Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. “The Art & Science of Numismatics”
The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents
Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. “The Art & Science of Numismatics” 31 N. Clark Street • Chicago, Illinois 60602
Tel: (312) 609-0016
Internet: www.hjbltd.com
Fax: (312) 609-1305 Email: info@hjbltd.com
The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents Experts Mike Printz, David Greenstein, Robert Greenstein, Dennis Forgue
The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents was assembled by a numismatist with a true love for high grade, original red Lincoln Cents. The majority of this collection was assembled from 1989 through 2001 (with the assistance of Mike Printz) with nearly every coin remaining in the old green tag PCGS holder. While the collection is not complete, it offers many of the true and real rarities from the series. Specifically, many outstanding Gem Red examples from the Denver and San Francisco Mints that you don’t see offered for sale with any frequency – even at auction. Several highlights from the collection are listed below. Please note the Matte and Brilliant Proofs are catalogued following the Mint State specimens. A few highlights from this collection include:
• 1912 S – PCGS Mint State 65+ Red
• 1914 S – PCGS Mint State 65 Red • 1917 S – PCGS Mint State 65 Red • 1919 S – PCGS Mint State 65 Red • 1923 S – PCGS Mint State 65 Red • 1924 D – PCGS Mint State 65 Red • 1924 S – PCGS Mint State 65 Red • 1925 S - PCGS Mint State 65 Red • 1926 S - PCGS Mint State 64 Red
US52914 1909 Lincoln Cent MS67 Red PCGS US52914 - Uber frosty with exemplary, original orange-red color and wonderful surfaces. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $4,100
US52912 1909 VDB Cent MS67 Red PCGS/CAC US52912 - Rich, original orange-red color with outstanding mint bloom frost and skin. Wonderfully wholesome! Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $1,350
US52913 1909 S VDB Cent MS66 Red NGC US52913 - Intense and wholly original golden-red color with truly outstanding mint bloom luster. Devoid of spots or finger prints and offering a crisp, full strike throughout. A very impressive and true to grade example of this classic favorite. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52941 1909 S VDB Cent MS64 Red PCGS US52941 - Sharply struck with full mint bloom frost and skin and original brick-red color. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52940 1909 S VDB Cent MS64 Brown NGC US52940 - Lustrous and well struck with both obverse and reverse exhibiting a lovely chestnut brown color offering a subtle green undertone with hints of peach on the reverse as well. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $1,800
US53087 1909 S Lincoln Cent MS65 Red PCGS/CAC US53087 - Vibrant, original golden-red color with superb luster, a crisp, essentially full strike and wonderful eye appeal. Free from spots or prints. CAC Verified. $1,200
US52939 1909 S Lincoln Cent MS64 Red PCGS/CAC US52939 - Lustrous and original golden-red with superb surfaces. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US53088 1910 Cent MS65 Red Brown PCGS US53088 - Brick and golden-red with traces of mahogany and light brown. Superb strike and luster. $125
US52916 1910 S Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52916 - Lustrous and wholly original golden-coppery red color even both obverse and reverse. Still in the old “rattler� holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $800
US52915 1911 S Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52915 - Needle sharp strike with wonderful mint bloom frost and skin. Spot free and exhibiting slight mellowing, the color overall is brick and orange-red color. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US53090 1912 Cent MS65 Red PCGS US53090 - Vibrant and wholly original golden-red color with outstanding luster and surfaces. Still in the old green tag holder. SOLD
US53091 1912 D Cent MS65 Red PCGS US53091 - A superbly struck and wholly original example of this semi-key. Both obverse and reverse exhibit full, tangerine-red color with excellent mint bloom luster. $1,750
US52917 1912 S Cent MS65+ Red PCGS/CAC US52917 – They really don’t get any better! Vibrant and truly original peach and golden-red color both obverse and reverse. The strike is superb, the surfaces are impeccable and the eye appeal simply wonderful. PCGS has not graded a single example of this date MS66 Red, this coin being tied for finest with just one other MS65+. CAC Verified and only two as such. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $11,750
US52918 1913 D
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52918 - Outstanding color, luster, strike and surfaces. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US53092 1913 D
Cent
MS65 Brown
PCGS/CAC
US53092 - Lovely coin! Rich, glossy brown with hints of pale magenta and swaths of red-brown. Spot and print free and really quite nice. CAC Verified. $550
US52919 1913 S
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS
US52919 - Exceptionally well struck along with very nice surfaces and impressive luster. Both obverse and reverse exhibit original golden and brick-red color. In the first generation blue tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52920 1914 S Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52920 - Although the Denver issue of this date garners more popularity, the 14-S is a condition rarity with just 32 graded in Gem red with 3 graded finer. Superbly executed with Lincoln’s beard, the date and Motto in full relief. The reverse is absolutely hammered! Superb mint bloom skin and pristine, incredibly clean and spot free surfaces. Both obverse and reverse are slightly faded, original brick red with considerable gold as well. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $10,500
