No Buyer’s Fee + Flexible Reserves GFRC ONLINE AUCTIONS Integrated Auction & Retail Sales Presenting the Oregon Beaver Collection Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 September 25, 2021 — October 2, 2021 Oregon Beaver Collection "Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale = Part 1” iIFRC ONLINE ere) ae Closes October 2 - 9:00 PM ET Starts September 25 - 9:00 PM ET A special Liberty Seated half dollar offering from a long time GFRC client with unquestionable consistency at the AU and Mint State grade levels. Originality and eye appeal are the rule! - 54 Offerings across Two Noteworthy Sales - A Host of CAC Approved Lots! - Beautiful Natural Toning - Challenging Dates and Die Varieties www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction No Buyer’s Fee + Flexible Reserves GFRC ———— ONLINE AUCTIONS Integrated Auction & Retail Sales Gerry Fortin Gerry Fortin Rare Coins GFRC Online Auctions Tel: 207-329-9957 Website: www.seateddimevarieties.com Email: gerry@seateddimevarieties.com GFRC Online Auctions Staff Gerry Fortin - Operations, Sales, Photography Diane Fortin - Finance, Shipping Len Augsburger - Cataloging Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction ote an CRean an -e, : aen a “== Leeannen’= 1839 With Drapery WB-7 50C, NGC MS63 CAC, Near-Gem Original. The lustrous, light gray obverse exhibits golden shades with maroon bits at the rim, while the reverse is more brilliant with a crescent of russet patina to the right. The strike is strong, with sharply defined stars and distinct claw joints. The With Drapery design removed a large part of the obverse rock and added drapery folds beneath the right elbow. WB-7, with arcing lines in the lower portions of Liberty — almost certainly the remaining traces of a design that was imparted to the die vie a mechanical lathe. These artifacts were normally polished out, but in this case the coiner was a bit careless. This coin has a story to tell and could easily be used in an exhibit. The NGC census includes 14 pieces at the MS64 level and five coins in MS65, while CAC notes seven coins at MS64 and five at MS65. 1840 Reverse of 1839 WB-1 50C, PCGS MS65 CAC, Gem Original. Luster booms through earthy shades of gold and grey on the obverse of this gem With Drapery half, while the reverse reveals a frosty eagle surrounded by swirling plum and olive patina. The flash is intensely reflective with steely surfaces. Stars to the left are softly impressed, while the right stars and eagle’s claw joints are sharply detailed. WB-1, with repunched 40 in the date, in addition to light reverse die cracks connecting the legend letters. The PCGS population is eight pieces in MS65, with six examples higher. CAC reports four coins in MS65 and five pieces in MS66. This is a superb type coin, with more flash than the images might suggest. This piece is technically separated from the highest graded by only a touch of luster yet is available for a fraction of “finest known” money. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction 1841 Repunched 18 WB-1 50C, PCGS AU55, Choice Original. Silver fields are graced by smoky splashes on both sides, with additional gold-green patina present in figure of Liberty. Luster is classic steely gray and reflective, with moderate cartwheel. Nicely struck with separate claw joints and minimal blending in the eagle’s left leg. WB-1, with diagonal lines in the obverse dentils below the date, and the lowest horizontal line extending to the left from the reverse shield. Some chatter above the eagle’s head is noted. This is a better date, with less than half a million pieces struck. The PCGS census notes 26 piece in all MS grades combined. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. 1842 Medium Repunched Date WB-12 50C, PCGS AU53 CAC, Choice Original. This is a duplicate coin within the Oregon Beaver consignment, but pieces with this level of originality are hard to resist, regardless of how many you already have. Medium gray surfaces, with steely luster, are decorated by light crust within the shields and wings. Strike is typical, with softness in the eagle’s left leg. WB-12, with a triple punched date and reverse die crack extended from (O)F. The date is worthy of examination with a glass - double punched digits are common in the Seated series, but this is more unusual. Combined with the unmolested surfaces, the appeal of this example is hard to overstate. Housed in a PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder with CAC approval. