Eric P. Newman Collection, Part II

User Collection Public

3654 Items

Last Updated: 2022-03-24

Eric P. Newman Collection Part II, sold by Heritage Auctions, November 2013, featuring U.S. federal coinage.

Collection Details

Total items: 3654
Size: unknown

Works (3654)

2671. Lot 33508

Description:: 1799 $1 7x6 Stars MS67 NGC. B-5, BB-157, R.2. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The Green-Newman example is the finest known 1799 B-5, BB-157 die marriage, the finest known 1799-dated dollar (for those collecting by date and major type), and the finest known of any Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle silver dollar dated 1798 to 1803. It is tied with a 1795 Draped Bust, Small Eagle dollar for the finest known early dollar of any kind dated 1794 to 1803. This amazing Superb Gem exhibits a bold, complete strike that is truly remarkable for its exceptional detail. Brilliant satin mint luster appears beneath delicate original champagne toning, complementing peripheral accents of blue, violet, and rose over virtually flawless surfaces. The opportunity to bid on and acquire the finest existing Heraldic Eagle silver dollar will likely not present itself again anytime soon, once this piece crosses the auction block. Obverse Die. The 1799-dated obverse that struck the B-5 marriage was another "workhorse die," one used with six different reverse dies, in order, for B-7, BB-156; B-5, BB-157; B-11, BB-161; B-6, BB-162; B-10, BB-163; and B-17, BB-164. Reverse Die. The reverse die was only used for this single B-5, BB-157 die marriage. The U in UNITED is imperfect at the upper left, similar to several other reverse dies that were engraved with the same punch and likely about the same time. Die State. The obverse shows remnants of clash marks at the tops of 99, and a hairline crack in the upper fold of the drapery. An additional delicate die crack appears along the border, to the right of the bust point and star 13. Both die cracks appear in the photo of the second-finest Boston specimen, although Bowers states that no die cracks were seen on the obverse in this early die marriage. Delicate die lines are evident under magnification. A reverse crack begins at the border below the branch stem and runs clockwise through the eagle's tail, continuing through UNITED and STATES. Another crack runs from the base of AT through the clouds to the right (facing) wing, continuing through AMER. Another crack starts at cloud 8 and extends through the right (facing) wing below the second die crack. The cracks equate to Die State III in the Bowers silver dollar reference. Condition Census. This 1799 B-5a, BB-157 dollar from the Newman Collection is the only Heraldic Eagle silver dollar of any variety certified MS67. The only other MS67 early dollar of any type is an NGC-certified example of the 1795 Draped Bust, Small Eagle silver dollar. NGC has only certified four dozen early dollars in MS65 or finer grades, attesting to the rarity of high-quality examples of the series. The connoisseur who seeks an amazing early dollar with a wonderful provenance back to "Col." E.H.R. Green will want to bid accordingly. Prior to the certification of this specimen from the Eric P. Newman Collection, the finest known 1799 B-5, BB-157 silver dollar was the so-called "Boston specimen" in MS66 PCGS that we handled in our FUN Signature sale (Heritage, January 2012), lot 3292, which brought $260,015. That piece exhibits similar sharp details, toning, and luster, with just a few more surface marks than the present specimen. The old thumbprint that appears on the Boston example will differentiate it from the Newman coin. The next finest 1799 B-5 silver dollar is the MS64 NGC Eliasberg coin. Unlike the Boston dollar and the Eliasberg coin, both appearing in multiple auctions over the past two decades, the Newman specimen has been hidden away for more than three-quarters of a century since the 1936 death of "Ned" Green. Appearances. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. For coins dated 1799, the Philadelphia Mint produced large cents (rare), silver dollars (common), half eagles (scarce), and eagles (common). Silver dollar production totaled a generous quantity of 423,515 pieces, according to Mint records. Additional 1799-dated pieces were likely struck in 1800. Analyzing the Notable Specimens listings in the Bowers 2013 silver dollar book will prove instructive to explain the high-grade rarity of all Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle silver dollars. There are 84 different die marriages for the type, and the following listing identifies the grade of the finest known example of each variety, with specimens from the Eric P. Newman Collection identified in bold type: {blockquote}Finest known grades VF20: 1798 B-18. Finest known grades AU50 to AU58: 1798 B-5, B-7, B-11, B-17, B-20, B-30, B-31, B-33; 1799 B-4, B-13, B-22; 1800 B-1, B-2, B-5, B-15, B-20; 1802/1 B-1, B-9; 1802 B-5; 1803 B-1. Finest known grades MS60 to MS63: 1798 B-3, B-4, B-6, B-9, B-10, B-13, B-14, B-15, B-16, B-19, B-21, B-22, B-25, B-26, B-29, B-32; 1799 B-7, B-14, B-18, B-19, B-21; 1800 B-3, B-4, B-11, B-12, B-17; 1801 B-1, B-3; 1802/1 B-4; 1803 B-3, B-5. Finest known grades MS64: 1798 B-8, B-12, B-24, B-27, B-28; 1799/8 B-2, B-3; 1799 B-6, B-8, B-10, B-15, B-16, B-23; 1800 B-8, B-10; 1802/1 B-2; 1803 B-4. Finest known grades MS65: 1798 B-23; 1799/8 B-1; 1799 B-9, B-12, B-17; 1800 B-13, B-14, B-19; 1801 B-2, B-4; 1802/1 B-3; 1802 B-6; 1803 B-6. Finest known grades MS66: 1799 B-11. Finest known grades MS67: 1799 B-5.{/blockquote} No Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle silver dollars finer than MS66 were listed in the Notable Specimens of the Bowers Encyclopedia. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $30.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $822,500.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2672. Lot 33508