US52922 1915 D Cent MS66 Red PCGS/CAC US52922 - Most of the examples of this date were struck on lightly worn dies but this is not the case here. This coin is absolutely hammered with no weakness seen by this numismatist. Nearly immaculate surfaces devoid of any spotting or prints and offering wonderful bronze-red color even from side to side. Fantastic, original red Gem. PCGS has certified just 23 at this level with one graded higher (doubtful it is finer). Of the 23 graded MS66 Red there are just 5 CAC verified. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52925 1916 D Cent MS65 Red PCGS/CAC US52925 - Wonderfully lustrous and exceptionally well executed throughout. Both obverse and reverse exhibit vibrant, original golden-red color with a very pale pinkish hue not uncommon to this issue. A true, original red Gem of this date that is sneaky tough. PCGS has certified 50 at this level with a reported 4 graded higher. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified – just 2 so verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52923 1916 S Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52923 - Pristine surfaces with wonderful luster and devoid of spots or prints. Both obverse and reverse offer rich, original brick/goldenred color with subtle hints of orange-red with slight mellowing. A truly rare date in Gem red with PCGS having graded just 22 at this level with none graded finer. Still in the first generation blue tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $6,750
US52926 1917 Cent MS66 Red PCGS/CAC US52926 – Frosty, original golden-red color with superb eye appeal. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52942 1917 D Cent MS64 Red Brown PCGS/CAC US52942 – A really lovely coin offering a mix of merlot, original mint red and bluish-brown colors. Great luster, strike and overall eye appeal. Still in the old “rattler” holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $375
US53093 1917 D Cent MS64 Red Brown PCGS/CAC US53093 - Very nice, wholly original near Gem. Both obverse and reverse exhibit considerable amounts of mint red with a bit of mellowing making this a red, red-brown. CAC Verified. $400
US52927 1917 D Cent MS65 Red PCGS/CAC US52927 - Original golden-red color and offering a truly exemplary strike with uber crisp date and mint mark along with very well defined wheat ears. Still in the old “rattler” holder. PCGS has graded 43 at this level with 5 graded higher. CAC verified, one of just four as such. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $3,000
US52928 1917 S Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52928 - One of the true rarities of the early teen issues for the series in Gem Red with just 16 graded at this level and one graded finer. Exceptionally frosty with superb surfaces that are void of prints or spots and devices struck up in full relief. The color is a deeper brick/ golden red. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $10,500
US52930 1919 Cent MS67 Red PCGS/CAC US52930 - Stunning - just absolutely stunning! Virtually perfect with wonderful, multi-color original red color. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $1,950
US52929 1919 Cent MS67 Red PCGS/CAC US52929 – Terrific luster and original red and orange-red color, pristine surfaces and wonderful eye appeal. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $1,800
US52943 1919 Cent MS67 Red NGC/CAC US52943 - Booming luster and vibrant golden-red color offering a subtle green undertone as well. Still in the old NGC “fatty” style holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $1,650
US52931 1919 D Cent MS65 Red PCGS/CAC US52931 – Exceptional striking throughout with all device details in complete relief. Incredibly clean from contact marks, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything of note. Both obverse and reverse exhibit even, brick/cherry red color with subtle gold undertone. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC verified, and one of only two as such. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52932 1919 S Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52932 - Superbly struck with the only notable weakness evident in the upper left portion of the O in ONE. Despite the high mintage, the survival rate in Gem red is just 20 with 1 graded finer. Both obverse and reverse offer original golden/brick red color and superb frost. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52933 1920 Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52933 - Booming luster and gorgeous, original orange-red color. Still in the old “rattler� holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $260
US52944 1920 D Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52944 - Well struck with the only minor weakness in L of LIBERTY. Original, deeper brick/pumpkin red with wonderful mint bloom frost. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US53095 1921 Cent MS65 Red Brown PCGS/CAC US53095 - Wonderful coin offering outstanding luster and original red-brown color boasting considerable amounts of mint red. Devoid of spots or prints with exceptionally nice surfaces, strike and eye appeal. CAC verified. $225
US52945 1921 Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52945 – A problematic date that nobody really thinks about. Plagued with spotting and striking issues, this piece offers nice, original brassy golden-red color with wonderful luster and eye appeal. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $1,350
US52934 1922 No D Strong Rev.