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction 1843-O WB-17 50C, PCGS AU55 CAC, Choice Original. Smoky skin covers both sides of this New Orleans half, with underlying shades of blue-green and maroon on the obverse. The reverse reveals silver patina in the eagle, while the legend is more deeply toned. Strike is typical, with some detail in the eagle’s left leg smoothed out. WB-17, with date punched to the right and reverse die crack joining the bases I and C. The CAC population is 34 pieces in all grades, with 11 at the Mint State level. Like the Philadelphia issue of this year, the demand for coinage was substantial, but few of these pieces survive with original surfaces. This is a surprising situation, brought to light only in the last few years with the development of the CAC census. The PCGS and NGC census data revealed similar anomalies in the 1990s, as the condition rarity of certain Liberty Seated issues, particularly Branch Mint pieces, became much more apparent. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval. Ex. Saw Mill Run. ~% gaat aD wy 1845 WB-2 50C, PCGS AU58 CAC, Choice Original. Swirling chestnut patina blankets the obverse, while the reverse reveals lighter tan and russet shading. Bits of crust are scattered within the eagle and more closely gathered in the obverse shield. The luster is frosty and creates moderate cartwheel. WB-2, with a line in the dentils above stars 2-3, and a reverse die crack joining the letters to the left. The strike is typical with the eagle’s left leg softly impressed. CAC has approved only 23 pieces in all grades, with five at the Mint State levels. This is a better date, with just over a half a million pieces struck, and the minimal CAC population reinforces the challenge of locating an example of this issue in a truly original state of preservation. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction 1846 Medium Date, Doubled Die Obverse WB-10 50C, PCGS AU50 CAC, Choice Original. Mixed gold and olive patina richly covers both sides, with occasional crust evident in the shields and rock. Luster is steely, with some cartwheel remaining. WB-10, with obverse die doubling evident in the stars and date. This piece is worthy of study with a glass, as other doubling points will be located with careful examination. The Medium Date is characterized by the serifs of 4, which nearly touch. Typically struck, with stars 11-13 lightly impressed. CAC has certified 37 pieces, with 12 coins in Mint State grades. A great coin to pass around at a Seated half dollar “summit” or similar gathering of like-minded collectors. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.6 (2013-2014) holder with CAC approval. ven * Ye a Iz. f y - = TEAS IIT E ee : - 4 » ‘ \ 1846 Tall Date WB-13 50C, PCGS MS63, Choice Original. Streaks of gold and russet patina crisscross both sides, all framed by deeper shades of aqua and ebony at the rims. Frosted, steely luster is a touch limited by the medium skin. The strike is sharp, with distinct claw joints and delineated star centers. WB-13, the “spiked 4” variety with a tine extending from the serif in 4. CAC has approved 47 pieces in all grades, with only seven examples higher. The Tall Date is a better variety for the 1846 issue, filling much of the available space between the base of the rock and rim. With valuations more than doubling at the MS64 level, this coin falls at an ideal point in the grading curve. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction 1846-O Medium Date WB-5 50C, PCGS MS64, Near-Gem Original. Deep sea green patina evenly blankets the fields of this popular New Orleans half. The central figures are somewhat lighter with original Mint bloom more evident in the protected areas. The luster is semi- prooflike, sharp and reflective. WB-5, with a tine at the upper edge of the eagle's left wing. A light die crack connects stars 1 to 7, with a similar effect noticeable through STATES OF on the reverse. The strike is exquisite, revealing strong lines throughout the hair and individual claw joints that seemingly pop out from the planchet. The drapery below the elbow is weak, as typical for 1846-O halves. PCGS has certified four pieces in MS64 with a single coin higher, at MS65+. This is a pleasing example of a No Motto half and still more desirable as a New Orleans issue. While mintage figures for Philadelphia and New Orleans pieces are similar for this year, Philadelphia coins were far more likely to be saved, and today PCGS notes nearly four times as many Mint State examples originating from Philadelphia. