On October 22, 2008, Stack’s will proudly celebrate its 73rd anniversary in true Stack’s fashion-by offering an absolutely stunning array of U.S. coin rarities for public auction. From colonial coins to double eagles, the 73rd Anniversary sale presents unbeatable rarities at every twist and turn from start to finish.

Of particular note is an extraordinary museum-quality collection of Proof gold coins, featuring the A. Rockford Cummings Collection. The grouping is comprised of coins from every denomination of gold coinage, and contains many ultra high-grade pieces, in addition to many pieces offered in the more affordable middle Proof grades.

This collection represents a highly significant opportunity for the Proof gold specialist or the collector searching to add premium quality coins to an advanced type set.

The 73rd Anniversary sale will begin precisely at 1:30pm in Stacks’ auction gallery at 110 West 57th Street in New York City.

Session One: Colonials through Proof Sets

Session One of this exciting sale begins with Colonial and Early American coins, with several important rarities highlighted. A 1652 Massachusetts Pine Tree shilling graded AU-53 (PCGS) (CAC), and a remarkable 1776 Continental dollar in Pewter graded MS-62 (PCGS) are just two highlights from this section that will surely attract marked attention and spirited bidding. The last hurrah for early American coinage comes in the form of a magnificent 1792 pattern disme in copper graded AU-55 (PCGS) (CAC) and hailing from the Norweb Collection.

U.S. minor coinage serves up some major rarities amid a nice assortment of more affordable, yet still high quality, coins. A lustrous 1795 half cent graded AU-55 BN (PCGS) sets the tone straightaway, and a wonderful Proof-65 (NGC) 1856 Flying Eagle cent follows closely. Buffalo nickel specialists are in for a treat, with a rare 1918/7-D example offered in AU-55 (PCGS) (CAC), as well as a fantastic 1937-D 3-Legged example graded MS-66 by NGC.

A wide range of U.S. half dimes is unquestionably epitomized by a stunning 1797 16 Stars half dime, formerly from the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection. To find a coin finer than this specimen would be difficult indeed, but to find it in combination with such an illustrious pedigree would be virtually impossible!

U.S. dimes also boast some major players, like the 1805 JR-2 example graded an unbelievable MS-66 by PCGS and designated as premium quality by CAC. Intensely lustrous and accented with beautiful toning, this coin is tough to beat in terms of presentation, so be prepared to dig deeply in your pockets for this stunning gem. In terms of later issues, bidders will have the chance to fight over a 1916-D Mercury dime graded an impressive MS-63 FB by NGC. The dimes are rounded out by an important “1759″ Martha Washington dime-sized die trial, actually struck around 1965 to test the newfangled “clad” composition. Only two of these pieces have been certified by NGC, and this one is the finer of the two at MS-65.

Quarter dollars will be a source of collector interest in this sale, particularly within the well-loved Standing Liberty series. Here one can find a wonderful example of the key date 1916 quarter in excellent condition, MS-65 FH (PCGS) (CAC). Additionally, this section offers an exceptional run of PCGS-certified gem 1928-S quarters, with the grades ranging from MS-65 FH to MS-67 FH, nearly all of which have also been designated as premium quality by the presence of a green CAC sticker.

Half dollars continue in the established vein of excellence by boasting a first-rate selection of early issues, including an exquisite 1794 O-101 in EF-40 (PCGS) and a superb 1801 O-102 example graded AU-53 by PCGS that is probably within the condition census for the variety. Later half dollar rarities include a phenomenal 1907-D graded MS-68 (NGC) (CAC) that was previously part of the John Jay Pittman Collection, and a beautiful, nearly gem 1919-D graded MS-64 by PCGS and awarded a green sticker by CAC.

The section of U.S. silver dollars is so heavily laden with rarities that it is difficult to choose only a few to represent the cream of the crop. We begin with the first date of the denomination, the highly coveted 1794 issue. This particular example is pedigreed all the way back until 1888 and presents the detail of a VF-20 coin with some minor problems; on the whole it is quite appealing. In the context of this sale, 1795 Flowing Hair dollars seem common, with ten examples to choose from, including a handsome B-5 example in MS-62 (NGC), and a gorgeous B-7, 14-Berry example graded MS-61 by NGC.

A nice selection of Gobrecht dollars also contribute to this top quality section. A rare 1836 Name Below Base Judd-58 silver restrike graded Proof-64 by NGC is at the fore, and closely tailed by an 1839 silver restrike in Proof-65 (NGC). Another not-to-be-missed event will be the sale of the famous 1870-S silver dollar, a classic rarity in any condition. This particular coin, pedigreed to the William Hesslein Sale in December 1926 and F.C.C. Boyd, is not without its problems, as it is in a VF-30 Details (ANACS) holder and marked as “Repaired. Re-engraved.” Knowledgeable numismatists, however, know that any 1870-S appearance is significant, and we are confident that this will be reflected by strong bidding.

A small section of commemoratives and more than a handful of Proof sets wrap up Session One. True to the nature of this sale, last is certainly not least-particularly when offering a fantastic seven-piece 1859 Proof set that is complete from cent to dollar, and in which all of the coins are graded by PCGS at Proof-66 or finer!

