Coins & Medals

1. Eastern Celts, AR Tetradrachm. 7.18 grams. Hess. 438, L13 170/1. Obverse: Head of Zeus right; reverse: Horse, left. Nicely toned and well centered.
Very Fine

2. Naples, AR Didrachm, 370-340 BC. 6.89 grams. BMC 36, Sambon 364, Ex Naville 6167, Gans #20. Obverse: Female head right, hair bound with broad ribbon; reverse: Man-headed bull crowned by Victory. Several die cracks are present on the obverse.
Very Fine

3. Naples, AR Didrachm, After 321 BC. 7.42 grams. Gans #21, cf. Sambon 465. Obverse: Small female head right, tiny figure of running Artemis behind; reverse: Man-headed bull crowned by Victory. Nicely toned with a fully original appearance.
About Extremely Fine

4. Naples, AR Didrachm, ca.300-241 BC. 7.2 grams. Sambon 510. Obverse: Head of Nymph left, poppy behind; reverse: Man-headed bull crowned by flying Victory. Deeply toned with minor planchet porosity.
Very Fine

5. Naples, AR Didrachm, 300-241 BC. 7.29 grams. Sambon 5485. Obverse: Small head of Nymph left; reverse: Man-headed bull right. Quite smooth with minor edge incompleteness on the reverse.
Very Fine

6. Nola, AR Didrachm, 360-325 BC. 7.15 grams. Sambon 799. Gans #24. Obverse: Female head right, hair bound with embroidered ribbon; reverse: Man-headed bull facing left, crowned. Struck on a narrow flan and deeply toned.
Very Fine

7. Velia, AR Didrachm, ca. 400 BC. 7.4 grams. BMC 45/46. Obverse: Head of Pallas left, griffin on helm; reverse: Lion right, owl above. Large die cud shows at the top of the reverse.
Very Fine

8. Terina, AR Didrachm, ca.400 BC. 7.6 grams. Regling 57, B.195. Obverse: head left with broad sphendone; reverse: Nike seated left holding caduceus. Nicely toned, well centered.
Very Fine

9. Sicily, Catana, AR Tetradrachm, 461-413 BC. 16.66 grams. B.206, Gans #122, cf. Rizzo plate X5, Syll. Lockett 608, same reverse die. Obverse: Quadriga right; reverse: Laureate head of Apollo right. Minor porosity and a few small marks.
Very Fine

10. Sicily, Gela, AR Tetradrachm, Early 5th Century BC. 16.7 grams. BMC 14. Obverse: Quadriga right; reverse: Forepart of man-headed bull swimming or running. Some mottled charcoal toning.
Fine +

11. Sicily, Gela, AR Didrachm, Early 5th Century BC. 8.46 grams. BMC 19, Gans #131. Obverse: Galloping horseman right, spearing downward; reverse: Forepart of man-headed bull right. Well centered on a slightly oblong flan.
Extremely Fine

12. Sicily, Mamertini, AE Bronze. 9.3 grams. Obverse: Head of Zeus right; reverse: Warrior advancing right. Bright green patina overall. Well worn but still a collectible example.
Good

13. Sicily, Messana, AR Litra, 461-396 BC. .5 gram. Syll. Copenhagen. 411. Obverse: Hare right, ivy leaf below; reverse: MES in wreath. Deeply toned.
Very Fine

14. Sicily, Syracuse, AR Tetradrachm, 485-479 BC. 17.15 grams. B.278/B.300. Obverse: Quadriga right; reverse: Head of Arethusa, right, surrounded by four dolphins. Deep patina shows in the recesses of the design.
Very Fine

15. Sicily, Syracuse, AR Tetradrachm, 474-450 BC. 17.33 grams. Boehr 589, Gans #189. Obverse: Quadriga right, Nike crowning horses; reverse: Female head right, hair bound with broad ribbon, surrounded by four dolphins. In exergue, KETOS. Nicely toned and well detailed, some die cracks show on reverse.
Very Fine / Extremely Fine