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015- 2020) holder. } j 7 ~ nl — at ; ~ - ont os q axl a a Z - ~~ I T - - we _ | _ ~ 1847 WB-6 50C, PCGS AU58 CAC, Near-Gem Original. Sharp, reflective luster radiating from the semi-prooflike surfaces creates swirling cartwheels as the coin is flipped in hand. Maroon and gold patina blankets both sides, more intensely on the obverse. Nicely struck with sharp stars and claw joints separate, if faintly so. WB-6, with repunched date and die line extending left of (AMERIC)A. The CAC census notes 35 in all grades, seven at MS levels. This coin offers considerably foundational value, combining aesthetic appeal with a CAC valuation under $1,000 and a relatively high position in the CAC census report. Housed in s PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction jn Se a ? Ma 77 ANG ; ee 2a. po i ae & we) Rage a 7 r Z Sia Sas s 7%... 5 . _ Pa ees Se Sa OH ei 4 2 9 pasion “es ee > (at - Sy “ a — * Ng ww YS & ~ = ant =- é aN Aas mM _ ee | te = a *4 Phe) ht ied oe ot ~~ a al ° "le “« \4 “4... 6 ig, = a bee ~ . "m4 * Saye aera ede a 1849 WB-10 50C, PCGS MS63 CAC, Near-Gem Original. Gorgeous, steely luster is generous for the grade, revealing swirling cartwheel as the coin is twirled. Silver skin covers the obverse, with hints of rose patina underneath. The reverse fields reveal smoky shades while most of the protected areas are silver-colored. A few stars are soft, but the right claws are nicely struck up. WB-10, with an errant digit in the dentils below the 8. Date styles in this era remain large, prior to the use of smaller punches beginning in 1859. CAC has certified 46 pieces with 11 coins higher. With prices rising substantially at the MS64 level, a superior example at the MS63 level is an attractive option. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. vy “> Hi BNE SEE Ih) - a ™ * - > — oo ez. a, as A a a. 7a . a + YP en ae eh F. Maneoil 1850 WB-2 Repunched 0 50c, PCGS MS63, Choice Original. Frosty central devices host maroon patina in the stars and legend, with strong contrast between the fields and the figures of Liberty and the eagle. Luster is semi-prooflike and reflective, clearly the result of die polishing, as polish lines are evident on the obverse. WB-2, with repunched o in the date, while the reverse shield exhibits a prominent die clash to the lower right. Obverse stars are needle sharp, while the eagle’s left leg is more softly defined. Seated coinage of this era exhibits designs that rise substantially above the plane of the fields, and the high relief is plainly evident on this example. The PCGS census notes ten pieces at this grade level with seven higher. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction 1852 WB-2 50C, PCGS AU55 CAC, Choice Original. Active cartwheel remains on this near-MS example, revealing generous pastel shading as the coin is flipped in hand. High point wear is obvious, but this piece retains substantial luster for the grade. The mintage of the 1852 half was restricted to less than 100,000 coins as the movement of the bullion markets made it profitable to melt these pieces — this imbalance between gold and silver was addressed by the 1853 Coinage Act. WB-2, with a downward sloping date and diagonal die lines in the reverse shield. A few stars are soft while the reverse feather and claw detail is sharp. CAC has approved but 15 examples of this issue, with five coins at the MS levels. This coin really has it all — aesthetic appeal, scarcity, and rarity as a choice example of the date. Housed in a newer NGC holder with edge view insert and CAC approval. 1852-O WB-1 50C, PCGS AU55, Choice Original. Prooflike surfaces, occasionally evident for this issue, host maroon crescents at the rims. Luster is sharp and reflective, with swirling cartwheels. Both sides exhibit hints of gold patina, more so on the obverse. High point rub accounts for the technical grade, but the remaining flash is generous. WB-1, with the date slanting down to the right. Star points are well- defined, apart from star 8, and the claw detail is razor sharp. This is a low mintage issue, as gold discoveries caused silver to be overvalued in relation in gold. Many of these were thus melted over time. NGC has certified 50 pieces in all grades, with four at the MS levels. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction 1853 Arrows & Rays 50C, PCGS AU53 CAC, Choice Original. The Arrows & Rays design is a favorite among U.S. type collectors, appearing for one year only, 1853, on quarters and half dollars. The half dollar seems to be the preferred of the two denominations, showcasing the design in a larger format. This is a richly toned piece, with steely, deep gray obverse fields framed by lighter shades at the rim. The reverse is less intensely and more evenly toned with olive and gold patina throughout. Well-struck, with separation evident on most of the claw joints. Die pair identification is virtually impossible with this issue, as the date, arrows, and rays were all punched into master dies. This is an issue intended to be appreciated for its overall design, rather than for small differences between working dies. