Welcome to Stack’s June Baltimore sale, featuring the C.B. Slade, Jr. Estate and other important properties. The sale focuses on U.S. coins, with a good deal of “fresh” material coming to the market for the first time. Though significant rarities are featured here, the sale also contains a healthy spread of more affordable coins, providing something for everyone. Please join us on June 15-16 at the Pier 5 Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland as we auction off U.S. coins from this estate, as well as items from the Capitol Collection, the 1975 Collection, the Robert Vallone Collection, and the Franklin West Collection.

Session One will commence on Tuesday, June 15 at 1:00pm and covers federal coinage from small cents through silver and trade dollars. Small cents include a lively golden red Proof 1864 Bronze Indian cent graded Proof-66 RB by PCGS that exhibits great eye appeal, and Lincoln cents feature a 1922 No D, Strong Reverse example in AU-58. Silver three cent pieces highlight a beautiful 1857 Proof-65 (NGC) coin that is super sharp and deeply lustrous. Buffalo nickels provide a nice example of the always popular 1918/7-D issue, this one exhibiting the sharpness of an EF coin with just a few tiny digs on the obverse. Other Buffalo nickel highlights include a satiny 1937-D 3-Legged example graded MS-64 by NGC, a beautiful representative of the variety.

U.S. half dimes lead off with a Mint State 1797 16 Stars example in MS-62 (NGC), a choice and lustrous coin with lively toning and wonderful eye appeal. Also offered here is an MS-63 (NGC) 1800 LM-1 half dime that was double struck after a slight rotation in the collar, a neat error coin that is lustrous and well preserved. U.S. dimes offer a condition rarity 1860-O Seated Liberty example in EF-45 (PCGS). One of the finest survivors of this prohibitively rare date, this coin is lustrous, reflective, and lightly toned with orange-gold.

Mercury dimes showcase a number of important rarities, including two examples of the key date 1916-D issue. The first is an exceptional gem with colorful toning and full bands graded MS-66 FB by PCGS, and combines wondrous beauty and rarity to create one of the finest survivors of the date. This extraordinary example is followed by an impressive MS-63 FB (PCGS) example, a brightly lustrous example with just a touch of blue and russet-gold toning. Also offered here is a stunning superb Gem 1926-D example graded MS-67 FB by PCGS, a virtually pristine coin with gorgeous iridescent toning. Only two others have been certified by PCGS in this grade, with none seen finer of this date and mint.

U.S. quarters and half dollars together provide over 350 lots for the collector to choose from, and include coins such as the lustrous 1806 B-2 quarter offered as lot 295. This MS-63 (NGC) example is a delightful prize that is among the finest known of the date. Examples of later designs include an AU-50 (PCGS) 1916 Standing Liberty quarter, a handsome coin that was plucked out of circulation early on and carefully preserved since that time.

U.S. half dollars highlight a large selection of early issues, punctuated with examples from the Robert Vallone Collection, a nearly complete Guide Book variety set of Capped Bust half dollars. The 1807 “Bearded Goddess” example hails from this collection; the coin is a nice EF-40 (PCGS) example of this popular variety. There are several examples of overdate half dollars offered here, but none as exceptional as the 1814/3 O-101a example. This fantastic coin has been certified as MS-66 by NGC, with no other 101a examples certified as finer than the present example. The surfaces are well struck and frosty with lovely toning—overall the visual appeal is just tremendous. We recommend personal inspection!

Other Mint State early half dollars include a Gem 1828 O-118 coin, a wonderfully toned, lustrous beauty tied for the finest graded at NGC in the impressive grade of MS-66. A few lots later appears an important condition rarity, an MS-65 (NGC) 1833 O-101 that is lustrous and prettily toned with blue, gold, and pink hues, as well as a satiny, eye-catching 1834 O-121 example in MS-66 (NGC). Walking Liberty half dollars showcase a 1919-D in MS-63 (PCGS) (CAC), a highly lustrous steel-gray coin with flashy orange and gold rim toning, and a 1921-D in MS-63 (NGC), a satiny white, well struck example.