Description:: 1799 $1 7x6 Stars MS67 NGC. B-5, BB-157, R.2. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The Green-Newman example is the finest known 1799 B-5, BB-157 die marriage, the finest known 1799-dated dollar (for those collecting by date and major type), and the finest known of any Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle silver dollar dated 1798 to 1803. It is tied with a 1795 Draped Bust, Small Eagle dollar for the finest known early dollar of any kind dated 1794 to 1803. This amazing Superb Gem exhibits a bold, complete strike that is truly remarkable for its exceptional detail. Brilliant satin mint luster appears beneath delicate original champagne toning, complementing peripheral accents of blue, violet, and rose over virtually flawless surfaces. The opportunity to bid on and acquire the finest existing Heraldic Eagle silver dollar will likely not present itself again anytime soon, once this piece crosses the auction block. Obverse Die. The 1799-dated obverse that struck the B-5 marriage was another "workhorse die," one used with six different reverse dies, in order, for B-7, BB-156; B-5, BB-157; B-11, BB-161; B-6, BB-162; B-10, BB-163; and B-17, BB-164. Reverse Die. The reverse die was only used for this single B-5, BB-157 die marriage. The U in UNITED is imperfect at the upper left, similar to several other reverse dies that were engraved with the same punch and likely about the same time. Die State. The obverse shows remnants of clash marks at the tops of 99, and a hairline crack in the upper fold of the drapery. An additional delicate die crack appears along the border, to the right of the bust point and star 13. Both die cracks appear in the photo of the second-finest Boston specimen, although Bowers states that no die cracks were seen on the obverse in this early die marriage. Delicate die lines are evident under magnification. A reverse crack begins at the border below the branch stem and runs clockwise through the eagle's tail, continuing through UNITED and STATES. Another crack runs from the base of AT through the clouds to the right (facing) wing, continuing through AMER. Another crack starts at cloud 8 and extends through the right (facing) wing below the second die crack. The cracks equate to Die State III in the Bowers silver dollar reference. Condition Census. This 1799 B-5a, BB-157 dollar from the Newman Collection is the only Heraldic Eagle silver dollar of any variety certified MS67. The only other MS67 early dollar of any type is an NGC-certified example of the 1795 Draped Bust, Small Eagle silver dollar. NGC has only certified four dozen early dollars in MS65 or finer grades, attesting to the rarity of high-quality examples of the series. The connoisseur who seeks an amazing early dollar with a wonderful provenance back to "Col." E.H.R. Green will want to bid accordingly. Prior to the certification of this specimen from the Eric P. Newman Collection, the finest known 1799 B-5, BB-157 silver dollar was the so-called "Boston specimen" in MS66 PCGS that we handled in our FUN Signature sale (Heritage, January 2012), lot 3292, which brought $260,015. That piece exhibits similar sharp details, toning, and luster, with just a few more surface marks than the present specimen. The old thumbprint that appears on the Boston example will differentiate it from the Newman coin. The next finest 1799 B-5 silver dollar is the MS64 NGC Eliasberg coin. Unlike the Boston dollar and the Eliasberg coin, both appearing in multiple auctions over the past two decades, the Newman specimen has been hidden away for more than three-quarters of a century since the 1936 death of "Ned" Green. Appearances. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. For coins dated 1799, the Philadelphia Mint produced large cents (rare), silver dollars (common), half eagles (scarce), and eagles (common). Silver dollar production totaled a generous quantity of 423,515 pieces, according to Mint records. Additional 1799-dated pieces were likely struck in 1800. Analyzing the Notable Specimens listings in the Bowers 2013 silver dollar book will prove instructive to explain the high-grade rarity of all Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle silver dollars. There are 84 different die marriages for the type, and the following listing identifies the grade of the finest known example of each variety, with specimens from the Eric P. Newman Collection identified in bold type: {blockquote}Finest known grades VF20: 1798 B-18. Finest known grades AU50 to AU58: 1798 B-5, B-7, B-11, B-17, B-20, B-30, B-31, B-33; 1799 B-4, B-13, B-22; 1800 B-1, B-2, B-5, B-15, B-20; 1802/1 B-1, B-9; 1802 B-5; 1803 B-1. Finest known grades MS60 to MS63: 1798 B-3, B-4, B-6, B-9, B-10, B-13, B-14, B-15, B-16, B-19, B-21, B-22, B-25, B-26, B-29, B-32; 1799 B-7, B-14, B-18, B-19, B-21; 1800 B-3, B-4, B-11, B-12, B-17; 1801 B-1, B-3; 1802/1 B-4; 1803 B-3, B-5. Finest known grades MS64: 1798 B-8, B-12, B-24, B-27, B-28; 1799/8 B-2, B-3; 1799 B-6, B-8, B-10, B-15, B-16, B-23; 1800 B-8, B-10; 1802/1 B-2; 1803 B-4. Finest known grades MS65: 1798 B-23; 1799/8 B-1; 1799 B-9, B-12, B-17; 1800 B-13, B-14, B-19; 1801 B-2, B-4; 1802/1 B-3; 1802 B-6; 1803 B-6. Finest known grades MS66: 1799 B-11. Finest known grades MS67: 1799 B-5.{/blockquote} No Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle silver dollars finer than MS66 were listed in the Notable Specimens of the Bowers Encyclopedia. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $30.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $822,500.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2673. Lot 33507

