1787 Fugio copper, MS-65 BN. Hover to zoom.

Anchor collections attract largest number of bidders in firm’s history

(Lincroft, NJ—May 18, 2018) Nearly double the number of lots in a typical Regency Auction, Legend’s 26th Regency, held over two days in New Orleans attracted the largest number of viewers, registrants, and bidders in the firm’s history. Directly leading to an explosion of activity prior to and during the live auction sessions. In all, 855 lots crossed the auction block, with 237 silver dollars making up the first ever thematic session dubbed “Dollar Day.” With anchor consignments of Morgan and Peace dollars sold on Wednesday and major collections of Barber dimes and quarters, toned Proof Indian cents, three-cent nickels, toned Walking Liberty half dollars, Carson City half eagles and patterns making up Thursday’s auction session. The firm reports a 20% increase in the number of registered bidders from the previous record achieved at Regency Auction 23. The official auctioneer for the PCGS Member’s Show brings out some of the biggest and best buyers resulting in netting exceptionally strong results for consignors.

Regency Auction 26 began with an explosive start. The first day’s offerings, focused solely on silver dollars, anchored by the P.F.M. Collection of Morgan Dollars, selections from the world-famous Aurora Borealis Collection of Toned Morgan Dollars, and the Crow River Collection of Peace Dollars. In all, the 237-lot auction session saw record-breaking participation from numismatic enthusiasts from all over the world. Amongst the most notable pieces, the highest grossing lot in the session was the 1892-S dollar in MS-65 from the P.F.M. Collection, the current # 6 PCGS Registry Set, realizing $193,875.

Other Dollar Day highlights hailing from the P.F.M Collection of Morgan Dollars, the Crow River Peace Dollar Collection, and other important consignments include:

Lot 8

Lot 8: $1 1865 PR-64+ CAM realized $17,038.

Lot 29: $1 1880-CC MS-67 realized $29,375.

Lot 44: $1 1882 MS-67 realized $28,200.

Lot 77

Lot 77: $1 1889-CC MS-63 realized $42,300.

Lot 78: $1 1889-O MS-66+ realized $43,475.

Lot 89: $1 1891-O MS-65 DMPL realized $58,750.

Lot 116

Lot 116: $1 1899-O Micro O. MS-64+ realized $32,900.

Lot 131: $1 1903-S MS-66 realized $25,850.

Lot 171: $1 1880-S MS-65+ realized $10,281.

Lot 207

Lot 207: $1 1921 Peace MS-66 realized $18,212.

Lot 222: $1 1927-D MS-66 realized $41,125.

Lot 229: $1 1934-S MS-66 realized $32,900.

Lot 232

Lot 232: $1 1925 MS-67+ realized $32,900.

“Silver dollars have always been a major part of our firm’s legacy,” Julie Abrams, president of Legend Rare Coin Auctions said after the conclusion of Dollar Day. “Now the P.F.M. and Crow River Collections are among the great collections of silver dollars we have been privileged to auction over the years, all of which have brought record numbers—we are proud to add these two collections to our list of record-breaking silver dollar auctions.”

“We knew early on that the concept of Dollar Day would attract not just great consignments that came in after the announcement was made, but it would bring out the very best, strongest buyers to the auction. We had so many requests to view lots ahead of time—in our California and New York City official previews, special requests at Central States, and appointments for private viewings in our headquarters that these amazing collections would attract record prices,” added Greg Cohen, senior numismatist for LRCA.


