Coin News: High Quality 18th Century Issues Highlight Heritage Dallas Offerings

Heritage Auctions' Coin Newsletter [Read this newsletter online]( [Heritage Auctions]( [Coin News]( In This Issue: • [High Quality 18th Century Issues Highlight Heritage Dallas Offerings](#collector-a) • [Seldom Seen Selections: Gem Continental Dollar in Dallas auction](#collector-b) • [Website Tips: Change your password](#tips) • [Help Wanted: Heritage's Coin Sales Department is expanding](#collector-e) • [Around Heritage Auctions](#around-1) • [This Week's Top Ten](#top10) • [Is It Time To Sell?](#sell) • [Current Auctions](#current) September 24, 2019 [High Quality 18th Century Issues Highlight Heritage Dallas Offerings] [1797 H10C 16 Stars, V-3, LM-3, R.5, MS66 PCGS]( [1797 H10C 16 Stars, V-3, LM-3, R.5, MS66 PCGS]( Heritage's next [auction of US coinage is scheduled to take place October 17-19]( at the company's world headquarters in Dallas. More than 2100 lots will cross the auction block during this period, with the finest offerings scheduled to be offered on Thursday evening, October 17. One of the highlights of this auction is undoubtedly the [1797 16 Stars half dime, graded MS66 by PCGS](. This V-3, LM-3 variety is difficult to locate in any Mint State grade, let alone as a grade as high as the assigned MS66. Specialists and type collectors alike will be interested in this piece. Other notable lots include: - [28 Colonial lots]( including a [Gem Continental dollar]( - the EG FECIT Newman 3-D variety struck in pewter - certified MS65 NGC. This coin is covered in more detail below. - Seven great Territorial gold lots are led by a [Mint State 1849 Norris, Gregg, & Norris five dollar gold piece, Kagin-2, certified MS61 NGC](. This rare issue is among the first of all Territorial gold pieces struck by Norris, Gregg, & Norris, thought to be the earliest of California Gold Rush private minters. - [A five-piece Pan-Pac set (offered as five separate lots) includes fifty dollar Round]( and [Octagonal]( pieces in attractive Mint State. - [A 1901-S Barber quarter, luxuriously toned, is certified MS65 PCGS.]( - [22 Franklin half dollars]( which have been unusually absent from recent auctions. Two conditionally rare proofs highlight the offering -- a [superb 1950 PR67+ Cameo NGC]( and an equally fantastic [1951 PR67+ Ultra Cameo NGC](. - [18 proof Trade dollars]( including a remarkable [1880 PR68 Cameo]( also [14 proof Shield nickels]( plus two Mint State 1885 Liberty nickels graded MS67 ([one by NGC]( [the other by PCGS](. Each is tied for finest-certified of the series-key date. This auction is now for bidding at [coins.HA.com](. [Back to Top](#top) []Seldom Seen Selections: Gem Continental Dollar in Dallas auction [1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURRENCY, Pewter, EG FECIT, MS65 NGC. Newman 3-D, W-8460, R.4]( [1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURRENCY, Pewter, EG FECIT, MS65 NGC. Newman 3-D, W-8460, R.4]( Despite a documented history dating back more than 235 years, the 1776 Continental dollar remains an enigmatic issue to numismatists today. The coins have been studied by some of the greatest numismatic researchers of all time, but opinions about the origin and intended purpose of the coins remain divided. Regardless of their controversial nature, the coins remain elusive, valuable, and historic relics of our numismatic past. Heritage Auctions is pleased to present [a spectacular NGC-graded Gem representative]( as a part of our [October 17-19 Signature Auction in Dallas](. This is a delightful Gem, with bright silver-gray fields and darker medium gray devices. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout, with the usual long reverse die crack that starts in the GEORGIA ring and travels clockwise through the other rings to DELAWARE. The well-preserved surfaces are mostly smooth, with some slight granularity around the sundial and some light freckling in the ring, between FUGIO and EG FECIT. The overall presentation is most attractive. The 1776 Continental dollar was first illustrated in a German book by Matthias Christian Sprengel called Historical and Genealogical Almanac, or Yearbook of the Most Remarkable New World Events for 1784, published in 1783. The coin's legends were translated into German in the illustration, for the benefit of its intended readership and its publisher actually wrote to Benjamin Franklin asking for illustrations to use in the book, but there is no record of Franklin's reply. The Continental dollar was also mentioned in Bishop Richard Watkins' Chemical Essays (Volume IV), first published in 1786. After discussing the "gun money" issues of King James III, Watkins notes: "The Congress in America had recourse to the same expedient; they coined several pieces of about an inch and a half in diameter, and of 240 grains in weight; on one side of which was inscribed