Description:: 1799/8 $1 15 Stars Reverse MS64+ NGC. B-3, BB-141, R.3. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. Both sides of this spectacular original silver dollar exhibit frosty white luster with splashes of navy-blue toning on the high points. Hints of lime-green and strawberry-red patina are virtually invisible without the aid of a magnifier. The right obverse field shows faint evidence of die sinking, with some indistinct details at the opposing point on the reverse. The Eric P. Newman specimen, earlier from the "Col." E.H.R. Green collection, has been off the market for more than 75 years, and now makes its first appearance to the present generation of coin collectors. Obverse Die. The overdate obverse appears on three die pairings, B-1, BB-142; B-2, BB-143; and B-3, BB-141. It appears in its earliest die state here. The underdigit 8 is clearly visible beneath the second 9. Spalling (commonly called die rust) appears over portions of the obverse, especially through the date and over the head. Clash marks in the form of extra dentils appear inside the border from 3 to 5 o'clock. The second hair curl shows incomplete details, likely from shallow engraving rather than die lapping, as no other details show evidence of lapping. No die cracks are visible. Reverse Die. The 15 Stars reverse die has seven stars in the top row, six in the second, and two in the third. The end stars in the top row are mostly hidden beneath enlarged clouds that the engraver expanded to cover his embarrassing mistake. The balance of the reverse is properly engraved, showing five large berries in the wreath and 13 complete arrows. During the first few years of U.S. Mint operations, coinage dies displayed stars to represent the states in growing numbers as the nation expanded. Mint officials soon realized they would eventually run out of room, deciding to retain 13 stars representing the original 13 states. All Heraldic Eagle silver dollars from 1798 through 1804 display 13 stars on each side with a single exception: the reverse die used for 1799/8 B-3, BB-141 and 1799 B-4, BB-153. Die State. The reverse die has several peripheral cracks, including the terminal Die State IV crack below the left upright of the M to the right (facing) wing. This is the latest die state seen for the B-3, BB-141 die marriage, clearly proving that this overdate was struck after the Normal Date 1799 B-4, BB-153 die variety. Condition Census. This example is the finest known 1799/8 B-3, BB-141 silver dollar. The 1993 Bowers-Borckardt Encyclopedia recorded an MS64, three MS63s, and 10 MS60s as Notable Specimens. The 2013 Encyclopedia shortened and modified the list to two MS64s and four MS63s. However, none of those coins equals the previously unrecognized Eric P. Newman example. Appearances. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. Only two overdates exist in the early dollar series and each has multiple die varieties. While the three 1799/8 varieties are coined from a single overdate obverse die, the five 1802/1 overdates are from five different obverse dies. The 1799/8 B-3, BB-141 die marriage is one of six major types required for a complete set of Guide Book varieties: 1799 Silver Dollar Major Types --1799/8, 15 Star Reverse --1799/8, 13 Star Reverse --1799 Irregular Date, 15 Star Reverse --1799 Irregular Date, 13 Star Reverse --1799 Normal Date --1799 8 Stars Left, 5 Right This sale offers numismatists a chance to acquire three of the six major types of 1799 silver dollars, all in Mint State, and each with a great pedigree. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $35.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $141,000.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2674. Lot 33507

