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)

2711. Lot 33488

Description:: 1856 50C PR65 NGC. WB-101. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The mintage of 1856 proof Seated Liberty half dollars was not recorded, but it was undoubtedly small. Walter Breen believed the half dollar was the rarest proof denomination of the year, and the Wiley-Bugert reference estimates less than 25 examples survive in all grades today. NGC and PCGS have combined to certify a total of 36 coins in all grades, but there is an unknown number of resubmissions and crossovers in that total. Perhaps the PCGS Coin Facts estimate of 20-25 specimens extant is more accurate than the raw population data. This coin shows Walter Breen's proof diagnostics: Upright 5, centered date, foot supported, toe enclosed, full drapery, and the third line of the center stripe attenuated at the base. The design elements exhibit razor-sharp definition throughout and the deeply mirrored fields show no mentionable distractions. The seated figure of Liberty displays brilliant silver mint frost and the remaining surfaces are blanketed in spectacular cerulean-blue toning. Census: 5 in 65, 2 finer (10/13). 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 @ $50.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $17,625.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2712. Lot 33487

Description:: 1855/54 50C PR63 NGC. CAC. WB-102, FS-301. The 1855 Seated Liberty half dollar is a very rare issue in proof format. This attractive Select specimen shows the remnants of the crossbar of an undertype 4 inside the loop of the final 5 in the date, identifying the WB-102 variety. The overdate was discovered by Walter Breen on a business-strike coin in 1971. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert knew of only three proof examples in 1993, but a few more have been discovered since then. After studying population data and recent auction records, we suspect the surviving population numbers 8-10 examples in all grades. Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton have this to say about the FS-301, "This is one of the top three varieties of the series, and is a proof die later used for circulation strikes." The present coin features well-detailed design elements and moderately reflective fields, under shades of greenish-gold, violet, and lilac toning. No major signs of contact are evident and eye appeal is quite strong. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $18,800.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2713. Lot 33487

Description:: 1855/54 50C PR63 NGC. CAC. WB-102, FS-301. The 1855 Seated Liberty half dollar is a very rare issue in proof format. This attractive Select specimen shows the remnants of the crossbar of an undertype 4 inside the loop of the final 5 in the date, identifying the WB-102 variety. The overdate was discovered by Walter Breen on a business-strike coin in 1971. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert knew of only three proof examples in 1993, but a few more have been discovered since then. After studying population data and recent auction records, we suspect the surviving population numbers 8-10 examples in all grades. Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton have this to say about the FS-301, "This is one of the top three varieties of the series, and is a proof die later used for circulation strikes." The present coin features well-detailed design elements and moderately reflective fields, under shades of greenish-gold, violet, and lilac toning. No major signs of contact are evident and eye appeal is quite strong. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $18,800.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2714. Lot 33486

Description:: 1855 50C PR65 NGC. Arrows, WB-101. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. This 1855 proof Seated Liberty half dollar is a well-detailed Gem from the final year of the Arrows design. The deeply mirrored fields are blanketed in vivid shades of smoky gray and cerulean-blue toning, with hints of pale gold and silver. The well-preserved surfaces show no mentionable distractions and eye appeal is outstanding. The present coin displays a normal date, identifying the WB-101 variety. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert estimate 20 examples of normal date proofs survive today in all grades. We feel that this figure may be too high, as NGC and PCGS have combined to certify 11 coins in all grades and designations, with an unknown number of resubmissions and crossovers (9/13). Analyzing recent auction records, we have identified five separate examples of this issue, and some other appearances that may or may not represent the same coins. A few more examples that have not appeared at auction in recent years may survive in older collections and institutions. The grades of the coins are consistent with their last auction appearance and population data suggests some specimens may have been recently crossed over or classified as Cameos. Roster of 1855 Normal Date, Arrows Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1. PR66 NGC. Baltimore '93 Auction (Superior, 7/1993), lot 427; Phil Kaufman; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2008), lot 2397, FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2013), lot 5670. 2. PR65 NGC. "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 @ $50.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society, the present coin. 3. PR65 NGC. John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1549; Richmond Sale III (David Lawrence Rare Coins, 3/2005), lot 1798; Pre-Long Beach Sale (Ira and Larry Goldberg, 2/2006), lot 1474. 4. PR65 NGC. Pre-Long Beach Elite Auction (Superior, 5/2003), lot 2574. 5. PR64 Cameo PCGS. Phoenix Signature (Heritage, 3/2008), lot 692; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2009), lot 2485; Los Angeles Signature (Heritage, 7/2009), lot 1129; Houston Signature (Heritage, 12/2009), lot 737. Additional Appearances A. Gem Brilliant Proof. Empire State Collection (Stack's, 1/1997), lot 577. B. Brilliant Proof. Reed Hawn Collection (Stack's, 8/1973), lot 185. C. Proof. Brand-Lichtenfels I (Kreisberg-Schulman, 2/1961), lot 1840. Realized $38,187.50 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2715. Lot 33486

