As I write these words, our sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection Part IV at Sotheby’s international headquarters in New York City is coming up quickly. I hope to see you in person as a bidder, buyer, or interested observer. Or I and the Stack’s Bowers Galleries staff will "see you" as you watch in real time on the Internet. Either way, you will be part of numismatic history as it is being made—an unforgettable experience!
In recent weeks in my commentaries I have been showcasing some of the 63 coins in our sale on Tuesday. I am not sure, but this may be the second smallest coin-count auction sale for which we have issued a regular catalog. The other was in 2002 when we featured just one coin—a 1933 double eagle—which crossed the auction block for $7,590,020—setting an all-time record for a gold coin, which still stands. But, stay tuned—the Pogue 1822 $5, the only such coin in private hands, will likely eclipse it. As you probably know, there are only three 1822 half eagles in existence—the other two in the National Numismatic Collection in the Smithsonian. As to the 1933 $20 the Smithsonian has two, the Treasury has 10, and several others are in private hands (Ted Naftzger once had four), but due to restrictions they are not likely to be sold soon.
The 1822 half eagle will give the buyer a unique status—the only private person in the world to own one. The last time an 1822 crossed the block was in 1982 when I cataloged this coin and the Pogue family bought it. Now, 34 years later—more than a generation—there is another opportunity.
The other 62 coins are each notable. Our catalog is unequalled in terms of a combination of ultra-high grades and rarity! Sort of like selling a room full of Rembrandts!
That brings me to this week’s showcase coin—not a multi-million dollar rarity, but a beautiful coin with no equal. It is the 1835 half eagle, McCloskey-5, nearly Rarity-8 as a Proof, graded Proof-67 DCAM by PCGS. It is far and away the finest example in existence!
Years ago David W. Akers cataloged this coin and stated in part:
"Gem Proof. A superb specimen. The beauty and outstanding quality of this Proof simply cannot be overstated. This coin is absolutely fully struck with deep mirror fields, a sharp square edge, and the most gorgeous rich yellow and copper hued gold color imaginable." Akers went on to describe die characteristics and a tiny lint mark.
He then concluded: "Anyone who loves superb coins, especially superb early Proof coins, is in for a real treat when they view this coin and the 1833 and 1836 half eagles, three very special coins which will be long remembered in the annals of American numismatic auctions."
The buyer of this 1835 half eagle will join an illustrious roster, a veritable Who’s Who in American Numismatics, except I have to add, "plus the King of Egypt." I could write essays on most of the people on the following list:
Provenance: George F. Seavey Collection, before 1864; Lorin G. Parmelee Collection, by sale, en bloc, 1873; Lorin G. Parmelee Collection; New York Coin and Stamp Company’s (H.P. Smith and David Proskey) sale of the Lorin G. Parmelee Collection, June 1890, lot 1021; William H. Woodin Collection; Waldo Newcomer Collection, by sale, early 1920s; B. Max Mehl, by sale, 1931; Edward Howland Robinson Green Collection, by sale, 1932; Edward Howland Robinson Green Estate, 1936; Stack’s, by sale, via Chase Manhattan Bank, 1943; King Farouk of Egypt Collection, via Hans M.F. Schulman; Sotheby’s sale of the Palace Collections of Egypt, February 1954, lot 248; John J. Pittman Collection; David Akers Numismatics, Inc.’s sale of the John Jay Pittman Collection, Part I, October 1997, lot 937; Gold Rush Collection; Heritage’s sale of January 2005, lot 30050; Spectrum Numismatics, by sale, August 2006.
Wow!
I invite you to purchase the two books we’ve published about the D. Brent Pogue Collection. Satisfaction is guaranteed, or your money back. PLUS, if requested, I will personally autograph your copy.
Treasures from the D. Brent Pogue Rare Coin Cabinet, by Q. David Bowers. 208 pages, color illustrated, quality hardbound. This tells the stories of 100 special coins from the collection. $39.95 plus shipping. Personally autographed by Dave on request.
The 1822 Gold Half Eagle: Story of a Rarity, by Q. David Bowers. 128 pages, color illustrated, quality hardbound. $39.95 plus shipping. This also contains a wealth of information about other coins, people, places, and things—a "you are there" experience. Personally autographed by Dave on request.
For more information or to order visit http://media.stacksbowers.com/poguecollection/pogue-the-books.html