Description:: 1799/8 $1 15 Stars Reverse MS64+ NGC. B-3, BB-141, R.3. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. Both sides of this spectacular original silver dollar exhibit frosty white luster with splashes of navy-blue toning on the high points. Hints of lime-green and strawberry-red patina are virtually invisible without the aid of a magnifier. The right obverse field shows faint evidence of die sinking, with some indistinct details at the opposing point on the reverse. The Eric P. Newman specimen, earlier from the "Col." E.H.R. Green collection, has been off the market for more than 75 years, and now makes its first appearance to the present generation of coin collectors. Obverse Die. The overdate obverse appears on three die pairings, B-1, BB-142; B-2, BB-143; and B-3, BB-141. It appears in its earliest die state here. The underdigit 8 is clearly visible beneath the second 9. Spalling (commonly called die rust) appears over portions of the obverse, especially through the date and over the head. Clash marks in the form of extra dentils appear inside the border from 3 to 5 o'clock. The second hair curl shows incomplete details, likely from shallow engraving rather than die lapping, as no other details show evidence of lapping. No die cracks are visible. Reverse Die. The 15 Stars reverse die has seven stars in the top row, six in the second, and two in the third. The end stars in the top row are mostly hidden beneath enlarged clouds that the engraver expanded to cover his embarrassing mistake. The balance of the reverse is properly engraved, showing five large berries in the wreath and 13 complete arrows. During the first few years of U.S. Mint operations, coinage dies displayed stars to represent the states in growing numbers as the nation expanded. Mint officials soon realized they would eventually run out of room, deciding to retain 13 stars representing the original 13 states. All Heraldic Eagle silver dollars from 1798 through 1804 display 13 stars on each side with a single exception: the reverse die used for 1799/8 B-3, BB-141 and 1799 B-4, BB-153. Die State. The reverse die has several peripheral cracks, including the terminal Die State IV crack below the left upright of the M to the right (facing) wing. This is the latest die state seen for the B-3, BB-141 die marriage, clearly proving that this overdate was struck after the Normal Date 1799 B-4, BB-153 die variety. Condition Census. This example is the finest known 1799/8 B-3, BB-141 silver dollar. The 1993 Bowers-Borckardt Encyclopedia recorded an MS64, three MS63s, and 10 MS60s as Notable Specimens. The 2013 Encyclopedia shortened and modified the list to two MS64s and four MS63s. However, none of those coins equals the previously unrecognized Eric P. Newman example. Appearances. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. Only two overdates exist in the early dollar series and each has multiple die varieties. While the three 1799/8 varieties are coined from a single overdate obverse die, the five 1802/1 overdates are from five different obverse dies. The 1799/8 B-3, BB-141 die marriage is one of six major types required for a complete set of Guide Book varieties: 1799 Silver Dollar Major Types --1799/8, 15 Star Reverse --1799/8, 13 Star Reverse --1799 Irregular Date, 15 Star Reverse --1799 Irregular Date, 13 Star Reverse --1799 Normal Date --1799 8 Stars Left, 5 Right This sale offers numismatists a chance to acquire three of the six major types of 1799 silver dollars, all in Mint State, and each with a great pedigree. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $35.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $141,000.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2675. Lot 33506

