Welcome to Stack’s 75th Anniversary Sale!
Please join us on November 2-3, 2010 at the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary by selling over 2,500 lots of U.S. coins, tokens, medals, and paper money. Stack’s has proudly served the numismatic community since 1935, and since then Stack’s has conducted over 800 auctions! Tradition has always been an important part of the Stack’s ethos, and in the intervening 75 years, we have retained our position at the forefront of numismatics by bringing you the best coins, the best collections, and the best service.
Our 75th Anniversary sale is replete with dazzling rarities that are supported by a wealth of high quality numismatic material. No matter the size of your budget—this sale will have something for you! Significantly, the sale contains quantities of fresh collections containing coins that have been off the market for decades. New-to-market coins always perform well, and we expect that these beautiful pieces will be no different.
The sale will feature the W.L. Carson Collection of U.S. Proof Sets, and is complemented by selections from the Tim Benford Collection, the Roy Bonjour Collection of Vermont Coppers and Colonial Type Coins, Part II of the Richard E. Feinberg Collection, the Ferrari Collection, the Collection of Louis Villalpando, a Private Collection of New Hampshire Obsolete Currency, and other important properties.

Lot 4007 – 1833 half cent. MS-66 RB (PCGS) (CAC).
Session One will begin at 1:00pm on Tuesday, November 2 and commences with U.S. half cents, highlighted by a superb 1833 example graded MS-66 RB (PCGS) (CAC). This beautiful Gem exhibits satiny lustre and is the solo finest RB example certified by PCGS. Coronet half cents boast an elusive 1857 Breen-2, Rarity-5 Proof-only issue graded Proof-64 BN (PCGS) (CAC).
Lot 4028 – 1807 large cent. S-271. Rarity-1. Comet. MS-63 BN (PCGS Secure).
Large cents showcase a rare 1793 S-14 Liberty Cap cent with a bisecting crack on the obverse. Though the obverse and reverse have been tooled in the past, the VF details are strong, and the coin is still a suitable representative of this formidably rare die pairing. Other important items include a splendid 1807 Comet variety large cent, an outstanding example graded MS-63 BN (PCGS Secure), placing it among the half dozen finest examples of the variety graded by PCGS.
Lot 4107 – 1944-D small cent. AU-53 (PCGS).
Small cents feature a Choice Uncirculated 1858/7 Flying Eagle cent graded MS-64 by NGC. A lovely satiny coin with active lustre and a bold strike, fewer than half a dozen examples of this popular overdate have been certified as finer than this piece. Indian Head cents include a superb Gem 1883 example graded MS-67 RD (NGC), with no examples graded finer within any designation. Lincoln cents are highlighted by an extremely rare 1944-D Steel cent. From an estimated population of no more than 10 pieces, and certified as AU-53 by PCGS, the steel cent has long captured the imagination of the collecting community.
Lot 4176 – 1938-D Buffalo nickel. MS-68« (NGC).
U.S. nickels include an AU-58 (PCGS) example of the key date 1926-S and an exceptional 1938-D Buffalo graded MS-68«(NGC), with none graded finer in any designation. An impressive run of half dimes includes a colorfully toned 1797 LM-1 example graded EF-40 by ANACS. Among U.S. dimes is a desirable 1804 14 Star Reverse example, a Rarity-5 dime housed in a Genuine (PCGS) holder with the sharpness of EF. Seated dimes feature a rare 1872-CC example graded AU-55 by NGC. Tied for finest certified by NGC, and with only two examples graded finer by PCGS, this coin presents a great opportunity to own a rare Carson City dime.
Lot 4278 – 1875-CC quarter. MS-65 (PCGS Secure) (CAC).
U.S. quarters feature a Gem 1875-CC example, a delightful coin with frosty motifs and satiny fields that displays lovely gold toning at the centers with blue and violet at the borders. Barber quarters provide an incredible 1907 Proof-68« CAM (NGC), a stunning coin in spectacular condition that shares this grade level with just one other piece; no others have been certified as finer by NGC. Washington quarters are highlighted by an MS-65 (PCGS) example of the undisputed key date 1932-D that is attractive and pleasing.
Lot 4364 – 1849 half dollar. Proof-65 (NGC).