16. Sicily, Syracuse, AR Tetradrachm, ca.450-439 BC. 17.19 grams. Boehr 706. Obverse: Quadriga right; reverse: Head of Saccos right, signature "A" on neck under ear. Struck on irregular flan with minor porosity.
Fine / Very Fine

17. Selinas, AR Litra, 466-415 BC. 17.39 gram. Obverse: Nymph seated on rocks holding and feeding serpent with her right breast; reverse: Man-headed bull right; above parsley leaf, circular legend. Deeply toned. A very rare offering.
Very Fine

18. Neapolis, AR Hemidrachm, End 5th Century BC. 1.8 grams. BMC 86.30. Obverse: Gorgon's head facing; reverse: Head of Nike right. Struck on an oblong, irregular flan.
Extremely Fine

19. Macedon, Philip II, AR Tetradrachm, 359-336 BC. 14.25 grams. Gans #231, M.294. Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus right; reverse: King on horseback left, right hand raised, monogram below. Well detailed with a pleasing appearance.
About Extremely Fine

20. Macedon, Alexander III, AR Tetradrachm, 336-323 BC. 17.4 grams. Obverse: Head of Heracles in lion's skin right; reverse: Zeus enthroned left with eagle and scepter. Well centered with good detailing.
Extremely Fine

21. Macedon, Alexander III, AR Drachm, 336-323 BC. 4.4 grams. Obverse: Head of Heracles in lion skin right; reverse: Zeus enthroned left, with eagle and scepter. Nicely toned overall.
Extremely Fine

22. Thessalian League, AR Double Victoriate. 5.95 grams. cf. BMC 2.24. Head of Zeus right: reverse: Athena right in fighting pose with spear in right hand. Deep, mottled toning.
Very Fine +

23. Thessaly, Larisa, AR Drachm, 400-344 BC. 5.98 grams. BMC 29.56. Facing head of Nymph Larisa; reverse: Feeding horse, left forefoot raised. Attractive original patina.
Very Fine

24. Locri, Epizephirii, AR Stater, 332-326 BC. 7.33 grams. Syll. Copenhagen 1859, ex Naville Collection. Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus right; reverse: eagle flying left devouring small animal. A small test cut is noted on the edge as is an indentation at the center of the obverse. Otherwise, well detailed overall.
Very Fine

25. Phocis, AR Triobol, 357-346 BC. 2.84 grams. BMC 78. Obverse: Facing bull's head; reverse: Head of Apollo right, symbol: lyre. Deeply toned.
Very Fine

26. Phocis, AR Triobol, 550-480 BC. 2.82 grams. BMC 15.10 var. Obverse: Facing bull's head; reverse: Female head right. Deep gray toning overall.
Very Fine

27. Euboian League, AR Drachm, 4th Century BC. 3.75 grams. Ex: Wallace Collection. Obverse: Head of Nymph left; reverse: head and neck of bull, symbol is satyr's head. Die cracks on reverse. Struck on oval-shaped flan.
Very Fine / Extremely Fine

28. Euboian League, AR Drachm, ca.340 BC. 3.65 grams. Ex: Wallace Collection. Head of Nymph left; reverse: head and neck of bull, no symbol. Deep argent and charcoal toning.
Very Good

29. Euboia, Chalkis, AR Drachm, 369-336 BC. 3.65 grams. BMC 69 var. Obverse: Head of Nymph right; reverse: flying eagle, facing, with serpent in beak. Struck on oblong flan.
Fine / Very Fine

30. Euboia, Histiaea, AR Tetrobol, ca.196-146 BC. 2.19 grams. Obverse: Head of Maenid right; reverse: Nymph seated on stern of galley. Deep argent-gray color.
Very Fine / Extremely Fine

31. Athens, AR Drachm, Before 400 BC. 4.35 grams. Obverse: Helmeted head Athena right; reverse: owl, olive leaves, and berry. Mottled gray and charcoal color.
Very Fine

32. Athens, AR Tetradrachm, ca. 4th Century BC. 16.85 grams. cf. Banks 26.2. Head of Athena right; reverse: owl seated on branch. Struck on oblong, small flan.
About Very Fine