Description:: 1798 $1 Small Eagle, 13 Stars MS63 NGC. B-1, BB-82, R.2. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. This Select Mint State piece is fully lustrous with brilliant silver surfaces and delicate peripheral iridescence. Slight weakness is evident on a few hair curls and on the eagle's high points. The usual grade-consistent marks appear in the fields with clean devices. Obverse Die. The 1798 B-1, BB-82 die marriage represents the 13 Stars obverse type, mated with the Small Eagle reverse. The 9 in the date is the Knob 9 style. Six of the 1798-dated Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle dollar varieties also have dies with a Knob 9 punch. This die reappeared with a Heraldic Eagle reverse to strike B-32, BB-91. Reverse Die. The Large Letters reverse die from the 1798 B-1, BB-82 was used earlier to make the 1797 B-1, BB-73 dollars, in Bowers-Borckardt Die States I through IV. This reverse die state (with the new 1798 obverse) is listed as Die State I for the 1798 B-1, BB-82 dollars, and the die cracks advanced. After the 1798 BB-82 coinage was finished, the Large Letters reverse die was remated with the 1797 9x7 Stars obverse die, and more of the 1797 B-1, BB-73 coins were struck (but a later reverse die state, BB Die State V or VI) -- likely all of them in 1798. Die State. The obverse die on this specimen is lapped with incomplete curls atop the head and behind the shoulder. Delicate clash marks are noted in the obverse fields. The reverse die shows extensive die cracks, equal to the latest known die state. The Green-Newman 1798 B-1, BB-82 was struck from a very late state of the dies, Bowers Die State III (equivalent to BB Die State V for the 1797 BB-73). Thus sometime after the Newman specimen was struck, the reverse die was reused for more examples of the 1797 B-1, BB-73. Condition Census. The Newman example graded MS63 NGC, is the finest known specimen of 1798 B-1, BB-82 by some margin, and in our opinion, the only true Uncirculated example known. A coin that should certainly set a new record price for this die marriage and major type. The 1993 Bowers-Borckardt reference and the 2013 Encyclopedia list under Notable Specimens only one coin in Choice Mint State, a piece that had gone unseen for more than 100 years: {blockquote}"Cleneay Specimen. MS-64. The Thomas Cleneay Collection gem (Chapman brothers,1890) may be the only truly Mint State example known and is arbitrarily designated as MS-64 in the Population Distribution below." The coin was lot #933 and sold for $32.50.{/blockquote} Stuart Levine plate matched the Newman coin as the Cleneay specimen. Mike Clark agreed, noting the two matching marks appearing on the obverse, one above the nose and one below. The toning streak on the eagle's right wing plate matches the reverse. Appearances. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. By 1798 the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design, first struck beginning in October 1795, was entering its fourth year. Draped Bust, Small Eagle coins dated 1795, 1796, and 1797 had been struck from multiple die pairings. But the number and arrangement of obverse stars was changed in 1798, creating two major types for the 1798 Draped Bust, Small Eagle coins. One shows 15 stars, arranged eight left and seven right; the second shows 13 stars, arranged seven left and six right. The 1798 Draped Bust, 13 Stars obverse die mated to the Small Eagle reverse is all that is needed to attribute this die marriage. The 13 Star obverse of 1798 was mated solely (among Small Eagle coins) with the Small Eagle, Large Letters reverse previously used on the 1797 B-1, BB-73; the 1798 15 Star obverse was mated solely with the Small Eagle, Small Letters reverse that had been used already for five die marriages from 1795 through 1797. High-grade examples of both major types -- the 1798 Small Eagle, 13 Stars and the 1798 Small Eagle, 15 Stars -- are among the Newman Collection coins in the present Platinum Night offering. Provenance. Ex: Thomas Cleneay (Chapman Brothers, 12/1890), lot 933; "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $75.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $258,500.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2676. Lot 33506