in a circular ring near the edge - Continental Currency, 1776 - and within the ring a rising sun, with - fugio - at the side of it, shining upon a dial, under which was - Mind your business. - On the reverse were thirteen small circles joined together like the rings of a chain, on each of which was inscribed the name of some one of the thirteen states; on another circular ring, within these, was inscribed - American Congress - and in the central space - We are One." Despite these early mentions in popular publications, and the obvious belief on the part of the authors that the 1776 Continental dollars were American coins, no documentary evidence authorizing the issue of these pieces has ever been found in Congressional records. The traditional theory of the origin of the Continental dollar was developed by Eric P. Newman in the 1940s. Most of the Continental dollars were struck in pewter, but a few examples are known in brass and silver. Seven different die varieties have been identified. Newman believed the Continental dollars were intended as a type of fiat money, created as a substitute for the paper money issued by the Continental Congress to pay government obligations during the Revolutionary War. In February and May of 1776, the Continental Congress passed resolutions issuing various denominations of paper money, including the dollar bill. However, similar resolutions passed in July and November of that year authorized the printing of many other denominations, but omitted the dollar note. Newman believed the Continental dollar coins were struck to take the place of less durable paper dollars in the last half of 1776. Newman's theory was convincing and widely accepted, but the lack of official documentation always bothered rigorous numismatic researchers. Recent discoveries suggest the origin of the Continental dollar may have been quite different. In their groundbreaking article in the January 2018 issue of The Numismatist titled "The Myth of the Continental Dollar", Eric Goldstein and David McCarthy presented evidence suggesting the Continental dollars were struck privately in London in 1783, for sale as medals, rather than circulating coins. They quoted prominent 18th century Philadelphia coin collector Pierre Eugene Du Simitierre's notes on the Continental dollar, "... a coin the size of a crown, with devices and Mottos, taken from the continental money, struck't in London on Type-Metal and dated 1776." Du Simitierre was a student of Congress, as well as numismatics, and was particularly well-placed to understand the history of the Continental dollar. Other contemporary Americans, including Paul Revere and Josiah Meigs, disputed that the Continental dollar was ever a circulating American coin in their correspondence, but perhaps the most convincing evidence of the foreign origin of the Continental dollar comes from abroad. Lady Sarah Sophia Banks preserved a remarkable specimen of the Continental dollar in her coin collection, which was bequeathed to the British Museum. She kept a detailed inventory of her collection, which has also been preserved. Her notes on the Continental dollar read, "Continental Dollar. 1776. never current, struck on speculation in Europe, for sale in America." She also kept a simple handbill that accompanied the Continental dollar advertising the sale of "These American MEDALS at/Six-Pence Each/N.B. Representing the Paper Currency of a/Dollar, which goes for/Four Shillings and Six-pence in that country." The flyer then gives a detailed description of a Newman 3-D EG FECIT Continental dollar under the heading EXPLANATION. Similar explanatory handbills were issued with contemporary medals that depict American themes, like the Libertas Americana medal and the Treaty of Paris medal, Betts-610. From these documentary sources, Goldstein and McCarthy concluded that the Continental dollars were struck in London, circa 1783, as a commemorative medal, rather than a coin. Regardless of which theory you subscribe to, and we expect the last word has not been heard yet, the 1776 Continental dollar remains an important numismatic link with the early history of this country. Whether it was produced to serve as a medium of exchange during the hard times of the Revolution, or struck to commemorate those struggles a few years later, like the Libertas Americana medal, it occupies a unique and storied position in our American numismatic heritage. [Back to Top](#top) []Website Tips: Change your password For your protection, we ensure that your password is completely secure, which requires [HA.com]( like most other websites, to take some precautions: - All passwords are encrypted. This means that nobody at Heritage has access to them. - All passwords are case-sensitive. [tips-2] - If you forget your password, click on the "Forgot Password" link, the site will take you to a page where you can reset