, from 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturday, June 2, from 10 am to 5 pm. Public admission is $8 (good for all three days); $6 for members of any coin or stamp club; $4 for seniors 65 and older and for children ages 8 to 16. Free admission is available for PSA Collector Club members, PSA and PCGS Set Registrants, PSA and PCGS Authorized Dealers and for children ages 7 and younger. The Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo and the Certified Coin Exchange are divisions of Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLCT). 2012-05-03T23:33:41+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/1792-silver-center-cent-sells-for-1150000/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/1792-silver-center-cent-sells-for-1150000/#When:21:21:36Z The first coin struck inside the newly constructed United States Mint in Philadelphia sold for a celebrated $1,150,000 on Thursday night at the Central States Numismatic Society Convention. The specimen is graded MS61-Brown by PCGS. The coin is highly coveted by numismatists and always brings about enthusiastic bidding when seen in the market. The design described by the cataloguer as follows, “Liberty faces right with hair flowing behind. The obverse periphery reads LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY, with 1792 just below the bust. The reverse has a wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom; ONE CENT is within. Around the rim is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with the fraction 1/100 below. Struck in copper with a silver plug in the center. Medallic alignment.” The following excerpt from a letter sent by Thomas Jefferson to President Washington offers evidence that our founding fathers were deeply involved in the coining process and interested in the design of our early coins. "Th. Jefferson has the honor to send the President two cents made on Voigt's plan by putting a silver plug worth 3/4 of a cent into a copper worth 1/4 cent. Mr. Rittenhouse is about to make a few by mixing the same plug by fusion with the same quantity of copper. He will then make of copper alone of the same size, and lastly he will make the real cent as ordered by Congress, four times as big." Can you imagine the excitement of the day as these great men constructed our young nation? United States rare coins survive today to tell a wonderful story of our rich nations history and are tangible evidence of what has become the greatest economic society in world history. And the sale of this treasure for $1,150,000 confirms that rare coins as an asset continue to shine like a newly minted penny. Congratulations to the winning bidder for this outstanding early American rarity. He or she stands in good company as a temporary custodian of one our most important coins. 2012-04-20T21:21:36+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/ngc-certifies-unique-stella-variety/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/ngc-certifies-unique-stella-variety/#When:21:20:02Z Copied from Numismatic Guaranty Corporation website 4-9-12 The single known example of a distinctive Stella variety has been authenticated and graded by NGC as PF 60, J-1636a. The Stella, or four-dollar gold piece, was coined solely as a series of pattern pieces dated 1879 or 1880 in two major types. Both show a left-facing bust of Liberty on the obverse and a five-pointed star on the reverse, from which the coins get their popular name “Stella.” More often seen is the Flowing Hair type designed by Mint Engraver Charles Barber, with most examples bearing the 1879 date. This newly-certified specimen features that same basic design, but what makes it unique is that the bust of Liberty is positioned differently with respect to the supporting design elements, clearly identifying it as having been struck with a different obverse die than all other known examples. The reverse die is the same as that observed for other Stellas coined in gold, copper, aluminum and white metal. The coin was struck in copper and gilt—gold plated. Whether this gilding was done at the US Mint or sometime later is not certain. This newly-certified coin has been known to advanced numismatists for decades, yet it has been off the market for many years and is largely unfamiliar to most hobbyists. On the normal die, Liberty’s coronet points to the star between numeral 7 and letter C of the peripheral legend, and the tip of her bust leads to the first star at lower left. On this unique specimen, Liberty’s portrait is rotated a degree or two counter-clockwise, so that these same two features point to the 7 in the legend and the 1 in the date, respectively. It’s not known for certain in which order the dies were employed, but it’s likely that this variety came first, since so many additional pieces were made with the other die. This coin is listed and illustrated in both the Judd and Pollock reference books on United States pattern coins. Judd (United States Pattern Coins, 10th Edition) numbers it J-1636a and describes this as the Small Head variety, though any difference in size is imperceptible. The coin is described as copper with a reeded edge, but no mention is made of the sole known example being gilt, that is, gold plated. In fact, the illustration is copper colored, suggesting that the graphic designer may have altered its color to match the printed description. Pollock (United States Patterns and Related Issues) numbers this variety as P-1837 and acknowledges that it is gilt. Both references cite its most recent public appearance as being the Kagin’s auction of March, 1985, Lot 1591. Unlike most gold impressions of the Flowing Hair Stella, this specimen displays an absolutely full strike. It is readily distinguishable by a shallow reeding mark at the junction of Liberty’s neck and jaw. Also of note is that the star between letters AM of GRAMS is distinctly repunched. The unique J-1636a is from the estate of John Eshbach, longtime hobby stalwart, who passed away several months ago. It will be included in an upcoming Heritage auction which features the John Eshbach Collection. 2012-04-20T21:20:02+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/the-beginning-of-a-revolution/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/the-beginning-of-a-revolution/#When:16:27:27Z In what some historians consider a catalyst to the American Revolutionary War, a small band of citizens (mostly farmers) from North Carolina took up arms against what they considered corrupt colonial officials. Today it is known as the War of the Regulation or the Regulator Movement. It was 1766, ten years before the start of the American Revolution, when back-country settlers in North Carolina launched their own bid for economic and political liberty. For almost five long years the Regulator Rebellion pitted thousands of farmers against political and economic elites loyal to the British Crown who opposed the Regulators' proposed reforms. It appears the more productive regions of the colony were being taxed at the same rates of those less productive regions. This brought about discontent from those paying more taxes to the crown and thus a rebellion was formed to bring about change. It started with peaceful demonstrations, but culminated in May 1771 when then Governor Tryon formed a colonial militia which defeated more than 2,000 armed farmers and forcing at least 6,000 Regulators and sympathizers to swear allegiance to the government. Seven farmers were hanged. As with all conflicts, the “War of the Regulation” had to be paid for as well. In 1771, the North Carolina Assembly authorized the issuance of 60,000 pounds in debenture notes for the purpose of paying the expenses associated with putting down the Regulators. As a result the historical notes from December 1771 offered here were issued. Amazingly, a few have survived today for collectors to enjoy and literally hold early Colonial history in their hands. Whether or not the Regulator Movement was a precursor to the American Revolution is certainly a topic for debate. But one thing cannot be debated, and that is that these historical treasures are truly something to behold and ponder. The story of how these came to survive has been lost, but I am excited to have discovered this book of fifty notes completely in tact and UNCUT. Each note in these uncut sheets contain a “Two Shilling & Six Pence”, “One Pound”, and “Ten Shillings” and are were printed with engraved plates saying, The Province of North Carolina is indebted to the Poffeffor (possessor) here of ---------- (denomination) proc. Money to be paid out of the Public Treafury (treasury) according to Act of Affembly (assembly) pafsed (passed) Dec. 1771. A vignette is displayed in the lower left corner and signers to the right were Richard Caswell, 1st and 5th governor of North Carolina, as well as, an appointee as one of the delegates to attend the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Other signers were Lewis De Rosset, John Harvey, and John Rutherford all important figures in early Colonial history. According to The 5th Edition of Early Paper Money of America published in 2008, the fair market value for all notes combined in these uncut sheets is $1,200 for uncirculated, $1,800 for choice specimens and $2,400 for GEM uncirculated. The notes offered here are all from an original bound book copy which contained 50 uncut sheets. It is reasonable to assess a premium to uncut sheets, but I have not done so. Through much research of auction data, price guides, and discussion with top experts in the field I have determined that these notes are an exceptional value and I have priced them at below current published and realized fair market values. If you are a believer in the blueprint for successful collectible acquisitions, which is rarity, popularity and historical significance then don't hesitate in adding as many of these wonderful early