Description:: 1798 $1 Small Eagle, 13 Stars MS63 NGC. B-1, BB-82, R.2. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. This Select Mint State piece is fully lustrous with brilliant silver surfaces and delicate peripheral iridescence. Slight weakness is evident on a few hair curls and on the eagle's high points. The usual grade-consistent marks appear in the fields with clean devices. Obverse Die. The 1798 B-1, BB-82 die marriage represents the 13 Stars obverse type, mated with the Small Eagle reverse. The 9 in the date is the Knob 9 style. Six of the 1798-dated Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle dollar varieties also have dies with a Knob 9 punch. This die reappeared with a Heraldic Eagle reverse to strike B-32, BB-91. Reverse Die. The Large Letters reverse die from the 1798 B-1, BB-82 was used earlier to make the 1797 B-1, BB-73 dollars, in Bowers-Borckardt Die States I through IV. This reverse die state (with the new 1798 obverse) is listed as Die State I for the 1798 B-1, BB-82 dollars, and the die cracks advanced. After the 1798 BB-82 coinage was finished, the Large Letters reverse die was remated with the 1797 9x7 Stars obverse die, and more of the 1797 B-1, BB-73 coins were struck (but a later reverse die state, BB Die State V or VI) -- likely all of them in 1798. Die State. The obverse die on this specimen is lapped with incomplete curls atop the head and behind the shoulder. Delicate clash marks are noted in the obverse fields. The reverse die shows extensive die cracks, equal to the latest known die state. The Green-Newman 1798 B-1, BB-82 was struck from a very late state of the dies, Bowers Die State III (equivalent to BB Die State V for the 1797 BB-73). Thus sometime after the Newman specimen was struck, the reverse die was reused for more examples of the 1797 B-1, BB-73. Condition Census. The Newman example graded MS63 NGC, is the finest known specimen of 1798 B-1, BB-82 by some margin, and in our opinion, the only true Uncirculated example known. A coin that should certainly set a new record price for this die marriage and major type. The 1993 Bowers-Borckardt reference and the 2013 Encyclopedia list under Notable Specimens only one coin in Choice Mint State, a piece that had gone unseen for more than 100 years: {blockquote}"Cleneay Specimen. MS-64. The Thomas Cleneay Collection gem (Chapman brothers,1890) may be the only truly Mint State example known and is arbitrarily designated as MS-64 in the Population Distribution below." The coin was lot #933 and sold for $32.50.{/blockquote} Stuart Levine plate matched the Newman coin as the Cleneay specimen. Mike Clark agreed, noting the two matching marks appearing on the obverse, one above the nose and one below. The toning streak on the eagle's right wing plate matches the reverse. Appearances. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. By 1798 the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design, first struck beginning in October 1795, was entering its fourth year. Draped Bust, Small Eagle coins dated 1795, 1796, and 1797 had been struck from multiple die pairings. But the number and arrangement of obverse stars was changed in 1798, creating two major types for the 1798 Draped Bust, Small Eagle coins. One shows 15 stars, arranged eight left and seven right; the second shows 13 stars, arranged seven left and six right. The 1798 Draped Bust, 13 Stars obverse die mated to the Small Eagle reverse is all that is needed to attribute this die marriage. The 13 Star obverse of 1798 was mated solely (among Small Eagle coins) with the Small Eagle, Large Letters reverse previously used on the 1797 B-1, BB-73; the 1798 15 Star obverse was mated solely with the Small Eagle, Small Letters reverse that had been used already for five die marriages from 1795 through 1797. High-grade examples of both major types -- the 1798 Small Eagle, 13 Stars and the 1798 Small Eagle, 15 Stars -- are among the Newman Collection coins in the present Platinum Night offering. Provenance. Ex: Thomas Cleneay (Chapman Brothers, 12/1890), lot 933; "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $75.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $258,500.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2677. Lot 33505