your password. [tips-3] - Enter your email address, and we will send you an email with a link [tips-4] Click on this link to proceed with resetting your password. - When you get to this page, you will see your username. Please make sure you are using this exact username to log in. If you try to log in with a different username, resetting your password will not help! All new passwords at [HA.com]( whether entered through [MyProfile]( the password reset page, or by signing up as a new member, must be at least eight characters long and include at least three of the following: Lower case letters (a-z), Upper case letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), or special characters. Enter your new password and then enter it again to confirm...Click on the Update Password button to complete the process. [tips-7] - Once you've clicked Update Password, you're done! We recommend logging in immediately to confirm that everything is working. - If you know your password, you can always change it in MyProfile. [Back to Top](#top) []Help Wanted: Heritage's Coin Sales Department is expanding Do you have experience in trading, and selling U.S. coins? Apply with Heritage today for our Salesman/Sr. Numismatist role in Dallas, TX. We are seeking a numismatist with general knowledge of U.S. Coins and good sales and organizational skills. This opportunity is ideal for a detail oriented driven individual who would like to be part of a fast paced and growing company. Apply with us today online or via email at [Experts@HA.com](mailto:Experts@HA.com?subject=Coin Department Job Openings). [Back to Top](#top) []Around Heritage Auctions Massive Saber-Tooth Cat Skull Offered at Heritage Auctions' Nature & Science Auction [An Extremely Rare Saber-Tooth Cat Skull - The Iconic American Fossil]( The largest example ever recorded of one of the most instantly recognizable of all fossils could bring as much as $1 million in Heritage Auctions' [Nature & Science Auction]( Sept. 28 in Dallas, Texas. An [Extremely Rare Saber-Tooth Cat Skull - The Iconic American Fossil]( (estimate: $700,000-1,000,000) is one of fewer than 10 full skulls ever brought to auction. Excavated from the Rancho La Brea Formation, which has produced the most desirable among Saber-Tooth Cat fossils, the offered skull is a magnificent example of the fossil coveted by serious collectors. Fossils from the Rancho La Brea Formation, which has been closed to private collectors for nearly 50 years, are so rare in private collections that they rarely get brought to auction. This specimen is unmatched in its completeness and size, and rates high in both scientific integrity and desirability. Merriam & Stock records the largest Smilodon Fatalis skull in the Los Angeles County Museum collection at 324.7 millimeters from the anterior edge of the premaxilla to the end of the occipital condyles; the offered specimen measures 355.5 mm, making it one of the largest ever recorded. A [Rare Theropod Dinosaur Skull]( (estimate: $250,000-350,000) is an extraordinary specimen from an ancient riverbed in the renowned Morrison Formation's Bone Cabin Quarry in south central Wyoming. This largely complete and exceedingly rare Jurassic theropod is unquestionably of museum-worthy quality. This massive (60 inches long by 42 inches high by 23-1/2 inches wide) specimen is roughly 70 percent complete and includes 12 original teeth. Dinosaur skulls are extremely rare fossils, and a carnivorous dinosaur skull is even more uncommon. This skull is enormous and striking, an ideal centerpiece for wherever it ends up on display. A [Ferocious "Bulldog" Fossil Fish Skeleton]( (estimate: $200,000-300,000) is an impressive specimen from a species of large, aggressive bony fish with a thick-boned skull and a mouth full of sharp, piercing teeth. This fossil measures 15 feet, 10 inches, among the largest of a fish known to reach 18 feet in length. These aggressive fish, shaped like the modern tarpon, were distinguished by their heavy bony head and long, thick body, characteristics that are represented perfectly in this superb specimen from the chalk deposits in the Niobrara Formation in Kansas. A [Double Fossil Palm Frond]( (estimate: $80,000-120,000) from the Green River Formation in Wyoming is one of the more uncommon fossils found in the prolific Lagerstätte, but finding two in a natural association with immense size and dramatic visual appeal is a rarity that is in extremely high demand among collectors. The large offered plate features a pair of Fossil Palm Fronds in a unique orientation, similar to two interlocking gear wheels. The corner of the geometric rock houses a Priscacara fish, adding to the museum-worthy quality of the lot. Also from Wyoming's Green River Formation comes a [Superb Fossil Turtle Skeleton]( (estimate: $50,000-70,000), an absolute rarity that is exceptionally well-preserved in an