Americana rarities to your collection as can be acquired. The notes in this offering are graded by the premier currency grading service, Paper Money Guarantee (PMG), and the available grades and prices are as follows: About Uncirculated-58 $890 About Uncircultated-58EPQ $975 Uncirculated-61 $1,000 Uncirculated-62 $1,050 Uncirculated-62EPQ $1,200 Uncirculated-63PEQ $1,500 Uncirculated-64 $1,575 Sold Out Uncirculated-64EPQ $1,650 Uncirculated-65EPQ $1,800 Sold Out Uncirculated-66EPQ $2,450 Sold Out Obviously this offer cannot be duplicated and is limited to only 50 with a variety of grades from 58-66. The average grade is in Choice Uncirculated grades of 63 and 64. Only two are available in the 66 grade and they will sell quickly, so d on't hesitate, please contact your Monaco representative immediately. 2012-03-30T16:27:27+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/1848-2-1-2-liberty-with-cal.-on-reverse-ngc-ms61/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/1848-2-1-2-liberty-with-cal.-on-reverse-ngc-ms61/#When:17:45:54Z One of the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins The 1848 $2.50 Liberty with the reverse CAL. stamp is a very significant issue often referred to as a one-year Type coin, not to mention the fact that it is the first commemorative coin struck in the United States to memorialize the historic events of the California Gold Rush. This particular coin, as are all surviving examples, was produced from the first shipment of gold bullion to arrive at the Philadelphia Mint from the fields and streams of “El Dorado”. The shipment provided 230 ounces of the precious metal, a major portion of which was transformed into 1,389 regular-issue quarter eagles, each coin bearing the inscription "CAL." above the eagle's head on the reverse. Curiously, coins made from California gold by the Philadelphia mint can not be identified since they were melted and assayed, then placed into the economy at a frenetic rate. Aside from the gold recovered from shipwrecks with a distinct time-line, these 1848 $2.50 Liberty with CAL. coins are the only regular issue coins to be positively identified as being made out of California gold. Numismatists, historians and scholars are enlightened by surviving documentary evidence leading up to the production of these coins. Secretary of War William Learned Marcy penned a letter regarding the first shipment of gold from California to Mint Director Robert Maskell Patterson on December 8, 1848: "If the metal is found to be pure gold, as I doubt not that it will be, I request you to reserve enough of it for two medals ordered by Congress and not yet completed, and the remainder, with the exception of one or two small bars, I wish to have coined and sent with the bars to this department. As many may wish to procure specimens made with California gold, by exchanging other coin for it, I would suggest that it be made into quarter eagles with a distinguishing mark on each, if any variations from the ordinary issues from the Mint would be proper and could be conveniently made ..." Auction catalogs dating back as far as 1851 have described this issue as a “Proof” while modern day numismatists claim the coin to be “Prooflike” struck on freshly polished business strike dies. In most all catalog descriptions, the term excessively rare is used nearly all the time! Regardless of their status as proof or business-strike issues, however, the coins are among the most attractive examples of U.S. coinage ever issued, and collectors of many disciplines pursue this issue with avid determination. Experts have further estimated that fewer than 75 examples of this rare issue survive today in all grades, maintaining the demand on such a remarkable coin. Of the few remaining examples, we note several have realized well-over $300,000 at public auction and at one point, an superlative example even realized $400,000+. The present specimen is an impressive Mint State example, with reflective yellow-gold surfaces on the reverse and hints of light green on the obverse. There is definitely a contrast between the devices and the fields, but not enough to merit the classification of “cameo” - a term often reserved for Proof coin. The NGC Census reports that four (4) coins have been certified as MS61 since 1987, with a mere 17 finer. The Collectors Universe published price is $90,000, while the Numismedia published price is $94,380. This graph is for the MS60 example of the 1848 $2.50 CAL. Coins in the MS61 grade always trade for higher amounts, but this shows an impressive price history over the past decade. We are excited to offer this exciting coin for only $89,750. 