Over the past few months, Heritage Auctions has offered parts 1 through 5 of the Don Bonser Collection of Error Coins. Now, we’re pleased to be able to offer the Don Bonser Collection of US Coin Varieties, representing those unusual die varieties that sometimes occur on coins. This Showcase auction is open for bidding now at Coins.HA.com, culminating in a live session beginning at 6 PM Central (7 PM Eastern) on Monday, August 8.
Most of the varieties in this auction are cataloged in either The Cherrypicker’s Guide to Rare Die Varieties, by Bill Fivaz and JT Stanton, or Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars, by Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis.
One example of the coins offered here is the 1943-S “Goiter” quarter, in this case an example graded MS66 by NGC. The area under President George Washington’s chin is buckled upward, but the cause of the die defect is unknown. Fivaz and Stanton note that the FS-401 or “Goiter” variety “has been known for decades, but it is apparently rare, as few have surfaced.”
Some of the other notable coins in this auction include:
- 1971-S 1C Doubled Die Obverse, FS-102, PR67 Red NGC
- 1938-D/S 5C FS-514 MS67 PCGS
- 1953 25C Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101, PR68 Cameo NGC
- 1945 50C No AW, FS-901, MS65+ NGC
- 1922 $1 Earring, VAM-2A, MS63 PCGS. A Top 50 Variety
We encourage you to take a look at all of the fascinating die varieties in this auction at Coins.HA.com. Bidding is open now, continuing through August 6.
I have a great die variety 1960 D penny. Stairs Bush engraved on the upper corner of memorial. Bird on the building. MS 63 red
Sounds like post-mint alterations, but you’d have to take it to an expert for in-person examination. A verbal description can’t give enough information versus what an expert with a loupe or other magnifier could determine.
I have some valuable jefferson nickels and lincoln pennies that I would like to put in auction at HA one day. I would like some advice.