The
D. Brent Pogue Collection will forever be known as an incredible assembly of
the very finest early American coins from 1792 through the 1830s. The five sales
already completed featured this portion of the collection, almost to
completion, with notable additions such as the fabulous collection of $3 gold
coins. Those apparent outliers were a foreshadowing of the pages to follow.
What could not be foreseen was Brent’s unexpected passing at age 54 just a few
months ago. He is deeply missed by his family, friends and all of us in
numismatics.
Starting as a teenager
and with the guidance of his father Mack, Brent with connoisseurship,
knowledge, and persistence built the finest-ever collection of early American
federal coinage of the early years. No other private or museum collection past
or present has come even close to his achievement.
In 2001 Brent went
into rare coins full time and turned his passion into a business. While adding
to his own collection he attended many conventions and auctions to buy and
sell. His first major transaction was the purchase of a type set of copper and
silver coins from Stack’s in 2002. In 2003 he completed the acquisition of the
Foxfire Collection, formed over a long period of years by Claude Davis, M.D. In
2005 he negotiated for and completed the purchase of the Great Lakes Collection
of $3 gold, complete except, of course, for the 1870-S. This was the finest
known such collection at the time, replete with many gems.
Though the earliest
issues were always a focal point, D. Brent Pogue loved numismatics and enjoyed
numerous other series, which he collected quietly for his own enjoyment. This
sale presents these areas of interest and displays far more diversity than has
come to be expected from this collection. It is an exciting opportunity for
collectors who desire this important American provenance. This sale includes
pieces worth from hundreds of dollars to millions—truly something for everyone!
Still, the one guiding principle that will be evident in this presentation, as
it was in prior Pogue offerings, is a commitment to quality.
The coins range widely
from small selections of superb half cents, led by a Red and Brown 1796 With Pole in MS-66, to small cents including affordable classics such as a 1909-S V.D.B. cent graded MS-66 RB (PCGS). Even a modern 1960 Small Date cent
graded MS-67 RD (PCGS) is included! These are the beginnings of a basic type
set, and representatives of many denominations are included.
With United States
quarters, the dynamic changes, as this was clearly one of Brent’s favorites.
Following a small selection of Liberty Seated pieces comes one of the most
fabulous collections of Barber coins ever seen, truly special for its
extraordinary quality as well as its aesthetic appeal. The collection is
visually stunning, loaded with magnificent rarities, and even includes the
occasional duplicate; there are two examples of the 1901-S, one MS-66+
(PCGS) and one MS-67 (PCGS).
The offering of
Standing Liberty quarters is extensive, though not quite complete, and includes
coins in a wide range of value from a 1929-S in MS-66+ (PCGS) to the famous
1918/7-S overdate in MS-65 (PCGS). Washington quarters follow, with a collection
that, like the Barber quarters, is visually impressive and of exceptional
quality, with spectacular toning found throughout. All are graded by PCGS and
with rare exceptions are ranked as MS-66 or MS-67.
For half dollars and
dollars, partial type sets feature high-quality coins, examples of which run
the gamut from a 1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar in MS-66+ (PCGS) to an 1804 Silver Dollar. “An 1804 silver dollar?” one might ask with surprise. YES! The Pogue
Collection included three examples of this most famous American coin. In
this sale, Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to once again offer the Garrett
specimen of this American treasure! As famous as this coin is, it is but one of
the highlights of this landmark sale.
Gold coins deliver
even more important properties, with small selections of each denomination from
gold dollars to double eagles. These begin with an 1849 Gold Dollar graded
MS-67 (PCGS), and close with a 1927-S Saint Gaudens Double Eagle graded MS-67
(PCGS). In between there are quarter eagles (including an 1841 Little
Princess graded Proof-64 Cameo), a $3 piece (an 1878 graded MS-67 by PCGS),
a $4 piece (an 1879 Flowing Hair $4 Gold graded Proof-66 Cameo by PCGS), $5 coins
(including a 1911-S in PCGS MS-66) and both the Wire Rim and Rolled Rim Indian
eagles, each graded MS-67 by PCGS. With all this, the highlight is yet
to be mentioned!
One of D. Brent
Pogue’s most prized accomplishments was his complete set of 1854-S gold coins.
Like the rest of this sale, even this group represents great diversity in
value, ranging from the 1854-S $10 in AU-58 (PCGS), to one of the rarest
coins in the entire American series, the finest known example of the
legendary 1854-S Half Eagle! From the first Pogue sale to today, THIS is the
coin many have been waiting to see, and it will not disappoint! It is
stunningly attractive and graded AU-58+ by PCGS. It has not been offered
publicly since the October 1982 sale of the United States Gold Coin Collection,
formed by Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Just 268 examples were struck, and this is
the very best of the tiny group that survive today.
Rounding out the sale
are some important pattern coins, including famous types such as a Gem Shield
Earring quarter graded Proof-65+ (PCGS), a Schoolgirl dollar graded Proof-65
(PCGS), a Washlady half dollar graded Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS), and an 1852 Ring
dollar in gold graded Proof-65 by PCGS.
Now we present to you
a final catalog detailing Brent’s unsurpassed numismatic achievements in United
States federal coinage. He always enjoyed sharing his knowledge and the ongoing
pursuit with other collectors. We hope you enjoy the following offering and
gain even more appreciation of his passion for the hobby he loved so much.
Q. David Bowers
Founder, Stack’s
Bowers Galleries
View the Entire Auction Online Here.
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