2012-03-09T17:45:54+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/first-united-states-coin/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/first-united-states-coin/#When:17:40:01Z A spectacular GEM+ Fugio Cent, Reverse - United (LT) States (RT), Obverse exhibiting 4 Cinquefoils. This is more commonly referred to as “United States, 4 Cinq” within the numismatic community. As one of the coins listed in the critically acclaimed book, 100 Greatest United States Coins, alleviating any doubt that this issue caries the popularity required to warrant a spot in a great collection. Certainly popularity is a key factor in upward price pressure, but add to this pressure the historically significant aspects of this issue and it is easy to affirm that this coin leads the pack. The Fugio Cent was the first Congressionally authorized coin to be minted by our young nation after winning of the Revolutionary War. The specimen offered here is not only rare, but it is graded in the GEM+ grade of MS66RB (Red-brown), making it the finest known by either PCGS or NGC. I could right a book on why this coin would fit in ANY great collection of Americana, but I will spare you the time. Acquiring this wonderful coin will inspire you to discover the history, intrigue, die varieties and the reason for certain sayings and designs that adorn this wonderful piece of American history. No doubt this coin speaks for itself...it has all the important aspects of a successful acquisition which meet requirements for my “blue print” for success...”Rarity, Popularity, and Historically Significant”. The most recent GEM example to appear in public sale was seen March 2010 and it realized $21,850, however it was a MS66 which had a “brown” designation. The specimen offered here has a “red-brown” designation making its devices more visible and able to exhibit more depth. It stands alone as the “Finest Known” undisputed King of the Fugio Cents. We are proud to offer it for acquisition at only $27,500 2012-03-09T17:40:01+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/monaco-is-proud-to-offer-a-magnificent-matte-proof-gold-set-struck-in-the-y/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/monaco-is-proud-to-offer-a-magnificent-matte-proof-gold-set-struck-in-the-y/#When:18:57:33Z One of the greatest and most successful collectors of this century had this philosophy: "BUYING THE RIGHT COINS IS IMPORTANT…THE PRICE IS SECONDARY… IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT COINS, THE PRICE WILL SOON CATCH UP AND PASS WHAT YOU PAID." --Excerpt from Stack’s John J. Ford, Jr. Collection catalogue, October 14,2003. Many of our clients have subscribed to this philosophy and have created extremely significant collections. Those clients who knew to buy "the right coins" and who have sold their holdings have indeed, made handsome profits. This is still happening today... Monaco is proud to offer a magnificent matte-proof gold set struck in the year 1911. It was a year that witnessed the first transcontinental flight and the first running of the Indianapolis 500. It was also the year in which no more than 191 gold proof coins were struck in each of the four gold denominations for collectors. According to well-known authors, approximately 20-25 sets could still be in existence! The Indian head design was introduced in 1907 ($10s and $20s) and 1908 ($2.50s and $5s) and matte proof coins were manufactured for each of the years 1908 to 1915. An art-deco satin finish was substituted into the design for 1909 and 1910, but many complained the satin finish was too difficult to distinguish from the business strike coins then freely circulating within the economy, so in 1911 the mint re-introduced the matte finish. Nevertheless, even the matte finishes were not popular with collectors. As it turns out, many of the sets were unsold and then melted down. This is critical to understanding the true rarity of the surviving population. Each of the denominations is a major rarity today - but an evenly matched set is truly a numismatic landmark. 1911 Matte Proof Gold Sets Most advanced and sophisticated collectors realize the value of a collection is enhanced by the sets within. Few collectors have the opportunity to acquire sets, especially of proof gold. We have researched back to 1979, and can find only 11 relevant sets (2 are impaired and therefore not included) that have sold at public auction – and all come from prominent collections (collectors) of our time. It’s interesting to see how they have compared with each other, not only by grade and condition, by the price realized. It is quite clear that the set presently being offered is the FINEST to have ever been publicly offered, based upon this research. ID Collection Year Sold Avg Grade Price Realized 1 John W. Garrett 1980 64.5 $ 163,500 2 Loius E. Eliasberg 1982 65.75 $ 75,350 3 Floyd M. Starr 1992 65.75 $ 136,400 4 1994 ANA Convention Sale 1994 67 $ 150,700 5 Sam & Rae Bloomfield 1996 66 $ 122,100 6 James U. Blanchard 1998 65.25 $ 125,000 7 Ed Trompeter 1998 65.5 $ 156,400 8 Thomas Moores 1999 66.5 $ 123,750 9 Walter Childs 1999 65.5 $ 147,200 10 Lawrence E. Licht 2005 65 $ 252,750 11 NY Connoiseur 2006 66.75 $ 267,950 12 Monaco (the present set) 2011 67.25 $ 385,000 