Cent
AU50
PCGS
US52934 – Strong reverse. Very pleasing chocolate brown with a subtle blue-green undertone, nice luster and lovely overall eye appeal. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $3,950
US52935 1922 D Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52935 - Original brassy and golden-red color both obverse and reverse with superb luster and a crisp strike. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $1,750
US52936 1923 S
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS
US52936 - Low mintage figures alone don’t explain the condition rarity of the 23-S, rather it is more likely a result of the coins being struck from worn dies with one or both sides usually exhibiting extreme erosion. Such is not the case with this specimen which offers an exceptionally crisp and essentially full strike with all elements in full relief. Superb luster both obverse and reverse and even, original deeper brassy-red color. PCGS indicates just 16 graded at the Gem red level with nothing graded finer. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52947 1924 Cent MS64 Red PCGS US52947 - Vibrant golden-orange and brick-red color with superb mint frost. Still in the old “rattler” holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. 175
US52946 1924 Cent MS65 Red PCGS/CAC US52946 – Original brick red with a pale pinkish hue and super frost. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $375
US52937 1924 D Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52937 – A very elusive date in Gem red...heck even in red-brown it’s a tough date - a legit stopper. Both obverse and reverse offer a superb strike..arguably complete. The color is even and wholly original brick red with almond and pumpkin unvertones as well. PCGS reports just 37 in Gem Red with 1 coin graded higher. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52948 1924 S Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52948 - Without a doubt, one of the rarest dates in the entire series to be had in Gem red. PCGS reports just 8 with nothing graded finer. The last Gem red to sell at auction was in 2005, and prior to that it’s 2002. Extremely poor striking is the norm for this date. The specimen offered here offers complete Motto, date and reverse detail with no weakness seen in the O in ONE as is so often the case. Wonderful mint bloom luster and original pumpkin/golden red color. An exceptional find for the Lincoln Cent collector looking for the best. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $26,000
US52949 1925 Cent MS66 Red PCGS/CAC US52949 - Vibrant and wholly original orange-red color with superb frost and great eye appeal. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $275
US52950 1925 Cent MS66 Red PCGS US52950 - Vibrant and wholly original orange-red color with superb frost and great eye appeal. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $250
US52938 1925 D Cent MS65 Red PCGS/CAC US52938 - A huge mintage with very few spared from circulation. This combined with very poor manufacture makes this a relatively elusive condition rarity. Both obverse and reverse exhibit truly impressive striking detail...it’s seriously hammered! Original, pumpkin/tangerine red color with full mint bloom frost. PCGS reports 42 in Gem red with just 2 graded higher. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified with just 7 verified as such and none finer. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52951 1925 D
Cent
MS63 Red Brown
PCGS
US52951 - Medium, chocolate brown with undertones of merlot and hints of mint red. Considering just how poorly this date was made, it is exceptionally well detailed. A very pleasing coin for the grade. Still in the old “rattler” holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $140
US52952 1925 S Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52952 - Some specialists consider the 25-S in Gem red to be the rarest date in the series behind only the 20-S and 26-S. The piece offered here has outstanding mint bloom frost and skin, exceptionally nice surfaces, a strike that is just about as good as is obtainable and warm, original golden-brick red color. Still in the old green tag holder. PCGS indicates just 10 graded at this level with nothing graded finer this after 27 years of grading. The last coin to sell at auction was in 2009. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52953 1926 Cent MS66 Red PCGS/CAC US52953 - Brilliant, blazing, original red Gem. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $250
US53096 1926 D Cent MS65 Red Brown PCGS/CAC US53096 - An exemplary coin with a superb strike, incredibly nice surfaces and lovely, even red-brown color that offers a slight tangerine undertone. Very nice! CAC Verified. $795
US52954 1926 S Cent MS64 Red PCGS US52954 - Atypically sharp with all design elements struck up in full relief, including peripheral device detail. Original brick/brassy red with a subtle hint of pale lilac as well. Free from spots or finger prints, this really is a lovely example of that many consider the rarest date in the set in red. PCGS has graded only 1 coin as Gem red, which when last sold in 2008 brought over $100,000. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52955 1927 Cent MS66 Red PCGS/CAC US52955 - Brilliant, blazing, original red Gem. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $375
US52956 1927 D Cent MS64 Red Brown PCGS US52956 – Superbly struck with no notable weakness either obverse or reverse. Brick and golden red that’s mellowed to a red brown that still offers considerable mint red. Still in the old “rattler” holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $175