Half dollars provide a nice selection of early issues, epitomized by two Draped Bust examples. The first is the famous 1796, a classic American numismatic rarity. This wholesome example is graded VG-8 by PCGS and exhibits wear of course, but the surfaces are essentially unmarked! Seated half dollar issues include an exceptional 1849 Proof-65 (NGC), a Gem that boasts rich gunmetal-blue and russet toning and deeply reflective fields. One of five known examples of this issue, this coin is pedigreed to our sale of the Floyd T. Starr Collection in October 1992 as well as the “World’s Greatest Collection” (F.C.C. Boyd). Also offered here is the Norweb 1878-CC example graded MS-64 (PCGS) (CAC), an attractive and boldly struck coin that is very rare in any condition.
Lot 4419 – 1800 silver dollar. BB-188, B-8. Rarity-4. MS-62 (PCGS).
Silver dollars also feature a nice run of early issues, with many desirable pieces. The 1800 BB-188, B-8 example offered here and graded MS-62 by PCGS is exceptionally lovely and choice for the assigned grade. A few lots later appears an 1800 BB-194, B-14 Dotted Date example in MS-63 (NGC). With pretty toning and a sharp strike, this coin retains great eye appeal and surface quality, rendering it likely within the top dozen known of this variety. Two Gobrecht dollars are offered in this sale, the first an 1836 J-60 Original graded EF-40, and the second a colorful 1839 J-104 Restrike in a Genuine Proof (PCGS) holder.
Lot 4439 – 1851 silver dollar. MS-62 (PCGS).
Later silver dollar issues include a satiny MS-62 (PCGS) 1851, a classically rare coin that is well struck and pleasing. Morgan dollars are highlighted by a brilliant and satiny MS-65 (PCGS) example of the 1879-CC Clear Mintmark example. Other important Morgan dollar issues include an 1884-CC dollar graded MS-67 DPL by NGC as well as an 1891 graded MS-65 DPL (NGC). Trade dollars boast two beautiful 1880 Proofs, the first a Proof-66 Cameo (NGC) and the second a richly toned Proof-65 (PCGS).
Lot 4676 – 1871 pattern gold dollar. J-1161, P-1303. Rarity-8. Proof-64 BN (NGC).
Pattern coins are up next, and exciting lots include a rare 1870 Indian Princess $1, a silver J-1014, Rarity-7- pattern coin graded Proof-63 by NGC—no more than a dozen of these are thought to exist! Also offered is an exceedingly rare 1871 pattern gold dollar, a J-1161, Rarity-8 coin struck in copper graded Proof-64 BN by NGC that is one of an estimated two or three pieces extant. Immediately following this lot is an extremely rare 1873 pattern trade dollar, another Rarity-8 copper pattern, this one graded Proof-60 RB by PCGS. Proof and Mint Sets, CSA coinage, error coins, and mixed denomination groups finishes off Session One.
Session Two will begin at 6:00pm Tuesday, November 2, and will feature the W.L. Carson Collection of U.S. Proof Sets. Formed over the course of many years several decades ago, this collection encompasses Proof coinage from 1837 through the 1960s. Mr. Carson stored each year’s coins in Capital-type plastic holders, and lovingly exhibited his collection at coin clubs and coin shows, where he won countless awards for his beautiful coins. Each set is offered on an individual coin basis in the manner they were collected, meaning that where a Circulation Strike coin was collected purposefully, or accidentally, to fill the requisite hole in a particular set, it is offered here with its Proof brethren.
Lot 5018 – 1857 small cent. Snow PR-2. Rarity-5. Flying Eagle. Proof-64 (PCGS) (CAC).
Highlights are difficult to convey with a collection that includes so many amazing coins, but there are a few exceptional standouts that merit attention. The first set contains an extremely rare Proof 1837 large cent, a Newcomb-10 variety that is Rarity-7+ as a Proof. Housed in a Genuine (PCGS) holder, there are perhaps five known of the date. Also of import is the 1837 No Stars half dime offered in Proof-62 (PCGS) (CAC). The 1857 set contains a stellar near Gem Flying Eagle small cent graded Proof-64 (PCGS) (CAC). The 1858 set contains examples of both the Large and Small Letters varieties of the Flying Eagle cent. Both are graded Proof-64 by PCGS, and the Small Letters example has been awarded a green CAC sticker.
Lot 5307 – 1888 double eagle. Proof-64 CAM (PCGS) (CAC).