33. Aegina, AR Stater, ca.650-600 BC. 11.9 grams. Banks 25.1. Obverse: Sea turtle, R. irregular incuse square.
Very Fine

34. Corinth, AR Stater, 350-338 BC. 8.6 grams. Obverse: Pegasus flying left; reverse: helmeted head of Pallas, left. Deep silver-gray with some blue and red accents on the reverse.
Very Fine

35. Achaean League, AR Tetrobol, After 280 BC. 2.3 grams. Obverse: Head of Zeus (double strike); reverse: monogram of league, dolphin below, all in laurel wreath, struck at Patrae.
Fine / Very Fine

36. Argos, AR Hemidrachm, 4th Century BC. 2.75 grams. Ex: Lockett Collection, 2499. Obverse: Forepart of wolf facing right; reverse: large A. Deep silver-gray toning.
Fine

37. Paphlagonia, Sinope, AR Drachm, 322-230 BC. 6.02 grams. Obverse: Female head left within beaded circle; reverse: sea eagle on dolphin, EK under wings. Quite well centered with a medium silver color.
Fine


38. Istros, AR Drachm, 4th Century BC. 5.8 grams. Obverse: Two heads, one downward, one up; reverse: eagle on dolphin. Attractively toned.
Very Fine

39. Mytilene Lesbos, Gold Electrum Hekte, ca. 396 BC. 2.5 grams. Bodenstedt 70, Boston 1707, BMC 104. Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right; reverse: female head with long flowing hair wearing necklace within linear square in incuse square. Well struck on an oval flan.
Very Fine / Extremely Fine

40. Rhodes, AR Didrachm, 400-333 BC. 6.65 grams. BMC 37. Obverse: Facing head of Helios; reverse: rose. Deep argent toning overall.
Fine / Very Fine.

41. Phrygia, Laodicea, Nero AE, 54-68 AD. 7.4 grams. Obverse: Nero, young portrait; reverse: Zeus. Quite porous and deeply toned.
Fine / Very Fine.

42. Lydia, Croesus, AR Siglos, 561-546 BC. 5.5 grams. Obverse: Forepart of lion and bull face to face; reverse: rectangular incuse squares. Struck on small oval flan.
Fine

43. Aspendus, AR Stater, ca. 4th Century BC. 11 grams. Obverse: Two wrestlers; reverse: slinger, Triskeles. Well centered with a quite smooth planchet.
Very Fine

44. Parthia, Mithradates II, Drachm, 123-88 BC. 4 grams. Obverse: Portrait left; reverse: Arsales enthroned. Struck on oblong flan, deeply toned.
Very Fine

45. Bruttium, Terina, AR Stater (Fourrée), 5th-4th C BC. 1.5 grams. Obverse: Nymph; reverse: Nike seated. Probably a fourrée. A fourrée is a coin, most often a counterfeit, that is made from a base metal core that has been plated with a precious metal to look like its solid metal counterpart. The term is normally applied to ancient silver plated coins.
Fine

46. Bruttium, Terina, AR 1/3 Stater (Possible Fourrée), ca. 300 BC. 2.3 grams. BMC 46. Obverse: Nymph facing left; reverse: Nike seated left on cippus. Possible fourrée, some mottled charcoal color is present on each side.
Very Fine

47. Bruttium, AE 23, ca. 240 BC. 8.5 grams. BMC 91, Ex: Harlick Collection, NFA XIV, 237. Obverse: Zeus right with wreath behind; reverse: standing eagle with surrounding legend. Ample green incrustation is present overall.
Good Very Fine

48. Campania, Neapolis, AR Didrachm, 340-241 BC. 7.1 grams. Kovacs 24-14; ANS 382; ex Garrett III, 109. Obverse: Nymph facing left; reverse: Man-headed bull, right. Deep argent-silver patina.
Very Fine

49. Syracuse, AR, Tetradrachm 474-450 BC. 17.2 grams. Boehringer 470. Obverse: Quadriga right, Nike above; reverse: Head of Artemis-Arethusa with four dolphins. A splendid styled coin featuring deep patina and several inconsequential marks.
Very Fine

KM-673. Head of George III faces right, date is below / coat of arms with crown at top; legend surrounds. Several noticeable scratches and digs are seen to the right of the date and lower part of the bust. Some luster remains in the protected areas of the design. Only 35,000 pieces were struck.

