| Description |
1803 $1 Large 3 MS65+ NGC. CAC. B-6, BB-255, R.2. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The present Eric Newman Collection 1803 Large 3 silver dollar, B-6, BB-255, is graded MS65+, an amazing Gem that is destined to set a record price for any 1803 silver dollar. The only strike weakness on this piece appears on the eagle's breast feathers, but all other features are boldly detailed. This extraordinary Gem exhibits reflective surfaces with nearly prooflike, mirrored fields. Both sides are lightly toned in original gold with iridescent accents. Obverse Die. The obverse die appears only on this single Large 3 die marriage. The thick-top 3 has a serif at the upper left, and that is diagnostic. Reverse Die. The "workhorse die" appeared on seven different die marriages dated 1801 (one), 1802/1 (two), 1802 (one), and 1803 (three). Die State. This high-end Gem with a perfect obverse shows no sign of the hairline crack that later connects stars 10 and 11. Condition Census. The "Col." E.H.R. Green-Eric Newman specimen has been off the market for more than 70 years. It is unknown if this specimen has ever been offered in a public auction sale. If it had been included under Notable Specimens in Bowers' 2013 reference, it would rank far finer than any other example enumerated. This specimen is graded MS65+ NGC-CAC and is the finest known specimen by more than two grade points. It is the finest known example of the 1803 Large 3 major silver dollar type, as well as of the B-6, BB-255 die marriage. It is also the finest known silver dollar struck for circulation dated 1803. Appearances. This specimen is illustrated as part of NGC's presentation of the Newman Collection at www.NGCCoin.com. Commentary. There are two major types of 1803-dated silver dollars, classified in the Guide Book and other references as Small 3 and Large 3. Four different die marriages are known for the Small 3 type, but the Large 3 is known from only a single die pairing, the B-6, BB-255. Examples of the B-6, BB-255 die marriage are relatively available in grades below XF45, and a specimen in AU can be acquired with some patience. About a dozen pieces survive in Mint State. The 2013 Encyclopedia, under Notable Specimens, details 10 of those Mint State pieces, even though it omits the Newman MS65+ coin, which is by far the finest known. Provenance. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $60.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $705,000.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