Session Two

Session Two will commence at 6:00pm sharp, and begins with gold commemoratives, territorials, and a few miscellaneous lots of small gold and others. A pleasing selection of Panama-Pacific commemorative coins includes both the round and octagonal $50 slugs, both of which are graded MS-65 by NGC.

U.S. Proof Gold Coins: The A. Rockford Cummings Collection

From here we move on to the highly anticipated Proof gold section-one of the largest and finest offerings seen in many years, with over sixty lots presented for your bidding pleasure. Each denomination is represented, including the famed $4 Stella, by exceptional pieces, both in terms of numerical grading and overall aesthetic appeal. More affordable pieces in the middle Proof grades are also available, making this section something special for everyone, not only the elite few.

Gold dollars boast five beautiful examples, including a dazzling 1882 in Proof-67* Ultra Cameo (NGC) (CAC), which is likely the finest known example of this issue. No other 1882 dollars have received a higher grade by NGC, and this example is the only coin to be given the star designation.

Quarter eagles, the largest portion of this special offering, proffer rarity after rarity in both the Liberty Head and Indian Head series. A breathtaking 1899 graded an incredible Proof-68 Ultra Cameo by NGC vies for the distinction as finest known, with only six other coins certified at this level by NGC and none graded finer. A superb 1912 Sandblast Proof-66 (PCGS) (CAC) more than adequately represents the Indian Head series with its virtually flawless and gorgeous fiery yellow surfaces.

Two lots of three dollar gold pieces provide the bidder with the opportunity to secure rare issues from years with super small mintages in affordable conditions. And, of course, any Proof gold type set would be incomplete without the legendary $4 Stella. The example offered here is a wonderful 1879 Flowing Hair graded Proof-62 Cameo by NGC.

Half eagles do not disappoint either, and boast a dozen high grade rarities. Highlights here include a truly spectacular 1899 example graded Proof-68 Ultra Cameo (NGC) (CAC). The opportunity to find such a fine coin may not come along in the near (or even distant!) future, so be certain to make your bid count on October 22. Representing the Indian Head series are two major rarities in excellent condition: a 1908 in Proof-66 (NGC) and a tremendous 1912 Sandblast Proof graded Proof-66 (PCGS) (CAC).

U.S. $10 gold issues keep up the pace with eight delightful lots of truly superb coins. Leading off is an 1899 Proof-67 Ultra Cameo (NGC) (CAC), which is followed soon after by a terrific 1909 Roman Finish example that weighs in at a hefty Proof-67 (NGC). Both coins are easily within the condition census for the dates.

Double Eagles round out this exciting Proof gold section in fine form. One of the finest known 1899 Proof double eagles gets the ball rolling. Graded Proof-67 Ultra Cameo by NGC, a specimen of this caliber has not been seen on the numismatic auction market in over 15 years! The Saint-Gaudens series is represented by four exciting lots, including an MCMVII (1907) High Relief, Wire Rim that is graded an astounding Proof-68* by NGC. The selection of Proof gold coins featuring the A. Rockford Cummings collection is destined to be a memorable event. Make sure to be there to have a chance at obtaining a piece of this exciting collection, because who knows when another opportunity of this magnitude will come along!

Gold Dollars through Double Eagles

Following the sale of the Proof gold, the sale progresses into regular issue gold coins, headed up by an 1849 Small Head, No L gold dollar graded MS-68* by NGC. Among quarter eagles, bidders have the chance to fight over several early issues, including two examples of the 1796 No Stars issue, and one of the finest known 1825 issues in MS-66 (NGC).

The rest of this hefty gold section is replete with both common date issues and high end rarities. Prominent among these coins will certainly be a beautifully prooflike 1795 Small Eagle $5 in MS-63* (NGC) (CAC) and the super gem 1834 Classic Head, Plain 4 half eagle that, at the exciting grade of MS-66 PL (NGC), is easily one of the highest quality survivors of the date and type. The obvious counterpart to this classic rarity is the 1834 Classic Head, Crosslet 4 half eagle, and we are excited to offer it here at the impressive MS-64 (NGC) level; this coin is most likely the finest known survivor of this scarcer variety.

Early ten dollar gold pieces are sure to please as well, with a stunning MS-65 (NGC) 1801 BD-2 example serving as a fine example of just one of several serious rarities offered among the denomination. Another coin of this caliber is the 1907 Wire Rim Indian $10, graded a stunning MS-66 (PCGS).

Double eagles take us home, and present bidders with wonderful options that will keep the auction packed right up until the very end. A fine selection of Liberty Head eagles is epitomized by a splendid 1875-S example graded MS-64 (PCGS). The final lot of the sale offers the classic rarity 1931 double eagle graded MS-64 by PCGS that will undoubtedly find a new home in an advanced double eagle collection.

For decades, Stacks’ Anniversary sales have been considered top-notch auction sales that showcase important collections and generate tremendous bidding interest. The 73rd Anniversary generously upholds this reputation by delivering up a seriously impressive assemblage of coins. Be sure to save the date, October 22, 2008!

If you cannot attend in person, be sure to send us your bids by U.S. mail or fax, or place your bids on our website, either before the sale or by bidding online during the sessions. You can find us at 123 W 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 or at Box 1804, Wolfeboro, NH 03894. To contact us by phone, please use 800-566-2580 (NY) or 866-811-1804 (NH), or email us.

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