KM-735.1. Young head of Victoria facing left, date below / crowned coat of arms, legend surrounds. Typical wear shows for mid-grade status, a couple of thin, hairline-like marks are on the obverse.

KM-752, Fr. 388. Head of Victoria facing left, legend surrounds / St. George mounted on horse slaying dragon, date below. Modestly circulated with a few scattered contact marks. Traces of luster can still be seen. A desirable example.

AE 35mm. Obv: Laureate head of George IV facing left. Obverse inscription, GEORGIUS IIII D . G. BRITANNIARUM REX F . D. (George IV, by the grace of God, king of the British, defender of the faith). Reverse inscription, an allegorical coronation scene. PROPRIO JAM JURE ANIMO PATERNO. (Now in his own right with his father's mind). BHM 1070, Wollaston xv, Eimer 1146, Fearon 272.1. About Uncirculated.

Together with Germany, Saxony, Johann Georg I, ½ Taler, 1615 swan (KM #53). Fine, flan is warped.

Together with Panama-Pacific International Exposition Award Medal, 1915. Bronze, 71mm. By John Flanagan. Obv. Robust male and female nudes, DIVINE DISIVNCTA IVNXIT HOMO, the Divine Difference Unites Mankind. Rev. Tower of Jewels, tablet inscribed MEDAL/ OF AWARD.

Including 1908 Sovereign; 1/2 Sovereigns, 1887, 1897;
Crowns, William IV, 1819, 1821; Victoria, 1887; Double Florins, 1887 (2); 1/2 Crown, 1887; Shillings, 1887 (2); 6 Pence, 1887 (5), 1891, 1931; 3 Pence, 1886; Canada, 5 Cents, 1910, 1912, 1917, 1929; United States, 1882 5C Nickel; 1889-S 10C; Columbian Exposition 50C, 1892 (2). Sold as a lot, not subject to return.

Including 1738MO MF 8 Reales; 1783MO FF 8 Reales El Cazador GENUINE NGC; Mexico, 1801MO FT 8 Reales; 1783MO FF 8 Reales; 1809 MO MF 8 Reales; Republic, 1888MR 8 Reales, Potosi; 1769MO 2 Reales; 1771MO 2 Reales; 1781MO 2 Reales; 1817MO 1 Reale; 1783 MO 1/2 Reale (2). Together with Spain, 1/2 Escudo, 1817GJ, Madrid Mint, and an ancient bronze coin.

Y-43. 20.72 grams. Lightly circulated with a few edge chips and some minor edge filing visible on the reverse. Still, a desirable issue.

Y-65.1. 12.87 grams. Mostly lustrous with only the slightest rubbing on the highpoints. A couple of minor contact marks are present on the obverse.

Included are: Russia, Nicholas II, Silver 50 Kopecks, 1913, Y-58-2, 9.96 grams; Russia, Elizabeth I, Silver Rouble, 1742, C-19b.3, 24.6 grams, well-worn overall; and France, Gold 20 Francs, 1907, KM-857, 6.39 grams, Uncirculated.

Including issues of France, Louis XV, 1753 5 Francs; Napoleon III, 1869 5 Francs; Republic Francaise, 1875 5 Francs; other modern silver issues, 10 Francs, 1965; 100 Francs, 1984, 1986, 1987; Austria, restrike 1780 Maria Teresa Taler. Together with miscellaneous late 19th and 20th century copper and nickel coinage. Sold as a lot.

Including 1899 $20 in jewelry mount; also includes Rome, Antoninus Pius, Sestertius; France, Louis XIV, 1650; miscellaneous other French Silver coins, 19th century; USA, 1899-S 10C.