US52957 1927 D Cent MS65 Red PCGS/CAC US52957 - Lustrous and wholly original gold and brassy red color. Exceptionally well struck for this problematic issue with only slight weakness in the upper right side of the 7 in the date. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. This is the sole coin to be CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $4,500
US52958 1928
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52958 - Well struck with wonderful luster and rich and wholly original brassy-red color. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $400
US52959 1928 D
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS
US52959 - Superb striking detail with outstanding mint bloom luster and original cherry red and golden-red color. A tricker date than one might expect and a date any true student of the series will recognize as a real find. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $850
US52961 1929 Cent MS66 Red PCGS/CAC US52961 - Lustrous, fiery golden red color - superb original red Gem. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $350
US52960 1929 Cent MS65 Red Brown PCGS US52960 - Abundant original orange-red color that’s mellowed down to afford the red-brown designation. Well struck with nice overall eye appeal. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $60
US52962 1929 S Cent MS65 Red PCGS US52962 - Original golden-red color that has mellowed over time. Still true red but mellowed quite a bit. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $400
US52963 1930
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52963 - Brilliant, fiery golden-red color with superb luster and eye appeal. Extremely nice for the grade! Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52964 1930 D Cent MS66 Red PCGS/CAC US52964 - Rich, orignal pumpkin-red color with superb luster and eye appeal. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52965 1930 S
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52965 - Exceptionally lovely Gem with outstanding original sunset gold and pumpkin red color, superb luster and great eye appeal. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52966 1931
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52966 - Booming luster, superbly executed and offering wonderful, original red color. Very choice for the grade! Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52967 1931 D
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS
US52967 - Exceptionally clean and free from spots or prints with full mint bloom luster and skin. Very pretty, original brick red with hints of wine coloring as well. Any true collectors of the series will opine of the difficulty locating this date in Gem red. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52968 1931 D
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52968 - Given the low mintage figures, it makes sense finding a Gem red example remains problematic. The obverse is a somewhat brighter golden-red in color while the reverse is more of a rich, brick red color. Absolutely original and truly red. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52969 1931 S
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52969 - Oustanding, true to grade, original red Gem. Well struck with lovely surfaces and rich golden red color. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US53097 1931 S
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS/CAC
US53097 - Vibrant, original orange-red color with superb luster. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. $650
US52970 1932
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS
US52970 - Bright, coppery red in color with hints of a light pumpkin color on the reverse as well. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $100
US52971 1932 D
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52971 - Fiery, original golden-red color with oustanding luster! Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $800
US52972 1933
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52972 - Intense, fiery red color and booming luster with superb surfaces. An exceptionally choice red Gem. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $550
US52974 1933 D
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS
US52974 - Lovely straw gold and orange-gold coloration both obverse and reverse with abundant luster for the grade and truly nice surfaces. CAC Verified. $500
US52973 1933 D
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52973 - Absolutely a stone 66 Red - just a superb, orignal red Gem. Just not worth losing the old “rattler” style “doily” holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52975 1934
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS
US52975 - Brilliant orange-red with subtle hints of pale yellow. Booming luster and frost with great surfaces. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52976 1934 D Cent MS66 Red
PCGS
US52976 - Sharply struck and wholly original with vibrant golden-red color both obverse and reverse. Very choice! Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $450
US52977 1935 S
Cent
MS65 Red
PCGS
US52977 - Vibrant, original cherry-golden red color. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $95
US52978 1936 S
Cent
MS66 Red
PCGS
US52978 - Vibrant, lustrous orange-red color. Superb for the grade! The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $200
US52907 1943 D/D
Cent
MS66
PCGS
US52907 - The most desirable repunched mint mark steel cent and quite easily seen with the naked eye. Lustrous blue-green and pale golden-almond coloration both obverse and reverse. Still in the first generation blue tag holder. $1,195