Description:: 1855 50C PR65 NGC. Arrows, WB-101. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. This 1855 proof Seated Liberty half dollar is a well-detailed Gem from the final year of the Arrows design. The deeply mirrored fields are blanketed in vivid shades of smoky gray and cerulean-blue toning, with hints of pale gold and silver. The well-preserved surfaces show no mentionable distractions and eye appeal is outstanding. The present coin displays a normal date, identifying the WB-101 variety. Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert estimate 20 examples of normal date proofs survive today in all grades. We feel that this figure may be too high, as NGC and PCGS have combined to certify 11 coins in all grades and designations, with an unknown number of resubmissions and crossovers (9/13). Analyzing recent auction records, we have identified five separate examples of this issue, and some other appearances that may or may not represent the same coins. A few more examples that have not appeared at auction in recent years may survive in older collections and institutions. The grades of the coins are consistent with their last auction appearance and population data suggests some specimens may have been recently crossed over or classified as Cameos. Roster of 1855 Normal Date, Arrows Seated Liberty Half Dollars 1. PR66 NGC. Baltimore '93 Auction (Superior, 7/1993), lot 427; Phil Kaufman; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2008), lot 2397, FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2013), lot 5670. 2. PR65 NGC. "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 @ $50.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society, the present coin. 3. PR65 NGC. John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1549; Richmond Sale III (David Lawrence Rare Coins, 3/2005), lot 1798; Pre-Long Beach Sale (Ira and Larry Goldberg, 2/2006), lot 1474. 4. PR65 NGC. Pre-Long Beach Elite Auction (Superior, 5/2003), lot 2574. 5. PR64 Cameo PCGS. Phoenix Signature (Heritage, 3/2008), lot 692; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2009), lot 2485; Los Angeles Signature (Heritage, 7/2009), lot 1129; Houston Signature (Heritage, 12/2009), lot 737. Additional Appearances A. Gem Brilliant Proof. Empire State Collection (Stack's, 1/1997), lot 577. B. Brilliant Proof. Reed Hawn Collection (Stack's, 8/1973), lot 185. C. Proof. Brand-Lichtenfels I (Kreisberg-Schulman, 2/1961), lot 1840. Realized $38,187.50 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2716. Lot 33485

Description:: 1854 50C PR67 NGC. WB-101. The 1854 proof Seated Liberty half dollar has been a sought-after rarity since the earliest days of the hobby. It made its public auction debut in lot 436 of the A.C. Kline Sale (Thomas & Sons, 6/1855). The Kline sale was one of the largest early coin auctions in this country, and it included one of the most remarkable offerings ever described in a U.S. auction catalog: a complete copper, silver, and gold proof set of 1854. The proofs in the Kline sale were offered as individual lots, rather than as a set, so it is unlikely that the coins were kept together after the sale. The cataloger described every lot as "very rare, 1854, beautiful proof, fresh from the dies." The silver, copper, and lower denomination gold proofs are all rare-to-extremely rare issues, and no examples of the 1854 half eagle, eagle, or double eagle are known to numismatists today. Most collectors agree that the half dollar is the rarest of the silver denominations in today's market. It is a testament to the resourcefulness and tenacity of Eric P. Newman that he was able to secure two high-quality examples of this rare issue for his collection. One coin came from "Colonel" E.H.R. Green's estate, but the source of this piece, the finest-known example, is not recorded. Because the 1854 proofs appeared mostly in proof set offerings in the early years, plated early auction appearances are few-and-far-between. The coin offered here is a magnificent Superb Gem, with deeply mirrored fields that show no post-strike distractions, even with the closest scrutiny. The spectacular toning provides a dazzling play of colors on both sides, with iridescent shades of powder-blue, lavender, emerald-green, and gray enhancing the tremendous eye appeal. This is the single finest certified example of this classic rarity, and its beauty and profound historic interest place it in a class of its own. Census: 1 in 67, 0 finer. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $70,500.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2717. Lot 33485