Description:: 1798 $1 Small Eagle, 15 Stars AU58+ NGC. CAC. B-2, BB-81, R.3. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The eagle is a trifle weak from the head down to the leg, but the details are sharp elsewhere. Slight wear on the high points prevents a Mint State grade, but this piece exhibits exceptional eye appeal with virtually full luster and brilliant centers within a ring of original peripheral iridescence. Obverse Die. This obverse die was only used once, to strike the B-2, BB-81 variety. The obverse die eventually cracked. This cataloger knows of two examples with an interesting die break from Liberty's throat through the field down and to the right, eventually passing between the drapery and star 15 to the right dentils and rim at about 4:30 on the obverse. The numeral 8 in the date shows an oval top loop and circular bottom loop, a feature unseen on any other early dollar obverse but also used on the 1798 gold eagles. Reverse Die. The "workhorse die" was used in six different die marriages from 1795 to 1798. As a result of the usage and lapping of the die over time, the reverse appears a bit weaker than the obverse on 1798 B-2, BB-82. The Small Eagle, Small Letters reverse shows the olive branch on the left having seven berries; one berry is just under the A in STATES, a quick way to identify this reverse. A palm branch is on the right. Die State. The usual die state shows evidence of obverse die lapping, but the surfaces otherwise appear made from perfect dies, with no cracks or clash marks. Condition Census. The 1993 Bowers-Borckardt Silver Dollar Encyclopedia recorded four examples of this variety graded MS60. However, most of the Notable Specimens in that reference had grades taken from the old catalog appearances. Since that time, two of those pieces have been eliminated from the list and the other two have been downgraded. However, other specimens have been added, and the 2013 Encyclopedia lists three Mint State pieces. The Eric P. Newman specimen is the fourth highest graded example of this die variety, and, in our opinion, the most eye appealing and desirable example due to its remarkable originality. Appearances. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. The 1798 B-2, BB-81 die marriage is desirable to collectors as the only 1798 dollar (among 33 total die marriages) with 15 stars on the obverse. If the 15 stars (rather than 16) were not merely punched into the die in error, that would indicate the unfinished die, lacking the date, was made in 1795 or at least before June 1796, when Tennessee joined the Union. In 1798 the incomplete die had the date added and was used to coin the B-2, BB-81, making it one of only two 1798-dated Draped Bust, Small Eagle dollar varieties. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $100.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $129,250.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2678. Lot 33505

Description:: 1798 $1 Small Eagle, 15 Stars AU58+ NGC. CAC. B-2, BB-81, R.3. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The eagle is a trifle weak from the head down to the leg, but the details are sharp elsewhere. Slight wear on the high points prevents a Mint State grade, but this piece exhibits exceptional eye appeal with virtually full luster and brilliant centers within a ring of original peripheral iridescence. Obverse Die. This obverse die was only used once, to strike the B-2, BB-81 variety. The obverse die eventually cracked. This cataloger knows of two examples with an interesting die break from Liberty's throat through the field down and to the right, eventually passing between the drapery and star 15 to the right dentils and rim at about 4:30 on the obverse. The numeral 8 in the date shows an oval top loop and circular bottom loop, a feature unseen on any other early dollar obverse but also used on the 1798 gold eagles. Reverse Die. The "workhorse die" was used in six different die marriages from 1795 to 1798. As a result of the usage and lapping of the die over time, the reverse appears a bit weaker than the obverse on 1798 B-2, BB-82. The Small Eagle, Small Letters reverse shows the olive branch on the left having seven berries; one berry is just under the A in STATES, a quick way to identify this reverse. A palm branch is on the right. Die State. The usual die state shows evidence of obverse die lapping, but the surfaces otherwise appear made from perfect dies, with no cracks or clash marks. Condition Census. The 1993 Bowers-Borckardt Silver Dollar Encyclopedia recorded four examples of this variety graded MS60. However, most of the Notable Specimens in that reference had grades taken from the old catalog appearances. Since that time, two of those pieces have been eliminated from the list and the other two have been downgraded. However, other specimens have been added, and the 2013 Encyclopedia lists three Mint State pieces. The Eric P. Newman specimen is the fourth highest graded example of this die variety, and, in our opinion, the most eye appealing and desirable example due to its remarkable originality. Appearances. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. The 1798 B-2, BB-81 die marriage is desirable to collectors as the only 1798 dollar (among 33 total die marriages) with 15 stars on the obverse. If the 15 stars (rather than 16) were not merely punched into the die in error, that would indicate the unfinished die, lacking the date, was made in 1795 or at least before June 1796, when Tennessee joined the Union. In 1798 the incomplete die had the date added and was used to coin the B-2, BB-81, making it one of only two 1798-dated Draped Bust, Small Eagle dollar varieties. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $100.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $129,250.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2679. Lot 33504