Depending upon how one evaluates the unpublished PR68 $10 eagle, using our evaluations below, this set should have a published price of between $434,000 and $469,000 according to the Collectors Corner fair market value scale. Yet through our channels, we can offer this set for $385,000. Here is the breakdown by coin: Indian $2.50 quarter eagle, NGC Matte Proof-67. Despite the fact that NGC has seen 96 coins in all grades, only 18 have been designated 67 with 12 finer. Undoubtedly many of these submissions are of the same coin. We can only account for eight (8) appearances of the PR67 quarter eagle in 67 grades over the past 20 years. What we find most interesting is the escalation of growth in price over the past decade. Between 2000 and 2004, the average auction price realized is $23,000. Between 2006 and 2009, the average auction price realized is $37,950. Since 2009, the average auction price realized is $46,072. We call this exceptional growth and a great investment! The future looks good as the published price is $59,000 (Collectors Universe). Saint-Gaudens $20 double eagle - NGC Matte Proof-67, Indian $10 eagle - NGC Matte Proof-68, Indian $5 half eagle - NGC Matte Proof-67 and Indian $2.50 quarter eagle - NGC Matte Proof-67. Indian $5 half eagle, NGC Matte Proof-67. Only 139 coins were struck this year for the half eagle denomination. In all, 56 coins have been certified in all grades with 11 designated 67 with only 4 finer. There have been 13 appearances at auction for a 67 graded coin, four of which are for the same coins. As with the quarter eagle, the half eagle also shows sound growth: Between 2000 and 2004, the average auction price realized is $47,840. Between 2006 and 2009, the average auction price realized is $54,625. Since 2009, the average auction price realized is $69,958. Most recently, we’ve recorded PR67 graded coins having realized more than $83,000 (2009). The published price is now $95,000 (Collectors Universe). Indian $10 eagle, NGC Matte Proof-68. Even though the mint produced 191 matte proof quarter eagles in 1911, they saw fit to mint only 95 of the $10 coins. Only 27 coins have been certified by NGC in all grades, of which an astounding 3 coins have achieved the lofty 68 grade level. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE COINS! It is clearly in the Condition-Census and could very well be the FINEST KNOWN example of the 1911 matte proof eagle. There has never been an auction appearance for a PR68 graded 1911 Indian eagle coin. In fact, out of the entire 1908-1915 series, only two PR68 coins have sold at auction, a 1908 (1999) and a 1913 (1996, 2005). Clearly this coin represents much of the value of this 1911 four piece set. It is somewhat difficult to ascertain a true Fair Market Value for a PR68 eagle, especially as even Collectors Universe has it unpublished, but comparative analysis may help here. The average difference in price between grades is 42%. Given that number, we conservatively estimate the published value, if there was one, to be $165,000. We may be way off, however, as just in the past two weeks a NGC PR67 1910 coin sold for $138,000. This could mean a PR68 coin should price out at $200,000! Saint-Gaudens $20 double eagle, NGC Matte Proof-67. Some original estimates of the mintage for the matte proof 1911 double eagle are as high as 100 pieces, however, two prominent authors have suggested a mere 20 to 25 coins were struck. Apparently, there are inadequate mint records to get a definitive number and the estimates are based upon the number of pieces that have surfaced over the past forty years. The total NGC certified population stands at 44 coins with 10 of those in Proof-67 grade and unbelievably, 5 finer! There have only been 6 appearances at auction for a 67 graded coin since 1994. Between 1994 and 2000, the average auction price realized is $55,550. From 2003 through 2006, the average auction appearance realized $92,216, although other PR67 coins were realizing an average of $88,933 during the same time-frame. Only one example sold at public auction after 2009, the price realized being $103,500. The published price is presently $115,000 (Collectors Universe). 2012-02-15T18:57:33+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/ngc-certifies-unique-proof-1854-10-liberty/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/ngc-certifies-unique-proof-1854-10-liberty/#When:18:19:24Z Posted from the NGC website dated 2/14/2012 NGC recently identified and certified a proof 1854 $10 gold piece. The coin grades Proof 55 Cameo. While a small number of lower denomination proof coins are known from this year, notably examples of the first year of issue $3 gold pieces, this newly identified example is the only known proof 1854 $10. The coin was submitted to NGC by an authorized dealer based in Europe and no information concerning the coin’s provenance was provided. Although submitted as a regular issue example, it was immediately