US52979 1955 Double Die Cent MS62 Brown PCGS/CAC US52979 - Doubled Die Obverse. An exceptionally lovely coin with superb surfaces, luster and color for the grade...absolutely true to grade as Unc. Pretty blue-brown with hints of rose as well. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $2,650
US52980 1972 Doubled Die Cent MS66 Red PCGS/CAC US52980 - Stunning in every respect - from color to luster to surfaces and strike...an absolutely superb Gem. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $1,300
Proof Lincoln Cents
US53234 1909 Lincoln Cent PR66 Red PCGS/CAC US53234 - Satiny luster with rich, original golden-red color showcasing a hint of pumpkin color on the reverse. CAC Verified with a population of just 13 and none finer. SOLD
US52981 1911 Cent PR65 Red PCGS US52981 - Slightly subdued golden-red both obverse and reverse. Still in the old green tag holder. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $3,450
US52982 1913
Cent
PR 65 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52982 - Satiny, original golden-yellow and orange-red color. Lovely overall eye appeal. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified – one of just 3. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52983 1936 Satin
Cent
PR65 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52983 - Satin. Heckuva nice coin for the issue. Both obverse and reverse exhibit vibrant, original golden-red color. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $3,150
US52984 1937
Cent
PR66 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52984 - Wonderful pumpkin-red color with deep, watery fields and heavily frosted devices allowing for exceptional cameo contrast. Spot and print free and truly superb! Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52985 1938
Cent
PR66 Red
PCGS/CAC
US52985 - Original orange-red color with faint green and subtle lilac highlights. Free from spots or prints with deeply reflective fields and nicely frosted devices. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
US52986 1939 Cent PR66 Red PCGS/CAC US52986 - Rich, golden-red color with superb fields and devices. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. $350
US52987 1940 Cent PR66 Red PCGS/CAC US52987 - Deep, original cherry red and tangerine red color with deep, watery fields and absolutely wonderful eye appeal. Free from spots or prints. Still in the old green tag holder. CAC Verified. The Laura Lee Collection of Gem Red Lincoln Cents. SOLD
Recently Handled at HJB
Wild Die Cap 1903 Dollar
One of the wildest multiple error Morgan silver dollars ever seen, a 1903 obverse die cap with an almost full brockaged reverse from an indented strike, surfaced recently in California. It has recently been placed with a client of Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.
The coin is shaped like a bottle cap, formed as a struck coin wrapped itself around the end of a steel die while being hammered against subsequent planchets (hence the name “die cap.”) It almost looks like it could float!
It is approximately 46.1 mm in diameter, vs. the 38.1 mm of a normal dollar, with a plain edge. What looks like reeding lines in the periphery of the obverse picture are actually the rim denticles from the obverse die, stretched outwards and upwards as the silver in the coin oozed around the end of the die.
The brockaged reverse shows an incused image of a Morgan dollar, in mirror image relative to a normal obverse. Prior to this coin (let’s call it Coin C) being struck, another planchet was struck in the collar atop the reverse die, but that coin (Coin B) failed to eject from the collar. The reason that it failed to eject may have been because Coin B was struck through the very edge of yet another previous dollar (Coin A), which overlapped Coin B at the top of Miss Liberty’s cap.
The pressure of the extra thickness at that point may have wedged Coin B tightly into the collar, so that it could not eject and the planchet that became Coin C fed in atop it rather than atop the reverse die. The overlapping of Coin A also left a depression in Coin B, obscuring the first U of UNUM and the spacer dot before it. The border of the depression in Coin B showed a sawtoothed outline, formed by the reeded edge of Coin A as it spread out under pressure.
As the press cycled again to strike Coin C, with Coin A now out of the picture, it drove the planchet down against the raised design of Coin B, forming a reversed and incused image of an obverse design on the reverse of Coin C. This reversed and incused image is called a brockage. The exception to the brockage design was where there was the small depression in Coin B created by Coin A. At that point the metal in Coin C flowed into the depression, forming a small raised area rather than an incused “U.” Had Coin C ejected from the press at that point, it would still have been a fabulous error.
However, Coin C then adhered to the obverse die, and was struck against the next few blank planchets that fed in under it. Those coins (D through ?) would have shown raised counterbrockages on their obverses formed by the incused image in Coin C, and incused brockages on their reverses formed by the raised image on Coin B.
The extra pressure in the coining chamber generated by three coins and/or planchets being between the dies at the same time caused Coin C to extrude outwards and upwards. The brockaged design on the reverse became greatly enlarged, while retaining great detail.
Only one similar Morgan dollar die cap is known, dated 1886. It too has a brockaged reverse, greatly expanded. Only a handful of die caps are known for all denominations, but they are particularly rare for dollars.
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