U.S. silver dollars begin with a nice selection of early issues, mostly of the Draped Bust type. Desirable items here include a high grade 1795 BB-52, B-15 Centered Draped Bust example graded EF-45 by PCGS that shows variegated toning and boasts a sharp strike, as well as a 1797 B-1 9×7 Stars example in EF-40 (ANACS). The section of Morgan dollars comprises over 350 lots, and contains important coins like an EF-45 (ANACS) example of the all-important 1893-S issue. This high grade survivor, hailing from the C.B. Slade, Jr. estate, features rich orange-gold toning and retains traces of original mint lustre; the coin is a great representative of this difficult date. The 1893-S might have stolen the show were it not for the appearance of the “King of the Series” 1895 Proof Morgan dollar, one of just 880 pieces struck for the Proof-only year. Graded Proof-61, and showing some light hairlines as a result of a past cleaning, this coin boasts reasonable eye appeal and will be a welcome addition to an advanced collection.

U.S. Peace and Trade dollars round out Session One, and feature a seldom-offered 1921 Satin Finish Proof Peace dollar. Graded Proof-60 by ANACS, and noted as “Cleaned-Retoned,” this coin displays moderate hairlines and medium gray surfaces. It is estimated that only 15-20 of these proofs have survived, with many of them having been similarly cleaned. Despite the minor shortcomings, this coin is an important and classic American rarity.

Session Two will be begin at 2:00pm on Wednesday, June 16, beginning with Colonial and Early American coins. A nice selection of Massachusetts coinage begins the session, and a rare Spiny Tree Pine Tree sixpence is certainly a lot to watch. This ex Ford and Boyd coin exhibits the sharpness of an EF coin with some light tool marks noted, but the eye appeal is strong for this high grade specimen. The Roper QVIESAT St. Patrick farthing makes an appearance here, a VF-30 example of this avidly sought variety that is sharp and lovely.

Other colonial highlights include a (1785) Bar copper in EF-40 (PCGS), a remarkably pleasing example of one of the most iconic types in the early American canon. Washington pieces are headlined by an exceptional 1792 Washington Roman Head cent graded an amazing Proof-64 BN by PCGS. Just six examples of this variety have been certified by PCGS. The lowest graded, a pocket piece called Proof-8, brought nearly $30,000 in our January 2009 sale. This original and beautiful piece should make a splash as it reenters the marketplace after a 35-year absence. Other Washington highlights include a 1792 Getz Washington pattern cent, an historic rarity in a Genuine (PCGS) holder that displays at least VF details.

A small section of U.S. tokens and medals lead the way into U.S. half cents and large cents, followed by commemorative issues. Heading up that section are two impressive 1893 Isabella quarters. The first is an attractive Proof-62 (NGC) example, one of just 103 proofs struck, and the second is a splendidly toned MS-66 (PCGS) from the Franklin West Collection. Nearly 75 lots of commemorative half dollars segue into gold commemoratives, highlighted by a frosty gem 1915-S Panama-Pacific $2.50 graded MS-65 by PCGS. A few lots of Hawaiian coinage are ably represented by an attractive 1883 silver dollar in AU-58 (PCGS). A modest grouping of error coins is up next, and a Matron Head cent reverse brockage is a neat item. Graded VF-20 by PCGS, this particular error is scarcer than the obverse brockage, and would make a nice addition to a collection of large cents or mint errors.

Pattern coins, always a popular field for collectors, provide 25 lots for the connoisseur to peruse. Highlights include a gem 1854 pattern cent in bronze, an original J-164, R-5 example graded Proof-66 BN by PCGS. Other pattern cents include a copper 1855 example, a J-167, R-5 example struck on an extremely thick planchet. The heaviest example of this specimen reported by Pollock weighed in at 112 grains, a figure dwarfed by the 142 grain example offered here.

Pattern gold dollars feature two exceedingly rare and one unique piece, all pedigreed back to the Palace Collection-King Farouk sale of February 1954. The first is an 1871 trial piece, a J-1161 example struck in copper that is one of just three pieces known to exist and is graded Proof-65 BN by NGC. The second is an 1871 J-1162 piece struck in aluminum, and is one of no more than two confirmed pieces extant. This Proof-64 Cameo (NGC) coin is a gorgeous jewel of the utmost rarity. The third pattern gold dollar is an apparently unique 1871 J-1163 trial piece struck in nickel. A Rarity-8 coin, this is the only example to have surfaced in over three decades! Graded Proof-61 by NGC, this amazing coin completes the trio of Farouk gold dollar patterns in remarkable fashion.