Description:: 1854 50C PR67 NGC. WB-101. The 1854 proof Seated Liberty half dollar has been a sought-after rarity since the earliest days of the hobby. It made its public auction debut in lot 436 of the A.C. Kline Sale (Thomas & Sons, 6/1855). The Kline sale was one of the largest early coin auctions in this country, and it included one of the most remarkable offerings ever described in a U.S. auction catalog: a complete copper, silver, and gold proof set of 1854. The proofs in the Kline sale were offered as individual lots, rather than as a set, so it is unlikely that the coins were kept together after the sale. The cataloger described every lot as "very rare, 1854, beautiful proof, fresh from the dies." The silver, copper, and lower denomination gold proofs are all rare-to-extremely rare issues, and no examples of the 1854 half eagle, eagle, or double eagle are known to numismatists today. Most collectors agree that the half dollar is the rarest of the silver denominations in today's market. It is a testament to the resourcefulness and tenacity of Eric P. Newman that he was able to secure two high-quality examples of this rare issue for his collection. One coin came from "Colonel" E.H.R. Green's estate, but the source of this piece, the finest-known example, is not recorded. Because the 1854 proofs appeared mostly in proof set offerings in the early years, plated early auction appearances are few-and-far-between. The coin offered here is a magnificent Superb Gem, with deeply mirrored fields that show no post-strike distractions, even with the closest scrutiny. The spectacular toning provides a dazzling play of colors on both sides, with iridescent shades of powder-blue, lavender, emerald-green, and gray enhancing the tremendous eye appeal. This is the single finest certified example of this classic rarity, and its beauty and profound historic interest place it in a class of its own. Census: 1 in 67, 0 finer. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $70,500.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2718. Lot 33484

Description:: 1854 50C PR66 NGC. CAC. WB-101. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The 1854 proof Seated Liberty half dollar is one of the classic rarities of the 19th century. As late as 1977 Walter Breen could trace only three examples of the 1854 in proof, with a few earlier citations that might or might not represent the same coins. In 1993, Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert estimated the surviving population as "less than 6 known" in their authoritative series reference. Continuing the trend, David Akers postulated a larger number of 10-12 specimens extant in the Pittman catalog in 1998. Current population data reveals NGC and PCGS have combined to certify 26 coins in all grades, with an unknown number of resubmissions and crossovers (9/13). Given this new information, it seems reasonable to put the surviving population at approximately 20 pieces. Remarkably, Eric P. Newman managed to acquire two of the finest known specimens of this rare issue, this piece from "Colonel" E.H.R. Green's estate and a PR67 NGC example from another source. This might be the first opportunity numismatists have had to study two examples of this elusive date at the same time. Both coins show the usual diagnostics for proofs: the date is slightly high, the shield point is over the outer left curve of the 8, the numerals 5 and 4 in the date are extremely close, but do not touch, and Liberty's foot is supported, but the toe is not enclosed. On the reverse we notice a feature that has not been reported before. Both coins show a small curving lintmark in the field, above the right upright of the H in HALF. This mark also shows on the Eliasberg/Kaufman coin, which we have handled on several occasions, and on the plate of the Pittman coin. It is visible on plates of many coins that have appeared in auction catalogs over the years, including the earliest plated appearance we can locate, in lot 390 of the James B. Wilson Collection (Thomas Elder, 10/1908). It seems safe to say that the lintmark is present on most, if not all, examples of the 1854 proof half dollar. This indicates that the coins were all struck at the same time, because the piece of foreign matter that caused the mark would not have remained on the die for any length of time. In earlier years, proof coins were struck to order, at different times during the year, whenever a government official or influential collector ordered them. Many researchers believe the Mint began striking a supply of proof coins early in the year, to have a quantity on hand to satisfy collector demand, years before the official commercial proof set offerings began in 1858. Although there may be other explanations for striking the 1854 proof half dollars all at the same time, this would certainly be consistent with that theory. The present coin is a delightful Premium Gem, with well-preserved reflective surfaces that show no mentionable flaws, even on close inspection with a loupe. Like all examples of this issue, the design elements show just a touch of softness on Liberty's hair, the upper stars, and the eagle's claw. Other devices and the dentils are sharply rendered, with the squared off edges expected of a high-quality proof. The surfaces are enhanced by attractive shades of cerulean-blue, champagne-gold, and lavender-gray toning, with incredible eye appeal. We expect intense competition from series specialists and type collectors when this lot is called. Census: 3 in 66, 1 finer (10/13). 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; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $49,937.50 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2719. Lot 33484