The 1864 set contains a true rarity—the famed Small Motto two cent piece. An incredibly rare coin (one of an estimated 12-15 struck) in the lovely condition of Proof-64 RB (PCGS) (CAC), this exciting rarity exhibits no spots or carbon patches to detract from the overall appearance. The 1888 set is complete from cent through double eagle, and is an original beauty, with all the coins (with the exception of the $3) graded by PCGS and awarded a CAC sticker (with the exception of the $3). The double eagle is graded Proof-64 CAM (PCGS) (CAC) and is one of the finest seen by PCGS.
Lot 5420 – 1906 double eagle. Proof-65 CAM (PCGS) (CAC).
The 1891 Proof set is remarkable and appears to be original, kept intact since its coinage nearly 120 years ago. Each of the silver coins is at least a Cameo, and all are incredibly appealing. The dime is graded Proof-66+ DCAM (CAC), the quarter is graded Proof-67 CAM (CAC), the half dollar Proof-65 CAM (CAC), and the silver dollar Proof-67 CAM (CAC)—all coins are graded by PCGS. The 1906 set includes nine coins, cent through double eagle, with the double eagle weighing in at the impressive grade of Proof-65 CAM (PCGS) (CAC).
Lot 5462 – 1913 double eagle. Proof-65 (PCGS) (Gold CAC).
A final highlight of this amazing collection is undoubtedly the original 1913 set of Sandblast or Matte Proof coins. All of the gold coins retain their beautifully original, greenish-khaki gold color that is characteristic of the year’s gold Proof coinage. The quarter eagle is graded an outstanding Proof-65+ (PCGS) (CAC) and is one of the finest graded by that firm. The half eagle, one of just 99 pieces struck, is identically graded and bears essentially pristine surfaces. The eagle is graded Proof-66 (PCGS) (CAC) and is one of the absolute finest in existence. The double eagle is a phenomenal Proof-65 (PCGS) (gold CAC) that is as perfect as one could hope to find of this date. The W.L. Carson Collection presents a compelling opportunity to purchase a number of rare and beautiful coins that were put away decades ago. Don’t miss your chance to acquire some of these fabulous pieces!
Lot 6069 – The Valley Bank, Hillsborough, New Hampshire.
Three Dollars. Jan. 1861. Issued Note. Fine.
Session Three of our 75th Anniversary Sale will take place on Wednesday, November 3, starting at 1:00pm. We will begin with U.S. Currency, led off by Early American Currency, followed by Obsolete Currency, where a distinguished collection of New Hampshire Obsolete notes will be offered. Highlights include a newly discovered Valley Bank $3 of Hillsborough, New Hampshire. In Fine condition, this note is extremely rare and is, in fact, the first genuine issued note from this title that we have ever seen or handled. The White Mountain Bank $2 of Lancaster, New Hampshire features a classic Santa Claus vignette that is difficult to find. This note is well above the average grade and the vignette is boldly detailed.
Lot 6123 – $10. Fr.116. W.1296. Legal Tender. 1901.
No.B8316830. Plate B. Gem Uncirculated-66 EPQ (PMG).
Federal currency follows suit, and Legal Tender notes serve up some lovely high grade 1901 $10 Bisons. The first is a bold Fr.116 graded Gem Uncirculated-66 EPQ (PMG), whose holder also notes “Great Embossing and Color” in addition to the EPQ designation. The second is a Fr.121 Gem in the same grade, and the third is another bright and fresh Fr.121 in the same grade. A pair of Fr.122’s follow this note, both in Gem Uncirculated-66 EPQ (PMG), and the second is a Mule that shows the earlier back plate style that is normally seen on notes with the Teehee-Burke signature combination.
Lot 6304 – New York, South Glens Falls.
The First National Bank of South Glens Falls.
Ch.5851. $20. Fr.659. W.2131. 1902 Plain Back. No.1671. Plate A. Choice Fine.
Over 135 lots of National Bank Notes are offered in this section, and include a second offering from a comprehensive collection of New York National notes, the second such offering in just two months! Highlights include a lovely First National Bank of New Bedford, Massachusetts $1 in Choice Extremely Fine-45 EPQ (PMG). New York notes boast a very important National Exchange Bank of Castleton $10 1882 Date Back graded About Very Fine. The First National Bank of South Glens Falls 1902 Plain Back $20 is another important note, a pleasing Choice Fine example from the only bank to issue notes in this town. There are just 10 examples reported in the Census, evenly divided between large-size notes and issues of 1929. A small selection of Small-Size Currency concludes our offering of U.S. paper money.
