Duvall 4-E Variety is Just the Second Reported Specimen

DLRC Auctions is proud to offer this week the second known example of the rare Duvall 4-E variety of the Lafayette dollar. This variety was thought to be unique until the discovery of this coin, which has been graded AU58 Cleaned by Dominion Grading Service (DGS).

According to John Feigenbaum, President of David Lawrence Rare Coins, the coin has “the initial appearance of a mint state coin but the luster is almost too nice and lacks the frosty surfaces of a true mint state. The coin has virtually no wear and has been very lightly cleaned to show evidence of wipe lines upon close examination in proper lighting. The only significant mark on either side of the coin is a 3 mm scratch on Washington’s cheek. Without the mishandling, this coin might have otherwise graded MS63.”

The consignor took advantage of DLRC’s relationship with DGS to initially have the coin graded, and then offered for immediate auction at DLRC Auctions. According to Vice President Win Callender, this relationship offers clients “the best of both worlds” as a truly efficient means for collectors to sell their (previously) uncertified coins.

Bidding Closes on Monday Evening

This rare variety is offered at lot #1425 in DLRC Auctions Monday Night sale which closes at 8 pm, October 6. Lot bids and details can be found at this link: Lot 1425 1900 $1 DGS AU58 Lafayette – Duvall 4-E. There are also 1980 more lots in Auction #289 with offerings from Colonial Coins through California Gold, and everything in between.

The Duvall 4-E Variety

The Duvall 4-E variety is distinctive because of the unique positioning of the olive branch on the reverse. The right side of the branch terminates over the numeral 9 of 1900. All other known varieties see this branch end over the right side of the first 0 in 1900. Prior to the appearance of this coin, the existence of Duvall 4-E was thought to be unique.

The only other known Lafayette dollar of this die variety was sold in August 2007 by Heritage Numismatic Auctions as part of their Signature ANA Auction. (Lot 2090). It was graded MS60 by ANACS and realized $18,400 to a phone bidder. According to the Heritage lot description, that coin was “well struck with dusky chestnut, aqua, and plum-mauve patina. Both sides unusually free from marks, particularly on the portraits.” Based on the description of marks, these are clearly not the same coin.

Over 315 DGS-graded Coins Available for Bidding

Virginia Beach, VA – The numismatic staff of DLRC Auctions is excited to announce the current sale of the Block Island Collection – an assembly of 432 certified coins and paper money items from a life-long collector. 317 of the coins were submitted to Dominion Grading Service (DGS) prior to their sale in this auction as part of the new campaign by DLRC and DGS to give customers the full service experience when the time comes to sell their collections.

According to Win Callender, DLRC Vice President, who handled this consignment, “the Block Island Coin and Currency Collection hails from a long-time client who began collecting as a child and represents an assemblage 60 years in the making. As a young boy, he saw a 1901-S quarter in a strong XF grade and wondered why the retail price, $40, was so much higher than the others. That experience helped launch a lifetime of interest in numismatics. There are many wonderful collector coins in this collection that seldom come to market. For example, two 1901-S quarters, great runs of Liberty Seated halves and Barbers and loads of key dates. He also amassed a wonderful collection of currency, all graded by CGA or PMG, ranging from large size type, to nationals, to small size silver certificates. There are over 90 fresh notes and are all reserved at great prices.”

As of this press release, over 310 lots have met their modest reserve in this sale. According to DLRC President, John Feigenbaum, “the bidding on this sale has been tremendous and encouraging. The consignor was extremely fair with his reserves and many of the lots of multiple bids over the reserve amount. And there are still many bargains. Collectors are really attracted to the new DGS holders which go to great lengths to accurately describe the typical problems seen on collector coins, like light cleaning. Collectors can fill some very difficult holes without spending a fortune in a sale like this.” (more…)

Virginia Beach, VA. Dominion Grading continues to reach important milestones as they establish themselves as respected third party graders in the numismatic community. According to President, John Feigenbaum, “We’ve now received over 1500 coins for grading, with a minority of those coming from our sister company, David Lawrence Rare Coins. We are very careful when grading all coins that are submitted and take great care to ensure that each DGS certified coin will stand on its own in the marketplace. The numismatic community is quickly becoming aware that our grading is conservative and consistent. Submitters have been very happy with the quality of our work.”

Expectations have been exceeded at DGS with the receipt of over 1500 coins in the first 45 days of grading. Feigenbaum continues, “It’s important to understand that we are not grading multiples of anything so far. Every submission has included a variety of different coins and our graders are really enjoying the process. It would be easy to grade a bag of silver dollars, or rolls of Lincoln cents, but on average we’re getting 10 different coins in an 11 coin submission.”

DLRC Auctions offering over 100 DGS Slabs this week

For the first time ever, there is a concentration of DGS slabs in a single auction at www.davidlawrence.com. The Internet Only auction, which closes Thursday, June 26, is highlighted by a choice XF45 Gobrecht dollar. In addition, there are many coins valued from $25-$5000 including a collection of early Walkers and better date Morgan dollars in XF-Uncirculated grades. (more…)