exceptional layout, with the dorsal side exposed and with the full skeleton articulated with the skull, neck and three of its limbs extended. The large carapace (top shell) measures 16 inches across and is fully intact, with visible suture patterns and surface ornamentation; the bottom shell is presumed to be in the rock underneath the fossil. Some pelvic bones are visible near the tail, and a disarticulated group of bones from the right hind limb are exposed. Fossil turtles usually are found in shell fragments, making an exceptional complete and articulated specimen like the one offered here extremely scarce. [More information Nature & Science Auctions]( [Back to Top](#top) []This Week's Top Ten The ten highest valued fractional talers to sell in Heritage auctions: [Sigismund III Vasa 1/2 Taler 1632 AU55 NGC]( [Sigismund III Vasa 1/2 Taler 1632 AU55 NGC]( - [Poland: Sigismund III Vasa 1/2 Taler 1632 AU55 NGC]( Sold for: $12,925 - [Poland: Stanislaus Augustus 1/2 Taler 1792 MV AU53 NGC, Warsaw Mint, KM211]( Sold for: $10,575 - [German States: Silesia-Liegnitz-Brieg. Georg Wilhelm 1/2 Taler 1675-CBS MS66 NGC, Brieg mint, KM531]( Sold for: $10,200 - [German States: Einbeck 1/2 Taler 1624 AU53 NGC, KM25]( Sold for: $6,000 - [Poland: August III of Saxony Half Taler 1755-EDC, Leipzig mint, KM-, AU55 NGC]( Sold for: $5,288 - [German States: Brunswick-Luneburg. George II of England 2/3 Taler 1754-IAS, KM319, MS63 PCGS]( Sold for: $4,313 - [German States: Bavaria. Maximilian I 1/2 Taler 1627 MS66 NGC, Munich mint, KM224]( Sold for: $4,230 - [German States: Pomerania. Swedish Occupation - Karl XI 1/3 Taler (1/2 Gulden) 1675 MS65 NGC, Stettin mint, KM262]( Sold for: $3,995 - [Switzerland: Obwalden. Half-Canton 1/2 Taler 1732 XF Details (Tooled) NGC, KM27]( Sold for: $3,960 - [German States: Bavaria. Karl Theodor 1/2 Taler 1790 Vicariat Issue, KM590.1 (previously KM274), MS67 NGC]( Sold for: $3,525 Do you have a suggestion for a future top ten list? [Send it to us!](mailto:StewartH@HA.com?subject=Top Ten List Suggestion) [Back to Top](#top) []Is It Time To Sell? An exciting consignment opportunity presents itself, as Heritage proudly presents the upcoming December 5-8, 2019 Dallas, TX US Coins Signature Auction. Heritage's Dallas auctions have a long established tradition and are eagerly anticipated by collectors and dealers from around the US and the world. These auctions have attracted eager bidders and produced strong results for consignors and we expect this pattern to continue. You can personally benefit from Heritage's connections to buyers from around the world and sell your coins alongside the millions of dollars of rare, desirable and important offerings that have already been consigned. We have entered a new generation of collecting, and Heritage ensures that bidders and consignors all benefit from the latest and best technologies available. Our award-winning website, [HA.com]( serves as the cornerstone for our innovation. We have an average of 44,000 unique collectors come to [HA.com]( every day, and they come to bid and to win! We are the auction leader, integrating our systems to deliver the greatest demand and the highest prices in the marketplace. Contact one of our Consignment Directors, and they will guide you through the process and answer all of your questions. You can reach us by calling 1-800-835-6000. [December 5-8 Dallas US Coins Signature Auction]( Consignment Deadline: October 22, 2019 [David Mayfield]( Vice President, Numismatic Auctions David@HA.com 1-800-US-COINS ext. 1000 Interested in Selling? [What's My Coin Worth?]( [Consign to a Heritage Auction]( [Back to Top](#top) []Current Auctions Coin and Currency Auctions [October 17-19 US Coins Signature Auction - Dallas #1300]( [October 17-19 US Coins Signature Auction - Dallas #1300]( [View Lots]( [October 13 The Lake County Collection World & Ancient Coins Monthly Online Auction #271941]( [October 13 The Lake County Collection World & Ancient Coins Monthly Online Auction #271941]( [View Lots]( [Tuesday Internet World Currency Auction]( [Tuesday Internet World Currency September 24 Live session @ 7PM CT]( [View Lots]( [Tuesday Internet US Currency Auction]( [Tuesday Internet US Currency September 24 Live session @ 7PM CT]( [View Lots]( [Weekly Internet US Coins]( [Weekly Internet US Coins September 24 - 25 Live session @ 6PM CT]( [View Lots]( [Thursday World and Ancient Coin Auction]( [Thursday World and Ancient Coin September 26 Live session @ 7PM CT]( [View Lots]( OTHER SIGNATURE AUCTIONS • [Nature & Science - Sep. 28]( • [Design Auction - Oct. 1]( • [Photographs - Oct. 4]( • [Good Moves Chess Art Charity - Oct. 6]( • [Illustration Art - Oct. 15]( • [The MAD Collection of Annie Gaines Ashton - Oct. 17]( • [Fall Sports Memorabilia Collectibles Catalog - Oct. 17-18]( OTHER INTERNET AUCTIONS • [Tues. 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