NUMISMATIC AUCTIONS JUNE 2018 SALE SELECTIONS

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V21 2018 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 21, Number 21, May 27, 2018, Article 26

Here are some lots that caught my eye in Steve Davis' 62nd Numismatic Auctions sale. Steve kindly forwarded the photos for publication here. Thanks. -Editor

1795 Flowing Hair. O-105, Rarity-4. Pleasing Fine and nice example of this scarce variety and the type in general.

I agree - this looks like a nice pleasing example of a great type coin. -Editor

1876-S. EF-AU, Chinese merchant chop marks obv/rev, faint hairlines under pleasing toning

Chopmarked Trade Dollars aren't rare, but they're all different, like snowflakes. This is a pleasant-looking one with a nice group of readable chops. -Editor

Lincoln Steel Cent, 1943. Struck 10% off-center. NGC Unc details improperly cleaned, cpl small spots still very attractive and lustrous.

Error coins are fascinating to collect, and one can learn a lot about the minting process from them. Steel cents aren't rare, but off-center ones are. Nice. -Editor

BOGGS, James Stephen George (American Artist, 1955-2017). Unfinished Masterpieces – It’s not about money, 1996. Color print of Bureau of Engraving & Printing Souvenir Card for 1994 Intl. Paper Money Show, Memphis, TN artistically embellished with his drawing of a $20 Legal Tender Banknote with Serial Nos. 06221996/06229613 in green, Boggs thumbprint in bright orange and then signed in full and autograph formats as well as dated “6-22-96” & “13” all in ink. The back is blank. 10 x 7 7/8” on currency-like paper with red and blue fibers throughout.

Virtually as issued with a couple of very light diagonal bends at right. An excellent opportunity for the currency collector to own an entry-level Boggs creation. ($300-400)

I have many Boggs items in my collection, but not this one. I was at the Memphis show with him. He couldn't resist the thought of taking one of the BEP's "Unfinished Masterpieces" and finishing it off himself. -Editor

Emancipation Proclamation, 1871. AR, 34.7g, 45mm, by William Barber, U.S. Mint. Julian CM-16b. Bust right/9-line inscription. NGC MS63, deep golden-brown with areas of blue-green iridescent toning obverse; silver-gray with traces of iridescent blue toning reverse. Rarely offered. ($2500-3000)

Perseverando Dollar, 1775 (c. 1860-1876). HK-863. Tin, Rarity-7. MMNS as AU58 PL, some typical lt contact. Popular and infrequently available. From the Don Ensley Collection. ($200- 300)

Thomas Elder World War I Issues, 1917. HK-879. AL, Rarity-7. MMNS as AU50 PL, trace oxidation in stars and small area at center, otherwise reflective AU-Unc and presents well. From the Don Ensley Collection. ($200+)

Elder medals are a great and challenging series to collect. -Editor

Commemorative One Cent Incuse Reverse Model, (1951). White alabaster plaster with bronze powder coating, 10.5 inches, unsigned but design executed by James Earle Fraser. Oak tree dividing legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; below ONE CENT/E PLURIBUS UNUM. Embedded notes on back “July-27- 1951/from July-23-1951 CAST/FINAL.” Penciled note “Circle enlarged for top of tree.” Virtually as made with original yellow dot sticker with “489” on back and additional label “Leidman/2300” on back. There is also a small area of staining on the back only.

From a letter by U.S. Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross noted “The Oak tree as a symbol because Lincoln was a woodsman…It stands too for strength, ever renewing growth, and unity. Like a nation, it has roots, a trunk, branches, flowers and finally fruit.”

Originally sold in Joseph L. Lepczyk’s Sale No. 36, October 23-24, 1980, Lot 489. A unique opportunity for the collector. ($1000-2000)

[Philippines] General Douglas MacArthur Peso Obverse Positive & Negative Plaster Pair, 1947. White alabaster plaster, 14” & 15” respectively. Designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, signed. Design features ¾ facing bust of MacArthur, as a Five Star General, facing right with inscription DEFENDER AND LIBERATOR above; OF THE PHILIPPINES below; bust divides the inscription GEN DOUGLAS MACARTHUR; below the bust are Fraser’s initials “L.G.F.” and “OCT 20 1944”.

Both plasters accompanied by the 50 Centavo and Peso, 1947-S in lustrous Unc. The negative plaster grades EF with fine cracks noted around the circumference and into the raised edge with a couple of edge repairs; “L.G.F. FINAL MOLD” is penciled into the top edge. Nicely framed in matte black with black background, 21 x 21 x3 inches. The positive plaster grades EF with slight discoloration at cheek and ear and is framed in decorative brown wood with black background, 19.5 x 19.5 x 3 inches. Both ready for wall display.

Indeed - a great opportunity! Unique items with a direct connection to one of America's greatest sculptors. -Editor