Housed in Wayte Raymond folder. Includes 1922, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1927-1963 consecutive. Also includes extra 5C, 1936, 1937, 1945, and 1947. An interesting lot, with some scarcer issues.

252.2 grams, 3.5 inch diameter. Obverse: Portrait of Isotta degli Atti surrounded with legend; D.ISOTTAE.ARIMINENSI; reverse: Malatesta elephant over date, M.CCCC.XLVI.

De' Pasti cast two notable medals of Isotta degli Atti (c.1432-c.1475), the mistress and subsequently the third wife of Sigismondo Malatesta. The earlier, dating from c.1450, shows a young woman with hair covered by a veil. In this, the later medal, her tresses are bound into an elaborate dressing; she appears assured and mature. The daughter of a Rimini merchant, Isotta was first seen by Sigismondo at the age of 13 probably in 1446, the year she became his mistress. They married after the death of his second wife, probably in 1456. The inscription 'd[ominae] Isottae ariminensi' means the Lady Isotta of Rimini. As noted above, the date 1446 is commemorative, "the triumphal year when Sigismondo consolidated his political power, dedicated his new castle, and won Isotta as his mistress." De' Pasti is not recorded as being in Rimini before 1449.

The Malatesta elephant on the reverse has been called 'one of the most impressive representations of animals on a Renaissance medal, with its bold and fluid design, massive in its modeling, yet sensitive to the subtle details of the skin; a natural and heraldic figure. The design was modified several times, as it once included inscriptions and two rosebushes; as with the medals showing Sigismondo, various combinations of elements exist for Isotta. The elephant, as well as standing for the Malatesta qualities of strength and fame, even immortality, was traditionally associated with piety and chastity.

Medium bronze surfaces with lighter accents on the highpoints of the design. Normally handled but not marred with any marks, pits, or other notable distractions. Rare and highly collectible.

Included are nine European medals in various metals including bronze, silver, gilt, and cast. Sizes vary from 40 mm to 62.5 mm. Weights vary from 17.87 grams to 85.7 grams. Some are holed and damaged. An interesting lot that should be personally examined by the perspective bidder. Sold "as is", not subject to return.

KM-1139. Essentially untoned with light wear and no mentionable marks. An abundant amount of luster remains.

28.8 mm, 16.49 grams, Fr.1, KM-1131. Struck at the Osaka Mint in Japan, the obverse features a dragon curled within a beaded circle clutching the Pearl of Celestial Wisdom, the surrounding legend states the national name Dae Han, Regnal date, and denomination in the Korean phonetic alphabet. On the reverse, the vertically placed denomination is under a Korean plum flower crest within a rose and plum wreath.

The regnal name Kwang Mu, "Military Illustriousness," was assumed by King Kojong, in 1897 replacing the ephemeral name Kun Yang used in 1896-1897. The Emperor is remembered today with considerable affection for his lifelong struggle to preserve Korea's independence. His aggressive neighbors including China, Russia and Japan were locked with Korea in a complicated conflict. By 1905, Japan predominated, and the last Korean coins were similar in size and alloy to contemporary Japanese denominations, however, the Won coins show the dragon firmly grasping the Celestial Pearl in Japanese fashion, while Chinese dragons more modestly pursue the sacred symbol. The largest denomination gold coins of 20, 10 and 5 Won appeared just as Korea's independence was breathing its last breath. These were the only gold issues struck by Korea prior to annexation by Japan. The vast majority of each denomination was retained, in Korean banks as backing for gold notes, and nearly all of these reserve specimens were melted after Korea was annexed to Japan in 1910. A very tiny number escaped, thanks to determined numismatists such as H.A. Ramsden of the pioneer Japanese numismatic firm of Jun Kobayagawa, who rescued a handful of 5 Won pieces. Reportedly 2,506 examples of the 20 Won were struck in 1906, but the number now extant is minuscule with only a few pieces known in any grade.

The present piece, graded MS64 NGC, appears to rank among the highest of all surviving examples, richly lustrous with fully struck surfaces and devices. A light amount of natural golden-peach patina ensures originality. For pedigree purposes, a smattering of small contact marks are noted in the reverse field within the wreath.