The Regency Auction continued the evening of Thursday, May 17. From the start, bidding was fierce, with drawn-out bidding warfare breaking out on many lots. The Premier Collection featured duplicates from a world-class collection of Proof Barber dimes, Mint State Barber quarters, and Walking Liberty half dollars assembled quietly and patiently by an astute Legend Numismatics client. Following the Premier Collection, many coins realized well in excess of their estimates, in some cases double the estimate or more. Historically important coins experienced extremely strong demand, including the Gem Fugio copper and Confederate cent restrike. Selections from the Aurora Borealis Collection of toned Indian cents drew attention from specialist collectors realizing strong bids across the board. Silver type coins also attracted extremely strong bidding, especially for fresh to the market Gem quality issues. A small, high powered group of Seated half dimes and other 19th-century silver realized well in excess of presale estimates exceeding expectations. Coins with beautiful toning sparked a fire among collectors, with the toned Walking Liberty half dollars featured in the Dale Larsen Collection eliciting exceptional results overall. The small selection of classic commemoratives proved that there is life to this series that has just been battered over the years. Gold coins in all series glittered and glowed. Anchored by the Oak Crest Collection of Carson City Half Eagles, advanced collectors, gold bugs and many other enthusiastic buyers alike duked it out to win the coins of their fancy. Closing out the Regency Auction was Part One of the extensive Steven Cook Collection of Patterns, a large and diverse cabinet of these rare coins.

Among the many highlights, these coins showed amazing prices brought across the board:

Lot 238

Lot 238: 10C 1893 MS-67+ realized $17,625.

Lot 268: 25C 1898-O MS-66+ realized $22,913.

Lot 298: FUGIO 1787 UNITED STATES, 4 CINQ. MS-65 BN realized $20,563.

Lot 299

Lot 299: 1C 1861 C.S.A. Restrike, Copper. PR-64 BN realized $52,875.

Lot 303: 1C 1800 AU-58 realized $17,038.

Lot 356: 1C 1935 MS-68+ RD realized $34,075.

Lot 385

Lot 385: 3CS 1864 PR-67+ CAM realized $31,725.

Lot 387: 3CN 1865 PR-67 DCAM realized $23,500.

Lot 467

Lot 467: H10C 1859 MS-68+ realized $25,850.

Lot 474: 10C 1836 MS-67+ realized $73,438.

Lot 514: 25C 1863 PR-66 CAM realized $18,213.

Lot 583

Lot 583: 50C 1876 PR-66 realized $12,338.

Lot 595: 50C 1941-D MS-67+ realized $11,163.

Lot 640: 50C 1941 PR-68+ realized $18,800.

Lot 656

Lot 656: 50C 1936-D Rhode Island. MS-68 realized $43,475.

Lot 672: G$1 1880 MS-66 GOLD realized $6,463.

Lot 686: $2.50 1905 MS-68 realized $24,675.

Lot 710

Lot 710: $5 1871-CC AU-58 realized $44,650.

Lot 718: $5 1879-CC AU-58 realized $16,450.

Lot 736: $5 1903 MS-67 realized $27,025.

Lot 829

Lot 829: 25C 1871 J-1019. PR-65 realized $7,344.

Lot 834: 20C 1875 J-1414. PR-64 BN realized $10,869.

Lot 836: 10C 1877 J-1498. PR-65 BN realized $10,281.

Lot 851

Lot 851: $1 1872 J-1214. PR-65+ CAM realized $31,725.

“The Regency Auction enjoyed record phone, internet, and live bidding in the room through both nights’ sales. We have never seen such a turnout for our auctions,” Laura Sperber observed. “The lot viewing table in New Orleans was standing room only from open ‘til close. Once bidding began, in many cases there were multiple bidders battling it out to bring home the numismatic prize they desired. The stats don’t just speak for themselves, they scream! There were over 100,000 unique page visits. All the exposure we gave the coins in our worldwide marketing campaign prior to the sale and lot viewing across the country, made sure that every coin was seen by the largest possible group of buyers.”

Julie Abrams added, “Legend’s special brand of boutique auctions, with hand-selected consignments, and expert descriptions have yet again brought out the biggest and best buyers, helping our consignors realize maximum value for their prized rarities. We are always accepting consignments for our upcoming auctions, and the July Regency Auction already has hundreds of great, fresh to the market coins: including a “mini pre-1800 type set,” a world-class Morgan dollar collection from a well-known specialist, the Chester Roche Collection of Gold Coins, and Part Two of the Steven Cook Pattern Collection”

Legend Rare Coin Auctions is a boutique auction firm that handles rare coins. Founded by Laura Sperber, the firm’s Regency Auctions are the official auctions for the PCGS Member’s Only Shows. For more information about consigning to, or bidding in upcoming auctions, visit the website of Legend Rare Coin Auctions.