A modest-sized selection of private and territorial gold coins is up next, with a scarce C. Bechtler gold dollar leading the way. Struck ca. 1831-1834 from native North Carolina gold, this AU-58 (PCGS) example displays residual lustre in the fields, a solid strike, and attractive surfaces. A few lots later is an 1855 Wass, Molitor & Co. $20 gold, a rarity from the territorial gold series, the vast majority of which were melted by the new San Francisco mint and converted into double eagles. This coin resides in a Genuine (PCGS) holder, the surfaces having been smoothed long ago. The strike is good and the color is even, and the coin represents a chance to own a very rare territorial issue for an affordable price.

A section of California small gold leads the way into federal gold issues. Gold dollars offer an excellent selection, with many significant issues from the Dahlonega mint, like a brilliant, satiny 1851-D in MS-63 (NGC), one of the finer examples we have seen in recent years. Other Dahlonega mint rarities include an 1854-D in MS-62 (PCGS), tied for finest certified by that service, an 1856-D in AU-58 (NGC) that boasts excellent surfaces with abundant lustre, a spectacular 1858-D graded MS-63 by NGC, and a lovely 1859-D also in MS-63 (NGC). Proof gold dollars showcase a spectacular 1860 Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS) example, an ex Harry W. Bass, Jr. specimen that is the finest Cameo example certified by PCGS.

Quarter eagles provide a healthy selection of coins, punctuated by important issues like the impressive AU-55 (PCGS) 1844-D, a coin that is well struck and possesses pleasing surfaces and excellent eye appeal. Also offered here is a wonderful gem 1904 example, a broadstruck coin with a partial obverse brockage! This MS-66 (NGC) example has everything going for it: brilliant surfaces, sharp features, and credentials as one of the most spectacular mint errors of the period. Indian quarter eagles boast an AU-58 (PCGS) example of the key date 1911-D issue. Most survivors found exhibit various problems, but not this one—the attractive surfaces display minimal handling.

U.S. half eagles commence with a lustrous Uncirculated 1805 example, a BD-3, Rarity 5+ example graded MS-62 by NGC, a frosty deep yellow coin with a good strike and unbroken lustre. Two lots later is an MS-61 (NGC) 1812 $5, a nice looking coin with satiny surfaces and minimal handling marks. Coronet half eagles feature a very choice Proof 1903 example in Proof-64 (PCGS) from the 1975 Collection. Examples of the Indian Head type spotlight a nearly Gem Proof 1915 example, a classic rarity in any grade with a tiny mintage of just 75 pieces. This coin is graded Proof-64 by PCGS and displays virtually no signs of contact. Also offered here is a 1929 example, a sharply struck and lustrous example of this final year of issue with surfaces exhibiting the sharpness of a Mint State piece. The coin is housed in a Genuine (PCGS) holder due to a few shallow scratches and marks.

U.S. eagles begin with the ever popular 1801 Capped Bust $10, a coin that exhibits the details of an AU example, in a Genuine (PCGS) holder due to a past rim filing and cleaning. Among Liberty Head eagles is an EF-40 (PCGS) example of the rare 1876 centennial date, a sharply struck coin with traces of prooflike surfaces and above average eye appeal for the date. A sparkling MS-66 (NGC) example of the 1901-S is easily within the top 3% of all 1901-S eagles certified by NGC.

Double eagles finish out our sale, and that portion begins with an impressive 1857-S graded MS-65 by NGC. A 1903 Proof-62 coin is another important rarity offered here; this deep yellow gold coin is heavily mirrored and just a hairline away from a much higher grade. Saint-Gaudens types are well represented by a frosty MS-65 (PCGS) 1911-S example and by a sharply struck 1923 in the same grade, both scarcities at this grade level.

If you cannot attend in person, be sure to send us your bids by U.S. mail or fax, or place your bids on our website, either before the sale or by bidding online during the sessions. If you have yet to do so, take a moment to familiarize yourself with our new Stack’s at Home™ program, an improved online bidding experience which allows bidders to watch and participate in the auction in real time through a live audio and video feed. You can find us at 123 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 or at Box 1804, Wolfeboro, NH 03894. To contact us by phone, please use 800-566-2580, or email us.