Description:: 1797 $1 9x7 Stars, Large Letters MS62 NGC. B-1, BB-73, R.3. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. Both sides display brilliant satin luster with trivial, grade-consistent marks. Splashes of original gold and iridescent toning appear near the obverse border and on the reverse. Although slight central weakness is consistent with the variety, the details, especially on the reverse, are sharper than usually encountered. Obverse Die. This is the second use of the "7 Stars Facing" obverse die, more familiar as the 9x7 Stars obverse that also appears on the scarce B-2, BB-72 dollar. All examples of this variety are in later die states than seen on the B-2, BB-72. Reverse Die. The reverse of B-1, BB-73 appeared in a later die state for the 1798 B-1, BB-82 Small Eagle dollar, known as the 13 Stars variety. Die State. The Newman coin is struck from an early die state with the tiny, pellet-shaped die flaw below star 9 diminished but visible. No evidence of die cracks or clash marks appears on either side of this piece. Slight indications of die lapping are present at the top hair curls and those left of the date. Condition Census. The Newman B-1, BB-73 dollar is listed among the Notable Specimens in the 1993 Bowers-Borckardt reference, but it is inexplicably omitted from the 2013 Encyclopedia. This coin is one of the three finest known examples behind two MS63 NGC pieces, one of which appears to be the plate coin in Bowers' second edition -- likely the Miller specimen. The Cardinal Collection MS63 NGC coin is plated in the American Numismatic Rarities catalog (June 2005, lot 22). In our opinion, the Newman coin retains the most originality and luster of the three. Interested bidders are urged to reach their own conclusions. No other examples of this variety are known in Mint State grades. Appearances. The Newman specimen is the plate coin in the 1993 first edition of the Bowers-Borckardt reference, Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. The reappearance of the reverse with a 1798-dated obverse supports the case that the 1797 B-1, BB-73 dollars may have been struck in 1798. There are 13 die varieties identified for the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design, and 10 of those are die linked through the four-year span of the design. A detailed study of die states might reveal the actual striking order. Late die states of the present variety have been observed that were struck after the 1798 B-1, BB-82 dollars, proving that at least some examples of this variety were struck in 1798. The Bowers-Borckardt numbers first presented in 1993 were intended to record the emission sequence of the early dollars within each coinage year. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $75.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $164,500.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2680. Lot 33504

Description:: 1797 $1 9x7 Stars, Large Letters MS62 NGC. B-1, BB-73, R.3. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. Both sides display brilliant satin luster with trivial, grade-consistent marks. Splashes of original gold and iridescent toning appear near the obverse border and on the reverse. Although slight central weakness is consistent with the variety, the details, especially on the reverse, are sharper than usually encountered. Obverse Die. This is the second use of the "7 Stars Facing" obverse die, more familiar as the 9x7 Stars obverse that also appears on the scarce B-2, BB-72 dollar. All examples of this variety are in later die states than seen on the B-2, BB-72. Reverse Die. The reverse of B-1, BB-73 appeared in a later die state for the 1798 B-1, BB-82 Small Eagle dollar, known as the 13 Stars variety. Die State. The Newman coin is struck from an early die state with the tiny, pellet-shaped die flaw below star 9 diminished but visible. No evidence of die cracks or clash marks appears on either side of this piece. Slight indications of die lapping are present at the top hair curls and those left of the date. Condition Census. The Newman B-1, BB-73 dollar is listed among the Notable Specimens in the 1993 Bowers-Borckardt reference, but it is inexplicably omitted from the 2013 Encyclopedia. This coin is one of the three finest known examples behind two MS63 NGC pieces, one of which appears to be the plate coin in Bowers' second edition -- likely the Miller specimen. The Cardinal Collection MS63 NGC coin is plated in the American Numismatic Rarities catalog (June 2005, lot 22). In our opinion, the Newman coin retains the most originality and luster of the three. Interested bidders are urged to reach their own conclusions. No other examples of this variety are known in Mint State grades. Appearances. The Newman specimen is the plate coin in the 1993 first edition of the Bowers-Borckardt reference, Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. The reappearance of the reverse with a 1798-dated obverse supports the case that the 1797 B-1, BB-73 dollars may have been struck in 1798. There are 13 die varieties identified for the Draped Bust, Small Eagle design, and 10 of those are die linked through the four-year span of the design. A detailed study of die states might reveal the actual striking order. Late die states of the present variety have been observed that were struck after the 1798 B-1, BB-82 dollars, proving that at least some examples of this variety were struck in 1798. The Bowers-Borckardt numbers first presented in 1993 were intended to record the emission sequence of the early dollars within each coinage year. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $75.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $164,500.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.