Description:: 1854 50C PR66 NGC. CAC. WB-101. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The 1854 proof Seated Liberty half dollar is one of the classic rarities of the 19th century. As late as 1977 Walter Breen could trace only three examples of the 1854 in proof, with a few earlier citations that might or might not represent the same coins. In 1993, Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert estimated the surviving population as "less than 6 known" in their authoritative series reference. Continuing the trend, David Akers postulated a larger number of 10-12 specimens extant in the Pittman catalog in 1998. Current population data reveals NGC and PCGS have combined to certify 26 coins in all grades, with an unknown number of resubmissions and crossovers (9/13). Given this new information, it seems reasonable to put the surviving population at approximately 20 pieces. Remarkably, Eric P. Newman managed to acquire two of the finest known specimens of this rare issue, this piece from "Colonel" E.H.R. Green's estate and a PR67 NGC example from another source. This might be the first opportunity numismatists have had to study two examples of this elusive date at the same time. Both coins show the usual diagnostics for proofs: the date is slightly high, the shield point is over the outer left curve of the 8, the numerals 5 and 4 in the date are extremely close, but do not touch, and Liberty's foot is supported, but the toe is not enclosed. On the reverse we notice a feature that has not been reported before. Both coins show a small curving lintmark in the field, above the right upright of the H in HALF. This mark also shows on the Eliasberg/Kaufman coin, which we have handled on several occasions, and on the plate of the Pittman coin. It is visible on plates of many coins that have appeared in auction catalogs over the years, including the earliest plated appearance we can locate, in lot 390 of the James B. Wilson Collection (Thomas Elder, 10/1908). It seems safe to say that the lintmark is present on most, if not all, examples of the 1854 proof half dollar. This indicates that the coins were all struck at the same time, because the piece of foreign matter that caused the mark would not have remained on the die for any length of time. In earlier years, proof coins were struck to order, at different times during the year, whenever a government official or influential collector ordered them. Many researchers believe the Mint began striking a supply of proof coins early in the year, to have a quantity on hand to satisfy collector demand, years before the official commercial proof set offerings began in 1858. Although there may be other explanations for striking the 1854 proof half dollars all at the same time, this would certainly be consistent with that theory. The present coin is a delightful Premium Gem, with well-preserved reflective surfaces that show no mentionable flaws, even on close inspection with a loupe. Like all examples of this issue, the design elements show just a touch of softness on Liberty's hair, the upper stars, and the eagle's claw. Other devices and the dentils are sharply rendered, with the squared off edges expected of a high-quality proof. The surfaces are enhanced by attractive shades of cerulean-blue, champagne-gold, and lavender-gray toning, with incredible eye appeal. We expect intense competition from series specialists and type collectors when this lot is called. Census: 3 in 66, 1 finer (10/13). 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; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $49,937.50 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.

2720. Lot 33483

Description:: 1877-S 50C MS67+ NGC. WB-104. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. Type Two Reverse. Although more than 5.3 million Seated Liberty half dollars were struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1877, few survivors exhibit the high technical quality and eye appeal of the present coin. This piece displays the closed bud above H in HALF that identifies the tail hub 2, WB-104 variety, with a very small mintmark. The design elements are boldly detailed and the well-preserved surfaces are free of mentionable distractions. Attractive shades of cobalt-blue, golden-brown, and lilac toning enhance the outstanding eye appeal and vibrant mint luster shines through the patina. Census: 4 in 67+, 0 finer (10/13). 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 @ $3.50; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $12,337.50 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.