Press release courtesy of Legend Rare Coin Auctions.

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Background photo by Murcotipton.

Welcome to the second installment of our series, “Lunch with. . .,” where we interview some of the most prolific authors and other noteworthy hobbyists in the field of numismatics — and satiate your appetite along with your hunger for knowledge! “Lunch with. . .” dives into the coinage-related aspects of some of the hobby’s most celebrated authors, and provides a closer look into their unique personalities and quirks. Let us know who your favorite author is in the comments, and they just might be the next for you to have lunch with!

Our second lunch is with dime enthusiast Barry Sunshine.

1909 Lincoln cent (Wheat Reverse), graded MS-66BN. Image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts. Hover to zoom.

Q: What initially prompted your interest in the hobby of coin collecting and numismatics?

A: When in 7th grade (the early ‘70s) my next-door neighbor and my friend noticed that pre-1959 Lincoln cents were scarce in change to locate. So after school, every day we got $50 cent bags from the bank and sorted out all the Wheaties and sold them in Coin World for 75 cents a roll. It was amazing how many orders that we received. This got me hooked and the profit allowed me to secure those key dates and better type coins. After that, there was no looking back.

Class III 1804 silver dollar.

Q: What is your favorite coin and why (U.S. or international mint)? 

A: My favorite coin is the 1804 silver dollar with the child pedigree. I was able to hold (not own) that coin on several occasions and each time, my heart rate raced with excitement. It has the look that I love and it’s an 1804 dollar!

Photo by Murcotipton.

Q: What’s your favorite meal to prepare (at home, if you cook)? 

A: A lazy Sunday summer barbeque.

A bitcoin ATM. Photo by Martin E. Wader.

Q: Do you think we are headed toward a cashless society? If so, how do you think this will impact the hobby? 

A: I really don’t know if we will have a cashless society in my lifetime, but cryptocurrencies are gaining greater acceptance in society and business and I believe it’s here to stay.

1796 Draped Bust dime, graded MS-68. Image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.

Q: If you had a chance to influence U.S. Mint policies or practices, what would you like to see change first? 

A: I would like the U.S. Mint to start a “throwback” program. This program would include minting coins with the look of the early coins for circulation. For example, I would like the Mint to produce a dime that looks like the 1796 Draped Bust dime and a quarter that looks like the 1796 Draped Bust quarter. If they did that how cool would that be! This might introduce more folks to coin collecting.

A glass of Malbec. Photo by Ed Yourdon.

Q: Do you have a favorite wine?

A: My favorite wine is a Malbec. I enjoy it with any meal that I have.


Q: What is the best advice that you could pass on to young collectors?

A: Make your coin collection your friends. Imagine if your coins could talk, then they would tell very interesting and fascinating stories. Because coins can’t talk, you need to discover the story behind your coin. Share those stories with others and if others enjoy your stories then your coins become more meaningful to you.

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This U.S. Mint numismatic sales report covers the week ending May 13, 2018. The Mint’s best-selling product this week was the 2018 American Buffalo One-Ounce gold Proof coin (18EL), which is a new item on the report. Released on May 10, it sold 6,238 units during this period, which represents one full week of sales. In second place for sales is the 2018 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set (18RH), with 5,365 units sold. The third best-selling item this week was the 2018 U.S. Mint Proof Set (18RG), with 3,892 sold. It’s followed by the 2018 Congratulations Set (18RF), with 1,255 individual units sold; and the 2017 1-ounce American Silver Eagle $1 Uncirculated coin (17EG), with 721 sold.

The week saw some considerable downward adjustments, most significantly in the latest America the Beautiful Quarters category: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. For the 2018 Apostle Islands Uncirculated 5-ounce silver coin (18AK), the net sales figure of 14,254 reflected an adjustment of -957. The Apostle Islands Two-Roll Set (18ARD) and Three-Roll Set (18ARF) also saw downward adjustments of -252 and -165, respectively. Three other 2018 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore quarters products also experienced downward adjustments. All five of the 2018 World War I Silver $1 Proof Coin & Medal Sets also saw some minor downward adjustments.