Auction history finds two Extremely Fine examples offered in recent years; one in 1982 at the Mortimer Hammel Sale which brought $25,000; the other in the Stack's 1996 December Sale which realized $34,000. This specimen traces its lineage to the Lipno Collection (Henry Christensen), November 1961, lot 421; Louis Eliasberg Collection (ANR) April 2005, lot 2315; (Stack's) March 2006, lot 986; Vermuele, Ward, and Mexico Maxico Sale (Stack's) January 2010, lot 1575 where it sold for $155,250.

CAC Sticker. C-3, B-3, R.1. Lustrous milk-chocolate with steel-brown toning on the highpoints of the obverse portrait. The surfaces are virtually flawless and offer outstanding eye appeal. The only defects are a couple of tiny abrasions that have collected on Liberty's cheek and neck. Notable striking weakness is detected on the reverse. (PCGS 1060)

C-3, B-3, R.1. Exceptional eye appeal and smooth surfaces for an 1808 half cent, with brown luster in the fields and a bold strike. Liberty's hair curls show full separation, as well as the reverse leaves the display their central intricate veins. Classic medium brown throughout, the color even and free of spotting. One minor dig at the last S of STATES serves to identify, and the surfaces are otherwise free of all but a few but a few wispy lines seen at certain angles. The reverse die was rotated about 160 degrees counter clockwise when struck, a common feature of this variety. PCGS Population: 8, 9 finer (MS64 Brown Finest) in all designations. (PCGS 1107)

S-63, R.3. Dark charcoal fields with light copper accents on selected highpoints of the design elements. Minor porosity is present overall explaining the PCGS designation. Well detailed and well centered. (PCGS 901374)

S-93, R.3. Dark, somewhat rough surfaces with noticeable pitting and porosity overall. The digits of the date and most other detailing are quite clear. (PCGS 1401)

CAC Sticker. S-266, R.2. The only known dies. Well-worn but quite smooth with noticeable die cuds around the peripheries on the obverse and reverse. An affordable example of this popular date. (PCGS 1504)

CAC Sticker. N-2, R.3. Full bronze-like luster overall with some blue-green interspersed on the reverse. Well struck in the centers with some minor softness at the obverse periphery, possibly due to the late state of the dies as evidenced by a circular die crack. A few discreet toning spots are also seen on the obverse. Scarcely offered in this high grade. (PCGS 1690)

Ex: Rasmussen Collection. N-6, R.1. Deep golden-brown with lively mint orange frost in the well-protected design areas. Lively luster and rose iridescence engages both sides. Essentially mark-free throughout and choice for the assigned grade. (PCGS 37087)

N-6, R.1. Deep rose-orange surfaces exhibit a frosty appearance and bold cartwheel luster. The strike is bold both centrally and peripherally, and the eye appeal is bold as well despite some obverse toning flecks, the most noticeable of these at stars 2 and 12. A natural reverse planchet fissure, as struck, runs from the D in UNITED across to STAT, jumping to the rim above AT, otherwise no marks of moment are found on either side. An amply pleasing specimen despite some tiny blemishes. (PCGS 1837)

Struck in silver with a plain edge. Medium to deep slate gray with highly reflective surfaces and varied blue and silver highlights. Struck from the heavily rusted and shattered obverse die, the reverse also heavily rusted with die breaks there. A rare prize, the only silver 1823 restrike cent called MS63 by PCGS, with none certified finer by that organization. The uspatterns.com website notes the following: "These are believed to have been struck originally by or for Joseph Mickley from dies sold by the Mint as scrap. The obverse is from Newcomb 2 dies and the reverse is from 1813 Sheldon 293 and were struck over several years, probably beginning in the early 1860s, as a copper example was in W.E. Woodward's November 1862 sale of the Finotti collection. About a dozen silver examples…were believed to have been struck by John Haseltine in the late 1870s. Both dies show extensive cracks and rust although the reverse die is not in the terminal die state known for the very last copper examples." Other numismatic opinions indicate there is not a shred of evidence linking the evidence of these to famous Philadelphia numismatist Mickley. They seem to have been issued by someone in or around Philadelphia, whose identity is unknown today. Such are the interesting mysteries of restrikes. An eagerly sought item by advanced specialists in the large cent discipline as well as advanced pattern collectors. Population: 1 in 63, none finer. (PCGS 12202)