Lot 6388 – French Colonies. 1710-AA Mousquetaire.
Metz mint. Vlack-8. Rarity-2. MS-63 (PCGS).
Colonial and Early American coins are led off by a satisfying 1652 Massachusetts Pine Tree shilling, a Noe-29, Small Planchet example graded VF-35 from the Roy Bonjour Collection. A French Colonial 1710-AA Metz mint Mousquetaire is another highlight of this section. Graded MS-63 by PCGS, with none graded finer, this coin is undoubtedly one of the finest survivors of the date and mint, and probably of the entire Mousquetaire type. The coin was once part of the Ford Collection, and was sold by Stack’s in Part XIII for $8,625.
Lot 6398 – 1776 Continental Currency dollar. Newman 1-C. Rarity-3. CURENCY. Pewter. MS-63 (NGC).
The classic 1776 Continental Dollar makes an appearance in this sale, a pewter Newman 1-C CURENCY variety graded MS-63 (NGC) that exhibits excellent eye appeal and prooflike reflectivity. This coin was formerly part of the Brand, Boyd, and Ford collections—whose cabinet will it grace next? The Roy Bonjour Collection of Vermont Coppers features 82 lots, many of which are high quality pieces with eye appeal. One such piece is the magnificent Ryder-36, Rarity-6-. Graded VF-20, this is a nearly perfect coin for its grade, with smooth and glossy surfaces that are utterly free of any problems—it may be the choicest Ryder-36 out there!
Lot 6503 – 1788 Massachusetts half cent. Ryder-1B. Rarity-2. MS-64 RB (PCGS).
Other important colonial lots include a splendid 1788 Massachusetts half cent graded MS-64 RB (PCGS) that is fully lustrous and sharply struck in all areas. A rare Plain Edge 1794 Talbot, Allum & Lee cent graded Fine Details (NGC) is another lot to watch, as is the 1789 Mott token, a Plain edge, Thick flan example graded MS-65 BN by NGC. A neat offering of contemporary counterfeit 8 and 4 reales completes the section of Colonial and Early American coins.
A small selection of U.S. medals and tokens paves the way into an offering of Conder tokens, over 135 lots of high grade tokens, most of which are certified by NGC. From here, we move into U.S. commemorative coins and through the rest of the U.S. coin categories. Among silver commemoratives is a gorgeous 1928 Hawaiian graded MS-65+ (NGC) (CAC) from the W.L. Carson Collection. Gold commemoratives offer a delightful 1905 Lewis and Clark gold dollar in MS-66 (PCGS) as well as a sparkling 1903 Louisiana Purchase McKinley gold dollar graded Proof-65 (PCGS), an impressive example that is one of just 100 struck.
Lot 6856 – 1860 $5 Mormon. K-6. Rarity-5+. AU-50 (NGC).
Territorial gold coins and related issues follow the commemoratives, and though the section offers only four pieces, they are worth mentioning! First up is a pleasing C. Bechtler $5 graded AU-55 (NGC), an ex Garrett Collection coin that is choice for the grade. Next is a Mint State 1849 Norris, Gregg & Norris $5 graded MS-60 by NGC that is free of any detracting marks and exhibits deep orange-gold lustre with fiery peach and rose iridescence. Third is an 1850 Moffat & Co. $5 graded AU-53 (PCGS) (CAC), a rare coin in all grades. Concluding this modest section is a rare and desirable 1860 Mormon Deseret Assay Office $5, the Eliasberg specimen via the Clapp Estate. Graded AU-50 (NGC), the coin is deep yellow gold with warm orange highlights and will be an excellent addition to any cabinet.
California Small Gold and related issues lead the way into U.S. gold dollars. Notable items include a blazing ultra Gem 1856 Slanted 5 gold dollar from the Simpson Collection. Graded Proof-65 Ultra Cameo, this fabulous coin is one of an estimated seven to nine pieces extant. Also of note is an impressive 1880 gold dollar graded an incredible MS-68« by NGC, a beautiful coin that is essentially flawless.
Lot 6925 – 1901 quarter eagle. Proof-69 Ultra Cameo (NGC).