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015- 2020) holder with CAC approval. 1855-O 50C, PCGS MS62 CAC, Choice Original. Ample frosty luster underlies rich toning, and the cartwheel is more evident than suggested by the images. A medium gray figure of Liberty is surrounded by copper shading and moderate crust among the stars. The reverse color is more intense, with steely blue fields hosting deeper color south of the eagle. The strike is typical, with a few soft stars and flat arrow feathers. The CAC population is 94 examples in all grades, with 35 pieces higher. Although the CAC census identifies more coins than many other Seated half issues, the relative rarity compared to Morgan dollars, Barbers, are their ilk remains substantial. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction 1857-O WB-1 50C, PCGS AU53, Original. Frosty luster remains in the protected areas of this lower mintage New Orleans piece, of which less than a million pieces were coined. High point wear and field marks are clearly consistent with the AU classification. The strike is typical, with some of the detail around the eagle’s left leg blending together. Bright surfaces, with steel grey and blue patina, suggest an old cleaning. This remains a nicely detailed example of a classic 19th century design in a straight-graded holder. WB-1, with a die lump on Liberty’s throat. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. 1858-0 50C, PCGS AU55, Choice Original. Brilliant, frosty luster drapes both sides of this popular New Orleans half. A few smoky tones appear in the date, mintmark, and reverse shield. Sharply struck, with pinpoint detail in the eagle claws and feathers — indeed, this part of the design rises from the planchet with exceptional separation of all elements. Likely dipped long ago, but not excessively so. Silver coinage production ramped significantly following passage of the 1853 Coinage Act, remaining high until the advent of Civil War. This issue boasts the highest mintage in the series, after the 1876 Philadelphia half. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction a ~ oP an > Sei Me saa ae os ous Nv stro he aa one 1859-O WB-10 50C, PCGS AU55 CAC, Near-Gem Original. Frosted luster underlies colorful “velvet" toning, revealing varied shades of tan, maroon, and aqua patina. This is a near-gem, with lively surfaces that radiate substantial color as the coin is rotated under a light. The strike is nicely executed, with sharp star points and near-complete detail in the eagle’s claws. The CAC population is 53 in all grades with 14 pieces in the Mint State grades. In many ways AU pieces such as this represent an ideal collector grade — details are complete with only slight rub, and the coin retains a healthy measure of original Mint bloom. Combined with the rich toning and solid position in the CAC census, there is a lot of foundational value in such examples. Ex. Seal Beach Collection, which may be viewed via the GFRC Gallery page. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. : * on” Ae - - - St . - PP amen anarnr” Pa» * . . a™. ~ — ae - ~— eee nn ee ee a een 1862 50C, PCGS AU55, Near-Choice Original. Partially prooflike surfaces reveal swirling cartwheel atop the surfaces of this Civil War- dated piece. Coinage production fell during the Civil War as gold and silver was hoarded, and production fell to 253,000 pieces in this year. In response, the federal government began issuing “greenbacks,” which essentially represented loans to be redeemed later. The paper quickly lost value, trading for as little as 40 cents on the dollar and fluctuating with the prospects for Union victory. Meanwhile, silver coins such as this retained full value. This is a well-struck survivor, with defined star centers and mostly delineated claw joints. The comprehensive Wiley-Bugert reference for this issue is not yet published, but the upward sloping date will no doubt serve to identify the obverse die. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction cA PDR Pbtrrys +1) x3! 1863 50C, PCGS AU50 CAC, Gem Original. Steely fields and luster highlight pleasing surfaces draped in deep gray and blue-green patina. Thin crust is evident in the recessed areas of the shields, stars, and legend. The originality is strong, with hairline-free fields absent of any indication of “conservation.” Strike is typical, with some detail around the eagle’s left leg joining together. The CAC census notes 21 pieces in all grades, and seven across the Mint State grades. This piece is one of only six in the Oregon Beaver consignment to receive the highly coveted GFRC “gem” rating. While the images may indicate overly thick toning, this piece is a wonder in hand, with vibrant surfaces that simply don’t quit when tilted under a light source. Combined with the low CAC population, this piece will be aggressively pursued by sophisticated bidders. Housed in a PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder with CAC approval. 