2.8 grams, 87% Copper, 13% Nickel. The obverse and reverse designs are the same that the Mint used to produce regular issue 1864 Indian Cents of the No L type. An experimental issue struck on a copper planchet of the same thickness used in the regular issue copper-nickel cent series of 1857-1864. Plain edge. Well struck, copper-rose surfaces are devoid of mentionable defects. A full Gem with the original mint finish vibrant in sheen although obviously only struck once with the dies and not a Proof. (PCGS 60525)

An interesting mint error coin. A silver dime planchet was mistakenly introduced into a hopper with steel blanks intended for cent production, and subsequently struck as a one cent coin. This mistake was not caught at the Mint and coin was released into circulation for some time. It is now lightly toned with no apparent surface damage. Highly collectible. (PCGS E2711)

An amazing piece that exudes a magnificent level of eye-appeal, thanks to dazzling, iridescent toning that consists of luminous red-gold, sea-green and amber shades that sparkle upon the mirrored surfaces. The reverse includes delightful dapples of electric-blue color, while the devices are delicately frosted and are eminently deserving of the Cameo designation. The strike is bold and only a couple, difficult to discern, hairlines limit the grade, though the appeal of this coin is exceptional. (PCGS 83716)

It is well known that three cent silver pieces struck after 1862 were from habit rather than need (similarly shown with current Kennedy half dollars). In 1867, only 4,000 circulation strikes were made, many of which went undistributed. This is a wonderfully preserved survivor that features central placement of reddish-russet toning bordered with sea-blue at the outer regions. Irregular shadings of bright silver-gray are also present. The underlying fields impart a semi-reflective glow, and some of the highest detail points are not quite full, diagnostic of a circulation strike. This is one of the finest known examples to either service. Population: 3 in 66, none finer at either service. (PCGS 3687)

CAC Sticker. Well defined throughout with natural toning in a somewhat mottled fashion. Some minor scuffing and a few small marks, particularly on the obverse, serve to limit the grade. (PCGS 3689)

Lustrous, satiny surfaces are silver-gray in color with the obverse showing some deeper golden-russet. This sharply struck example is expectantly free of bothersome abrasions and carbon for the assigned grade. (PCGS 3742)

A frosty Mint State specimen with silver luster beneath streaky olive-gray toning. The New Orleans Mint produced 815,000 half dimes in 1841, among the higher productions for this denomination from this facility. This mintage figure does not follow precisely with current population data, the latter of which suggests this date is quite elusive, especially in Mint State preservation. This date and the 1842 Philadelphia issue both have identical mintages, however, the certified population of 1841-O is about one quarter that of the 1842. (PCGS 4329)

The 1842-O (just 350,000 pieces struck) is a well-known key to the Seated half dime series. Survivors are seldom offered in any grade, but, according to Al Blythe (1992), examples that grade VF and below are available with patience, however, this is not the case with Mint State representatives. Both sides of this conditionally rare near-Gem are toned in streaky reddish-golden patina. Satiny mint luster is seen throughout, and there are no singularly mentionable abrasions. The strike is perhaps this coin's only detracting factor. On the obverse, Liberty's head and foot, as well as several of the star centrils, are softly defined. In addition, the lower reverse wreath is bluntly impressed. These striking deficiencies aside, this is an important silver offering in this sale, and it is a half dime that should have little difficulty finding its way into a specialized collection of Seated coinage. Population: 5 in 64, five finer (MS66 finest). (PCGS 4331)

