Costa Mesa, CA – Stack’s Bowers Galleries will offer two remarkable early Proof sets, one from 1855 and one from 1900, in their November 2022 Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Winter Expo. The 1900 Proof set is nearly complete (missing only the Barber dime) including the gold denominations and all coins feature CAC approval. The 1855 set showcases the silver and minor denominations from the silver dollar to down to the half cent and includes several coins with CAC approval. The coins will be offered individually in consecutive lots in the firm’s Rarities Night session on Tuesday, November 1.
The 1900 Proof set features exceptional specimens with matched eye appeal all housed in desirable old-style NGC holders. The gold eagle and half eagle both earned Ultra Cameo designations for their gorgeous contrast, while the double eagle received a Cameo designation. Details of the complete 1900 Proof set are listed below:
- $20 1900 Proof-65 Cameo NGC CAC
- $10 1900 Proof-65 Ultra Cameo NGC CAC
- $5 1900 Proof-66 Ultra Cameo NGC CAC
- $2.50 1900 Proof-65 NGC CAC
- S$1 Proof-66 NGC CAC
- 50c Proof-67 NGC CAC
- 25c Proof-66 NGC CAC
- 5c Proof-66 NGC CAC
- 1c Proof-65 RD NGC CAC
Proof set production at the Philadelphia Mint was relatively high in 1900, with a total of 912 full sets produced; minor Proof sets (which included the cent and the nickel) were also produced. Production declined over the next 15 years, reaching a low in 1914.
Walter Breen noted that many early 20th century Proof coins exhibited spots which often prompted harsh cleaning, making attractive original examples like those offered in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries November auction especially sought-after. These pieces would be lovely additions to the cabinets of many numismatists, from Proof type collectors to series specialists.
Also offered in the sale is a nicely matched 1855 Proof set including all silver and minor coinage from the Braided Hair half cent through the Liberty Seated dollar. Proof production in the mid-19th century was not extensive, and some of the offered coins have estimated mintages of just 20 or so. Precise mintages of specimen coinage were not recorded, and most examples were struck for collectors with political connections or relationships with Mint personnel. The Liberty Seated dime, half dollar, and dollar received Cameo designations while the three-cent silver piece, quarter and half dollar all received CAC approval. This sale represents a great opportunity for 19th century Proof collectors to acquire some attractive, rare issues. Details on the 1855 Proof Set are listed below.
- 1/2c Proof-62BN NGC
- 1c Proof-63 RB NGC
- 3CS Proof-64 NGC CAC
- H10c Proof-63 NGC
- 10c Proof-66 CAM NGC
- 25c Proof-65 NGC CAC
- 50c Proof-64 CAM NGC CAC
- S$1 Proof-65 NGC CAM
These two fascinating Proof groups along with the entire Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles 2022 Winter Expo will be available for viewing and bidding at www.StacksBowers.com. To inquire about printed catalogs contact Info@StacksBowers.com. To consign to a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction email Consign@StacksBowers.com or call 800-458-4646.
About Stack’s Bowers Galleries
Stack’s Bowers Galleries conducts live, Internet and specialized auctions of rare U.S. and world coins and currency and ancient coins, as well as direct sales through retail and wholesale channels. The company’s nearly 90-year legacy includes the cataloging and sale of many of the most valuable United States coin and currency collections to ever cross an auction block — The D. Brent Pogue Collection, The John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, The Joel R. Anderson Collection, The Norweb Collection, The Cardinal Collection, The Sydney F. Martin Collection and The Battle Born Collection — to name just a few. World coin and currency collections include The Pinnacle Collection, The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection of World Gold Coins, The Kroisos Collection, The Alicia and Sidney Belzberg Collection, The Salton Collection, The Wa She Wong Collection, and The Thos. H. Law Collection.
The company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, with galleries in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Offices are also located in New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, Hong Kong and Paris. Stack’s Bowers Galleries hosts an annual Global Showcase in August featuring United States coins and currency, Ancient coins and World coins and currency in its Costa Mesa auction gallery. They are also the Official Auctioneer for several important numismatic events, including the New York International Numismatic Convention, the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Spring, Summer and Winter Expos, the Spring and Fall Hong Kong shows, and the Maastricht Paper Money Shows.