There will be one new item on next week’s sales report: the 2018 U.S. Mint Uncirculated Coin Set (18RJ). It was released May 14 (after the closing date of the current report) at a price of $21.95.


The following are the U.S. Mint’s cumulative sales figures for the reporting period ending Sunday, May 13. “LKS” indicates that the number given is the last known sales figure for a sold-out item. Mintage and product limits are indicated, where applicable; if a coin is in stock but is nearing sold-out status, a link to the Mint’s product page is provided. Items in italics either are scheduled for release or have been released too recently to appear on the report; items in bold are appearing on the report for the first time.

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By Q. David Bowers

This week I give another overview of the coins issued during the administrations of various presidents from George Washington to date with a small selection of illustrations. To include all of the design types—never mind different dates and varieties—would far exceed the space available. For that information see A Guide Book of United States Coins.

Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President (1801—1809)

1938 Jefferson nickel, graded MS-67+. Image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts. Hover to zoom.

Coinage: From a numismatic viewpoint, Thomas Jefferson is in the front rank of presidents. Not only were there many important issues during his administration but in later years he was showcased as well—most famously on the Jefferson nickel minted from 1938 to date, with two different portraits.

Jefferson nickel reverse designs struck in 2004 (top) and 2005 (bottom) to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 to 1806 was commemorated two centuries later by several varieties of nickels made for general circulation.

1903 Louisiana Purchase gold dollar, graded MS-67+. Image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.

The 1903 Louisiana Purchase commemorative gold dollar is another entry in his legacy.

A Class III 1804 dollar, one of only six known to exist.

During his term in office, coinage included copper half cents and cents, silver half dimes, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars, and gold quarter eagles, half eagles, and eagles. This era is laden with rarities, topped by the famous 1804-dated dollar, the first examples of which were actually coined in 1835 and back-dated. The 1803 half cent is a scarce issue.

1804 Draped Bust cent, graded MS-63BN. Image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.

Among copper cents the 1804 is scarce, and many die blunders have attracted attention, such as 1/000 instead of 1/100. The 1802 half dime is the most famous rarity in its series. All of the several dozen known examples are in circulated grades. Certain dimes and quarter eagles, both being of the same diameter, use the same reverse dies.

1804 Draped Bust quarter, graded MS-64. Image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.

Among quarters the 1804 is by far the rarest date. Nearly all are in circulated grades. Half dollars include the Capped Bust design inaugurated in 1807.

1808 Quarter Eagle, graded MS-65. Image courtesy of PCGS CoinFacts.

All of the gold coins range from scarce to rare. Most famous is the 1808 quarter eagle, the only year of the Capped Bust type. Gold $10 eagles were minted until 1804, after which time the denomination was suspended as most coins were exported, thus preventing them from being used in domestic commerce.

Life dates: April 13, 1743 • July 4, 1826 (John Adams died the same day)

Term: 1801 to 1809

Political party: Democratic-Republican

Vice-presidents: Aaron Burr 1801 to 1805, George Clinton 1805 to 1809

Family: Married 22-year-old widow Martha Wayles Skelton on January 1, 1772. The couple had six children: Martha Washington Jefferson (called “Patsy”), Jane Randolph Jefferson; infant son (1777), Mary Jefferson (called “Polly”), Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson; and Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson. Mrs. Jefferson died in 1781. Before and after his marriage, Jefferson was well known as a ladies’ man. There was no spousal “first lady” in his White House, although his daughter, Patsy, now Mrs. Thomas Mann Randolph, stayed there for protracted periods, helped with entertaining, and gave birth to a son there.

Especially remembered for: Drafting the Declaration of Independence, the design of his home Monticello, skill in architecture, and knowledge of science. Work on finance during the Washington administration. His Embargo Act of 1807 was widely considered to be a failure. Nicknames: “Man of the People,” “Sage of Monticello.” One of four presidents honored on Mount Rushmore. Portrait widely used on coins (nickels) and paper money (especially the $2 denomination).

Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia, to a prosperous family. His father. Peter Jefferson, owned a plantation of 5,000 acres, which eventually passed to his son. His mother, Jane Randolph Jefferson, was well known in society.

Rear view of the Wren Building at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Thomas graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1762, and afterward read law. Of a literary turn of mind, Jefferson read widely and built a memorable library (later to become a part of the Library of Congress).

The Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson was talented as a writer, less so as an orator. Most of his contributions to the Virginia House of Burgesses (where he served from 1769 to 1774), and the Continental Congress (1775 to 1776 and again from 1783 to 1785) were letters and documents, including many with astute recommendations of policy. In 1776, he drafted the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson became minister to France in 1785. He was governor of Virginia from 1779 to 1781, and minister to France from 1785 to 1789. In 1786, his draft of an act allowing religious freedom was signed into law. His sympathy for the French Revolution led him into conflict with Alexander Hamilton when Jefferson was the first Secretary of State in Washington’s Cabinet, a post he resigned in 1793. The aftermath of the French Revolution had consequences in the Adams administration (see above). In 1796 he ran for president but lost by three Electoral College votes to Adams. Due to a flaw in the Constitution (later corrected), Jefferson as runner-up became vice president.


In 1800, the Electoral College, controlled by Republican votes, endeavored to name both president and vice president from their party, the two contestants being Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr but were stalemated. The House of Representatives settled the tie, with Jefferson as the winner. Burr, named as vice president, later became involved in deep scandal and condemnation.

The massive 1803 Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States. Graphic courtesy of William Morris.

Jefferson opposed a strong centralized government and advocated the rights of states for most matters, bringing decisions closer to the people. By the time he was inaugurated in 1801, the first such ceremony to take place in Washington, the conflict with France had ceased. When the Barbary pirates sought to exact tribute from American vessels on the Mediterranean, the president sent forces to “the shores of Tripoli.” He engineered the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from that country, despite questions of its constitutionality. He also reduced the federal debt by a third and made many internal improvements. Attacking Federalist policies, he opposed a strong centralized government and championed the rights of states. Seeking to keep American vessels from depredations during the Napoleonic Wars between England and France, Jefferson signed the Embargo Act in 1807. This proved to be a disaster for American commerce and precipitated many difficulties.

A page from Thomas Jefferson’s record book (1795), listing the names of his slaves over the years.

It is part of the current trend to highlight the fact that he raised slaves and kept them in captivity, starting with fewer than two dozen and eventually comprising over 600 unfortunate souls—more slaves than owned by all other early presidents combined. Despite this, statues of Jefferson and institutions named after him have been seemingly immune from modern pressure to diminish the fame of other slaveholders.

View of Monticello from the west lawn. Photo by YF12s.

After his presidency, Jefferson retired to Monticello, where he became an active correspondent with government leaders, participated in the design of buildings for the University of Virginia, and spent time in cultural and leisure activities. In his mansion, he had many medals on display for visitors, although Jefferson is not known to have been a numismatist.

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On May 24, 2018, at 12 noon (ET), the Mint’s 2018 American Eagle One- Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin (18EG) will go on sale for $46.95. The coin is the Mint’s final product release for the month of May and possesses no mintage, product, or household order limits. Each coin bears the “W” mint mark of the West Point Mint and contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver. The denomination of the coin is one dollar and each one has a reeded edge. The coin is also available for product enrollment.

Hover to zoom.

The reverse features Adolph A. Weinman’s full-length depiction of Lady Liberty with her right hand outstretched and her left holding branches of oak and laurel. The word LIBERTY can be seen above and behind the depiction of Liberty. The year 2018 is placed below Liberty and IN GOD WE TRUST is to the right of Liberty.

The obverse features the heraldic eagle design in which the eagle holds arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right. The inscription reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the composition reads 1 OZ. FINE SILVER, and the denomination reads ONE DOLLAR.

Each coin comes with a blue presentation box and a certificate of authenticity. For more information about the 2018 American Eagle One-Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin, please visit the website of the United States Mint.

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