Bust of Washington faces right, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around, date below, reverse of the No Rays Shield nickel of 1867 to 1883. Deep golden-tan with rose highlights. A noticeable gouge is below the two lower left stars on the reverse. Reverse die rotated some 315 degrees or so, top of 5 in denomination points to 4 o'clock instead of noon when the coin is turned on its horizontal axis. Double struck, most noticeably on the reverse, with approximately 150° clockwise rotation between the first and second impressions. The obverse shows just a slight counter-clockwise rotation between impressions. The differences indicate that at least one of the dies must have been remounted in the coinage press between strikings. According to uspatterns.com: "This pattern is believed to have been struck outside the mint from dies sold as scrap that were purchased by Joseph J. Mickley." A treat for an advanced error specialist or pattern collector. PCGS Population: 1, 1 finer (Proof 64 RB). (PCGS 60714)

Nickel gray and slate-gray with good detail remaining and nice visual appeal. Among the keys to the Buffalo nickel series, and one of the more famous 20th-century American rarities. (PCGS 3982)

FS-020.2. This is an uncommonly sharp example of the ever popular Three-Legged nickel, even the central reverse highpoint exhibiting considerable definition. Minimally worn with few notable abrasions, both sides are awash in warm, even, golden-gray patina. (PCGS 3982)

From the initial year of the Jefferson nickel series comes this gorgeous, conditionally rare Gem example. Essentially untoned with uniform mint brilliance to the finish, both sides are also devoid of even trivial detractions. A fully impressed specimen that belongs in the finest collection. Housed in an older green holder. (PCGS 4175)

CAC Sticker. Medium O. Well struck with a surprising degree of satiny luster still apparent in the protected areas and near the peripheral devices. Slight softness on Liberty's head, and on the lower left portion of the wreath, may indicate minor wear from brief circulation. (PCGS 4582)

Scarce in high grades and with pleasing surfaces. The strike is fairly sharp and traces of luster reside in the protected areas. Mintage of 430,000 pieces, many were melted during this period due to the disruptions of the Gold Rush in California to the relative values of silver to gold. Essentially a white coin with a hint of pale silver-gray iridescence. (PCGS 4598)

Including 1938, 1940-D, and 1940-S.

An error caused when a mint employee failed to punch the correct S mintmark in the die hub before production. Splendid surfaces are smooth, boldly contrasted in finish and fully untoned. The exact mintage is unknown, however, less than 250 have been certified by both services combined. (PCGS 95265)

B-1, R.2. The overdate feature is bold and easily visible without magnification. The surfaces are toned in original dove-gray color, with rose, russet, and gold highlights. A popular and relatively scarce variety, seldom offered. (PCGS 5315)

B-1, R.2. The overdate attribution is not denoted on the PCGS insert. Medium gray in the fields, a tad lighter on the devices giving this piece a two-tone appearance. Clean surfaces when closely examined, and problem-free for the grade. The overdate feature is clear within the loop of the 8. (PCGS 5323)

The obverse presents a mixture of sunset-red and rich golden colors; the reverse is more deeply toned with cobalt-blue and argent-gray hues. Well struck with most luster remaining. (PCGS 5443)

Bright silver surfaces with some spotty patina on each side lending an original appearance. An aesthetically appealing and physically sound example of the date and grade combination, decidedly choice and free of debilitating marks. (PCGS 5446)

Very scarce and conditionally challenging as an issue, the 1862-S Seated quarter (just 67,000 pieces produced) merits a High R.5 rating in XF/AU according to Larry Briggs (The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of United States Liberty Seated Quarters, 1991). With uncommon sharpness of detail in a survivor of this issue, and no substantial detractions, this mostly deep steel-gray and rose example is sure to appeal to the specialist. (PCGS 5457)

Rare in any grade and virtually unobtainable in high circulated grades. In fact, this is the only AU example graded by PCGS in any of their four designations of that grade level. Five others seen by that service are Mint State. Mintage of only 48,000 pieces, precious few survived at all. Light silver-gray with traces of golden luster in the protected areas. Identifiable by a minor abrasion between the rim and the ninth star. Fully struck and lightly worn on the highpoints. As condition rarities like this become more widely recognized, collector pressure will only increase on the few examples available. Population: 1 in 50, 5 finer (MS63 finest). (PCGS 5471)