1882-O $10.00 NGC AU53

This attractive, fresh example shows deep "Euro" coloration with rich green-gold fields contrasted by darker highlights on the relief areas. As is typical for the date, the surfaces show a number of abrasions; on this coin, the majority are on the obverse and they are reasonably well hidden by the depth of the coloration. Only a few hundred examples of this date exist from the original mintage of just 10,820. I have long regarded the 1882-O as an undervalued issue within the New Orleans eagle series.

1857-O $2.50 NGC AU55 CAC

This date is often offered for sale in the AU53 to AU55 range but almost never with deep, original coloration. This example is as fresh an 1857-O quarter eagle as you will find with rich green-gold color and a good deal of dirt tucked-away in the recesses. A few old ticks in the field are nicely concealed by the depth of the coloration. You could literally look for years and not find a nicer circulated 1857-O quarter eagle than this.

Ex Stack's 2/1983: 719, Eugene Detmer collection. The original auction tag accompanies the coin.

1884-CC $20.00 NGC AU53

Light orange-gold with a good deal of luster and cleans surfaces make this an appealing coin for the grade. Affordable and a good example for the beginning collector or the type specialist.

1852 $20.00 NGC AU55 CAC

A choice, lightly worn example that is characterized by extreme originality. The surfaces are frosty with medium rich orange-gold hues and there are very few of the deep, excessive abrasions that are typical for the issue.

1874-CC $20.00 PCGS EF45 CAC

This is a very high end example for the grade with choice, original surfaces and attractive natural medium green-gold color. The surfaces are clean and evenly worn while there is a good deal of luster visible on the reverse. As a date, the 1874-CC double eagle is many times scarcer than the 1875-CC but it is still one of the most affordable Type Two double eagles from the Carson City mint.

1864 Small Motto .02c PCGS MS65RD

Small Motto Variety. PCGS Regency Holder. Garrett Collection Pedigree. Its been a long time since I saw a Two Cent Piece that I thought about adding to my inventory and even longer (like maybe forever?) since I've bought a five-figure example of this denomination. But this amazing coin, a combination of beauty, rarity and pedigree that is unbeatable, really speaks volumes to me. The Small Motto variety of 1864 Two Cents is very rare in the higher grades, particularly with mint red. This example has superb fiery red coloration with little mellowing and a total absence of spots. The luster is complete and unmellowed and the eye appeal certainly rivals any example of this variety that I have seen. To the best of my knowledge, the finest 1864 Small Motto Two Cent Piece to be offered for sale in recent years was Heritage 1/08: 2719, graded MS66 RD by PCGS, that brought an exceptional $32,200. Later that year, Heritage 10/089: 256, graded MS65 RD by PCGS and approved by CAC, brought a robust $21,850. The present example is encased in a PCGS Regency holder which, as best as I remember, was offered as a slabbing option for only a few months around 1994/1995. If you are a serious collector of this enigmatic type and you are looking for the best possible quality, this Small Motto has to receive your serious consideration.

Ex Bowers and Ruddy Garrett I: 220 (10/79) as "MS65" where it sold for a then very strong $4,500; obtained by the Garrett family in the Thomas Elder 2/1923 auction. The original tag from the Garrett Sale is included and it states that this coin was purchased by Hancock and Harwell, the Atlanta dealers.

1837 $2.50 NGC AU58 CAC

The 1837 is the second scarcest Classic Head quarter eagle from the Philadelphia mint after the 1839. It is dozens of time scarcer than the 1834 and 1835 yet it sells for a relatively small premium. This lightly worn, well-struck example is one of the few original 1837 quarter eagles that I can recall having seen in some time. It shows deep orange-gold hues that are contrasted by reddish bands at the borders. There are no marks of note and just a small amount of friction on the high spots of the obverse. It has been quite a while since I've handled a circulated 1837 quarter eagle with as much eye appeal as this piece.

1858-S $20.00 NGC AU53 CAC

The 1858-S is sort of an overlooked date but it is actually rather scarce in the lower AU grades and very hard to find with nice color and surfaces. This fresh "Euro" example shows rich pinkish-gold, green and orange hues with deeper highlights on the relief areas. It has the body and detail of an AU55 but just a few too many ticks in the fields to grade it as such.

1843-D $5.00 NGC AU58 CAC

It has become tremendously hard to find Gem Slider Dahlonega half eagles of any date; even the more common ones like the 1843-D. My theory is that many of the former AU58 coins were ruined in an attempt to garner a higher grade and most of the surviving examples have been cherished members of advanced collections for years. Its been many months since I've had an AU58 that was as nice as this example. It is very well made with an excellent quality strike on a choice, problem-free planchet. It has never been cleaned or dipped and it shows lovely light reddish-gold and orange hues, in slightly different configurations, on the obverse and reverse. If I had to choose the perfect date for a type coin within the Dahlonega half eagle series I'd probably select the 1843-D given the quality workmanship that characterizes this issue. That said, there are very few AU58's known for the date that compare to this and special coins like this are rarely offered to Dahlonega collectors any more.