8747

1884-CC $1 PR64 NGC.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1884-CC $1 PR64 NGC.
<table><tr><td><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#000000 border=0><TBODY> <TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%" bgColor=#79735c><FONT face=arial color=#ffffff size=3><B>Description</B> </FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff><FONT face=arial size=2><B>1884-CC $1 PR64 NGC.</B></I> Few areas in U.S. numismatics are as controversial as that of branch mint proof coinage. Almost no contemporary records exist and very little study has gone into these pieces. The largest collection of branch mint proof Morgans we have handled (or seen for that matter) was in the Anita Maxwell Collection that we sold in our 1995 ANA Sale. After extensive study of these pieces one of the most obvious differences between branch mint proofs and other proofs of that same era is that the level of workmanship on branch mint proofs is not comparable to that on proofs from the Philadelphia Mint. This is undoubtedly because the personnel in the branch mints were not familiar with the proofing techniques that were taken for granted in the Philadelphia Mint. Each branch mint proof issue has its own peculiarities, but in every case there are numerous diagnostics that simply would not be found (or not so easily found) on Philadelphia proofs. Incomplete die polishing is a good example. The branch mint coins will all show incomplete die polish behind the eagle's head and within the olive leaves on the reverse. This incompleteness of die polish is consistent from one coin to another in that specific issue, thus giving the researcher easy-to-use diagnostics. On this particular issue, there is considerable lack of die polish around the devices on each side, most notably in the field where the cap is tied back on the obverse, within the loop of the bow on the lower reverse, and around several of the leaves in the wreath.<BR>Certain issues are well known as branch mint proofs, having been accepted by the numismatic community for generations. Issues such as the 1879-O, 1883-O, 1893-CC, and 1921-S were in major collections such Amon Carter, and are beyond doubt special strikings. Comparing these authorized and unquestioned branch mint proofs with other issues, such as the 1884-CC, forces one to make useful extrapolations regarding the possible proof status of less-well-accepted issues. Authentication of lesser-known branch mint proofs lacks the preciseness present with Philadelphia Mint proofs. In fact, sometimes what one is left with is nothing more than an impression or a feeling based upon having seen thousands of other proofs and prooflike business strikes. Once one has a positive feeling about such a piece, the question is: will the marketplace also perceive it as a proof and back it up with a strong price realized at public auction?<BR>The 1884-CC is an issue that has been shrouded in controversy for thirty years. Breen authenticated a coin in 1973 as a proof (not this piece). Wayne Miller later opined that it was a Superb Gem Prooflike. In the intervening years, the marketplace as well as NGC have vindicated Walter Breen's initial assessment of the 1884-CC branch mint proof. We offered the Ex: Jack Lee specimen (PR66 Cameo NGC) in our 2002 Central States Sale. Unfortunately, that coin did not sell, but that is often the case with esoteric coins where pride of ownership is a significant factor. That coin as well as this one show the same diagnostic die polishing in front of Liberty's eye. Also, the same hairline die crack is seen at the bottom of the digits in the date, and the same die striations are present in the fields in front of and behind the eagle's head. This coin does not, however, exhibit any of the lint marks present on the Lee PR66 coin; presumably, this coin was struck prior to the Lee coin, the dies were then wiped, and then the Lee coin was struck. The striking details are uniformly strong throughout. The branch mints did not have hydraulic presses as the Philadelphia Mint did; therefore, strength of strike such as seen on this coin could only have been achieved by multiple strikings. One curious aspect on this coin is that even with the strong striking details present, very light roller marks can still be seen over Liberty's ear and on the highpoint of the cap on the obverse. We are at a loss to explain their presence on this coin, and merely point out this feature as a numismatic curiosity as well as a pedigree identifier.<BR>The surfaces are deeply toned with golden-brown and lilac patina covering each side. When closely examined one can see evidence of light hairlining in the fields, which accounts for the less-than-Gem grade, but this must have been done long ago as the coin has since reacquired a rich and natural looking patina. The fields are deeply mirrored and there are no obvious surface flaws on either side. This is a rare opportunity for the specialist in branch mint proofs to acquire this controversial issue with the endorsement of a major certification service. </FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><A name=PricesRealized></A><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#000000 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%" bgColor=#79735c><A name=PR><FONT face=arial color=#ffffff size=3><B>Previous Prices from Heritage Auctions</B> </FONT></A></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#f6f6ed><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width="33%"><B>Date</B></TD><TD align=middle width="33%"><B>Service</B></TD><TD align=middle width="33%"><B>Price</B></TD></TR><TR bgColor=whitesmoke><TD width="33%"><B>09/20/2003</B></TD><TD width="33%">NGC</TD><TD width="33%">$21,275.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=whitesmoke><TD width="33%"><B>08/19/1995</B></TD><TD width="33%">NGC</TD><TD width="33%">$18,700.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff><FONT face=arial size=1 ?>PLEASE NOTE: All prices realized reflect the final hammer price PLUS the buyer's premium in auctions that charge a buyer's premium. Each item has a notation at the top of the listing indicating whether that lot included a buyer's premium. Example: A item that sells with a final hammer price of $100 and a 20% buyer's premium will display with a price realized of $120. All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. Please use this guide carefully and inform us of any inaccuracies. </FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#000000 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%" bgColor=#79735c colSpan=6><FONT face=arial color=#ffffff size=3><B>Price Guide*</B> </FONT></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#f6f6ed><TD align=middle><B>Grade</B> </TD><TD align=middle><B>Coin World<BR>(Trends)</B> </TD><TD align=middle><B>Numismedia<BR>Retail</B> </TD><TD align=middle><B>Numismedia<BR>Wholesale</B> </TD><TD align=middle><B>Coin<BR>Universe</B> </TD><TD align=middle><B>Heritage<BR>Value Index</B> </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD align=middle>63</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>$49,000.00</TD><TD align=right>$17,791.25</TD></TR><TR style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" bgColor=#cccfdd><TD align=middle>64</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>$75,000.00</TD><TD align=right>$27,343.50</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD align=middle>65</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>---</TD><TD align=right>$4,200.00</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD colSpan=6><FONT size=1>*All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. No item may be returned or refused based on this information which is provided as a service to our customers. You should contact each pricing source directly to determine the accuracy of this information. </FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#000000 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%" bgColor=#79735c><FONT face=arial color=#ffffff size=3><B>Population Guide</B> </FONT></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD align=middle><!-- Begin Output of Population Grid--><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center><TABLE cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=1 cellsadding="3"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#f0f1e8 colSpan=2 <CENTER><FONT face=Arial size=2><B>PCGS Pop </B></FONT><CENTER></CENTER></TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#f0f1e8 colSpan=2><CENTER><FONT face=Arial size=2><B>NGC Pop</B></CENTER></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=center><FONT face=Arial size=2>(64)</FONT> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=right><FONT face=Arial size=2>2</FONT> </TD><TD vAlign=center><FONT face=Arial size=2>(64)</FONT> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=right><FONT face=Arial size=2>2</FONT> </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=center><FONT face=Arial size=2>(&gt;64)</FONT> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=right><FONT face=Arial size=2>1</FONT> </TD><TD vAlign=center><FONT face=Arial size=2>(&gt;64)</FONT> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=right><FONT face=Arial size=2>0</FONT> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- End Output of Population Grid--></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#000000 border=0><TBODY><TR> Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>