1871-CC WB-6 50C, NGC VF30, Choice Original. Although not the rarest of the coveted Carson City coins within the Seated half series, the 1871-CC issue remains legitimately scarce and desirable in all grades. This VF example delivers the rarity one would expect from a better CC issue, at a price that won’t break the bank. The crusty, gray-toned obverse exhibits splashes of deep maroon, while the reverse reveals emerald patina in the protected areas. Surfaces are smooth for the grade with no significant distractions. WB-6, with date punched low and a reverse die lump beneath (UNITE)D. The mintmark is a touch more widely spaced than on other varieties of this issue. Housed in a newer NGC holder with edge view insert. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction - j i= ( ~~ -« , : : ~ (-.) pe -~ =< - - 7 -- a < "Pa, ee ee ~~ 6 Pree 2 ane, *° 1873-CC WB-4 50C, NGC AU58, Near-Choice Original. The 1873-CC issue is among the tougher Carson City half dollars, if not as challenging as the 1870-CC, 1874-CC, and 1878-CC coins. This pastel-toned piece exhibits obverse shades of gold intermingled with maroon, while the reverse reveals more uniform plum patina. Luster is typical for the grade, with swirling cartwheels. The strike is typical, with star centers present if faint, while the claw joints blend together. Arrows were added to this design as a result of the April 1, 1873 Coinage Act, which slightly modified the weight of the coin to a metric standard. The NGC census reports 14 pieces in all MS grades combined. This near-MS coin, with just minor traces of wear, represents an attractive, well-detailed example of a semi-key issue from the most desired Mint in the Liberty Seated series. Housed in a NGC Gen 9 (2001-2003) standard ring insert holder. en . . a ‘ Ene aoe “ “S" oY RY ue 1881 50C, PCGS VF30 CAC, Choice Original. The rarity of the 1881 half was recognized at the time of issue, and, as a result, many piece were saved. Regardless, with a mintage of only 10,000 pieces, the issue remains scarce today. This pleasing circulated example retains underlying silver color that hosts varied shades of tan and olive. Light crust inhabits the shields and protected areas, including the stars and date. CAC has certified 33 pieces in all grades combined. The CAC grading profile is instructive — only 8 of these pieces are graded below EF, as most pieces were pulled out of circulation early on, in recognition of the low mintage. Such an inverted profile is unusual situation for a 19th century coin but fits the known data perfectly. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. Liberty Seated Half Dollar Auction Sale - Part 1 www.seateddimevarieties.com/auction 1888 50C, PCGS AU55, Choice Original. Thick, frosty luster generates swirling flash as this near-gem example is rotated under a light. The color is exquisite, with shades of green-gold, russet, and navy evident on both sides. Star points are sharp, while a few of the claw knuckles blend together. As with the low mintage run extending from 1879 to 1890, production remained minimal in this year, with 12,001 pieces reported in the Guide Book. Mint officials deliberately kept the production of these coins in the thousands, in order to not create great rarities. Most silver was allocated to coining Morgan dollars but procuring relatively small amounts of bullion for the lesser denominations would not have presented a challenge. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.0 (1998-2002) holder with CAC approval. na cy, f\; a Mie et fo i) , ie ne Hg My rs 1891 50C, PCGS MS61 CAC, Gem Original. The Oregon Beaver consignment concludes with this CAC-approved Philadelphia piece. This GFRC gem-rated coin exhibits superb toning, with pleasing color set against lustrous surfaces. Tan and russet patina is evident on both sides, with additional shades of aqua present on the obverse. Surfaces a frosty and steely, with active cartwheels. Sharply struck with even the claw joints clearly delineated. CAC has approved 47 pieces in all grades. This piece must be seen in-hand to be fully appreciated, as the lively interplay of the luster and toning, when the coin is rotated under a light, is not fully communicated by the images. Housed in a PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder with CAC approval.