recognized by NGC as a great rarity. Lightly circulated, it nonetheless possesses deeply mirrored fields, frosted devices and squared rims, unlike any other known 1854 Gold Eagle. More telling, this coin was struck using the same reverse dies as known proof eagles dated from 1840 through 1848. During that era, reverse dies for proof coinage were saved and used to strike coins in subsequent years. No other proof eagles struck at Philadelphia are known from the period 1849 through 1856. Walter Breen, in his Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins, 1722-1989, relates a story of proof gold coinage of 1854. Officials from the city of Bremen, Germany visited the Philadelphia mint, and offered gifts of their coinage, which were placed in the Mint’s cabinet collection. In exchange, a complete set of 1854 proof coins were presented to Bremen for its museum. For the 1854 $10, Breen listed a mintage of “1+,” meaning that at least one example was struck. This set of coins remained in Bremen until World War II, when the city was occupied and the coins went missing from the museum. Breen states that, periodically since, examples of proof coins dated 1854 from this set have been offered. It is unknown if this 1854 $10 formed part of that set. NGC Certifies Unique Proof 1854 $10 Liberty Mark Salzberg, chairman of NGC, commented on this coin’s discovery: “Now that NGC has submission centers and authorized dealers around the world, there is a new opportunity for these types of exciting discoveries. Moreover, we’re very proud that people throughout the globe have access to exceptional expert services from NGC, so that they can receive accurate information about any coin. Rick Montgomery, president of NGC and head of grading, notes that, “identifying and authenticating this coin is part of an important numismatic story, and we work hard to make sure that it is told properly. It’s an honor that NGC is entrusted time and again by dealers and collectors with the greatest numismatic rarities.” Gold coin expert and co-author of the Encyclopedia of U.S Gold Coins 1795 – 1933, Jeff Garrett comments that, “The discovery of a Proof 1854 Eagle is one of the most significant numismatic stories of the last decade. Seldom is a previously unknown, unique coin, revealed to the numismatic community, and the circumstances of the discovery adds to the allure.” Jeff Garrett worked with NGC on the encapsulation of the Smithsonian’s great rarities, which includes the most comprehensive date run of proof gold coinage of the 1840s. Doug Winter, expert in 19th Century gold coinage, consulted with NGC on this coin. After completing his own detailed study, he related, “the 1854 $10…is absolutely a proof. This is one of the most important United States gold coins to have been discovered in some time and as far as I know it is unique in Proof for the date.” 2012-02-15T18:19:24+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/1809-8-capped-bust-5-ngc-ms64/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-news/article/1809-8-capped-bust-5-ngc-ms64/#When:18:22:05Z A pristine and original specimen of this controversial overdate. Harry Bass owned two examples of variety and seemed to question the status of the overdate being a 9 struck a previous 8. However, it is highly recognized and popular variety none the less. It is referred to as the “scarcest” date of this variety in a number early gold encyclopedias. As noted above, Bass doubted the overdate status of this variety, but traditionally it has been considered one. Tradition often wins over reality and, as noted, this author and many notable others agree with Bass. There is something under the 9, but whether it is an 8 or remnants of an erroneously punched 9 is uncertain. One interesting feature that has received scant attention is the large 9 punch employed on this die. It is much larger than the other digits. The partial numeral under the 9 does not seem to match the curve of an 8 or this 9. As with many other early gold issues, we sometimes have to draw the best conclusion that we can from the existing specimens. This work has kept the traditional moniker for this date of 1809/8/ Whether an overdate or not, this is a popular date and variety and one that draws a tremendous attention from collectors. As with many controversial issues in numismatics, this can prove to be a driving factor in demand. The population of this coin in MS64 is listed as 61, but certainly there are many resubmissions in this number as is probably the case with the 13 MS65 examples. To date the finest is a lone MS66 by PCGS. Only 21 appearances are listed of MS64s and 5 MS65s in the auction record since 1990. Two MS64s have appeared in 2011 and have an average priced realized of $62,006. The last MS65 to appear was in May 2010 and realized $77.050. These prices realized provide ample confirmation that the specimen offered here at only $60,000 is an exceptional value. 2011-12-28T18:22:05+00:00