Quarter eagles boast a lustrous 1830 example graded AU-58 by NGC, an undeniably choice coin for the grade that is a worthwhile example of the date and design. Coronet quarter eagles showcase an 1842-D graded AU-58 by NGC that is pleasing and bold with excellent eye appeal, and a sparkling 1860-C in MS-61 (NGC) that is brilliant and lustrous. Proof issues are undoubtedly epitomized by a superlative 1901 Proof-69 Ultra Cameo (NGC); tied for finest certified by NGC, this amazing piece represents one of the most stunning Proof gold coins to come through our offices. Other important Proof issues include an impressive 1907 Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).
Three dollar gold pieces feature a gorgeous 1888 Proof-65 (PCGS), one of just 291 Proofs struck that year. Half eagles provide several important early issues, like the 1813 graded MS-65 by NGC. The coin is an incredibly lustrous, frosty Gem with a bold strike of exceptional quality—none have been graded finer at NGC. The following lot is another mega-coin, an 1834 Capped Bust, Crosslet 4 example graded MS-63 by NGC. Researchers place the population estimate at just 45 to 55 pieces, and the present survivor is not only rare, but attractive.
Liberty Head half eagles feature a Choice Uncirculated 1844-D, a sharply struck and truly lovely example graded MS-64 by NGC. Later date Liberty Head half eagles include a splendid 1907 in MS-68 (NGC) that exudes gorgeous cartwheel lustre. Indian Head half eagles offer an MS-62 (NGC) example of the rare 1909-O date. A greatly prized rarity in all grades, this Uncirculated coin is deep gold with warm olive highlights and lively lustre.
Lot 7088 – 1799 eagle. BD-6, T-18. Rarity-5. Large Stars Obverse. MS-61 (PCGS) (CAC).
U.S. eagles begin with a rare 1799 BD-6 Small Obverse Stars example. Graded MS-61 by PCGS and awarded a green CAC sticker, this coin is very possibly a Rarity-7 variety at the Mint State level. Among Indian Head eagles are a sparkling 1909 Satin Proof, a lovely bright yellow Proof graded Proof-64 (NGC) (CAC) and an exceptional 1912 example with blazing lustre and coppery gold toning that is graded MS-65 by PCGS and also awarded a green CAC sticker.
Double eagles provide over 150 lots, highlighted by a splendid 1871-CC graded AU-55 (PCGS Secure), making it tied for the finest seen by that grading service. Also of note is a frosty 1874 $20, a deeply lustrous orange-gold coin graded MS-63 by PCGS. An impressive run of branch mint double eagles continues with rarities like an MS-61 (PCGS) 1878-CC, a highly lustrous coin with deep gold and olive highlights that is one of the keys to the Carson City double eagle series. Another important lot is the 1884-CC graded MS-63 (PCGS) (CAC), an aesthetically pleasing coin that is an excellent opportunity for an advanced double eagle or Carson City set collector. Offered as lot 7187 is an MS-63 (NGC) 1892-CC that is satiny with a pleasing cameo contrast—it is also tied for finest graded by NGC!
MCMVII (1907) High Relief double eagles showcase a delightful Flat Rim variety graded MS-65 by PCGS. Choice for the grade and exhibiting lovely olive highlights and rose iridescence, this coin is an excellent representative of the grade and type. Other important rarities include a 1913 $20 in MS-65 (PCGS) (CAC) that is a top condition rarity. None have been graded finer by PCGS, and the radiant lustre, sharp strike, and fabulous surface quality make this piece exemplary.
Lot 7304 – 1926-S double eagle. MS-65 (NGC).
Another notable double eagle of Saint-Gaudens’ design is a Gem 1915 example, described as a “visual treat” due to its intense lustre and orange, blue, and rose iridescence. Graded MS-65 by PCGS Secure, the coin far exceeds virtually all of the 1915-dated double eagles seen thus far by PCGS. Later date issues include a satiny 1926-S graded MS-65 by NGC, placing it among the two dozen finest examples of the date certified by this service.
If you cannot attend in person, be sure to send us your bids by U.S. mail or fax, or place your bids on our website, either before the sale or by bidding online during the sessions. If you have yet to do so, check out our new features on our website, where you can track your Watch List, view your current bids and auction invoices, and watch your consignment make you money with real time bid levels! Also, take a moment to familiarize yourself with our new Stack’s Live™ program, an improved online bidding experience which allows bidders to watch and participate in the auction in real time through a live audio and video feed. You can find us at 123 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 or at Box 1804, Wolfeboro, NH 03894. To contact us by phone, please use 800-566-2580, or email us.

