Q. David Bowers
Superior Stamp & Coin Company's sale of the Hoagy Carmichael and Wayne Miller Collections, January 27-28, 1986. Offered just prior to the renaissance in grading interpretations (which took place in the same year), the coin descriptions given below are representative of catalogues of the era, in that plus signs are sometimes used to indicate a high level specimen within a certain grade. While many of the auction catalogue descriptions in the present book are shortened (for example, the 1883 Proof below could be listed simply as Proof-63), I take the occasion to reprint the Superior descriptions in full-to illustrate that as rare coins increased in value, many auction houses could afford to devote more time and space to coin listings. What a far cry the listing below is from the practice of coin auction firms a generation or two earlier.
1873 Br. Proof-60+. Light to moderate hairlines in the obverse fields. The obverse is bright while the reverse exhibits a film of uniform lilac iridescent tone. $1,320.00.
1873 MS-63. Full "cartwheel" effect mint lustre. Light golden toning. $1,760.00.
1873-S MS-60. Br. Unc, with fewer bagmarks than usually seen. $660.00.
1874 Br. Proof-60+. An attractive Proof specimen with some faint hairlines in the fields. Iridescent toning on the reverse. $1,210.00.
1875 Br, Proof-60+. Some faint hairlines in theobverse field, as well as some lint marks which were present on the planchet during striking. There is an interesting area on the reverse, from the rim at DOLLAR extending up through AMERICA, which appears to be adjustment marks. Light toning particularly on the reverse. $1,540.00.
1875-S MS-63. Well struck and well toned featuring a blending of deep russet and natural violet. Minimal amount of handling marks, a couple of which are about the rims.
$1,375.00. .
1875-S MS-60+. A sparkling frosty mint specimen with some residue of toning on the reverse. $770.00.
1876 Br. Proof-63, A bright glittering Proof specimen with some faint hairlines and light contact marks noted in the obverse fields. $1,870.00.
1876 Br. Proof-60+. A sparkling Proof specimen with some faint hairlines and contact marks in the fields. Overall quite pleasing. Some mottled toning rests within the devices on the obverse. The reverse exhibits a more uniform grayish-lilac tone. $990.00.
1876-S MS-63. A well struck sparkling Br. Unc, example with full "cartwheel" effect frosty mint lustre and just a hint of delicate violet toning. Some scattered bagmarks appear, none of which are too serious. $990.00.
1876-S MS-60+. Subdued frosty mint lustre overlaid with a delicate blending of violet tones. $550.00.
1876-S AU-55+. Enough mint lustre to justify an Unc, specimen; however, we note some friction on the highest points. $286.00.
1876-S A pair of Choice About Unc. 55+ specimens, lightly toned. (Total: 2 pieces). $577.50.
1877 Br. Proof-63+. Bright glittering mirror surfaces throughout. A touch of delicate violet toning enhances the reverse, Some scattered lint marks appear in the fields which were present on the planchet during striking that do not diminish its overall beauty. $2,750.00.
1877 AU-55. Very softly struck on the upper obverse, including the stars and Liberty's head. Yet enough frosty mint lustre as to justify the Unc. grade. $275.00.
1878 Br, Proof-63+. A splendid example of this popular Proof-only date with gorgeous deep sunset toning across the
surfaces of both sides. The colors range from midnight iridescent to light sunset hues. Some faint hairlines are noted under magnification. $2,750.00.
1878 Br. Proof-53. A glittering Proof specimen with some faint hairlines and lint marks. One is noted in the left obverse field. (This appears to have been on the planchet during striking.) Lightly frosted devices against totally brilliant fields gives this lovely Proof-only trade dollar the desirable "cameo" effect. The reverse is particularly choice and exhibits a natural blending ofviolet and electric blue. $2,420.00.
1878-CC Fine to VF. Some light rim nicks and probably cleaned long ago, now an antique grayish violet. $440.00.
1879 Br. Proof-55. An exquisite gem Proof specimen exhibiting golden centers surrounded by violet with electric blue at the borders. $5,500.00.
1879 Br. Proof-65. A magnificent gem Proof specimen totally brilliant and hairline free. Some minute die chips and lint marks in the surfaces are the only impairment; mint caused as they were on the planchet during striking. $3,950.00.
1879 Br. Proof-53. A glittering Proof specimen with plenty of "eye appeal." A light surface mark is noted above Liberty's lap; otherwise, quite choice. The reverse is especially choice and exhibits an attractive blend of pale lilac and electric blue. $2,090.00.
1879 Br. Proof-53. Attractive light pastel iridescent toning across the surfaces on both sides. A mint-caused "wavy" mark is noted on the eagle's left shoulder extending to the rim. This was caused by a strand of hair adhering to the die during striking and is mentioned mainly for the sake of accuracy. $1,870.00.
1880 Br. Proof-53. Another Choice Br. Proof specimen, this one with a totally brilliant obverse and some toning resting within the devices. The reverse exhibits a uniform blending of light golden violet iridescent toning. When tilted toward the light under low magnification, some faint hairlines may be seen, none of which are serious. $1,870.00.
1880 Br. Proof-53. A splendid Proof specimen with creamy white surfaces on both sides. Some scattered light marks commensurate with this numerical grade, none of which are too serious. $2,200.00.
1881 Br. Proof-53+. A splendid specimen with gorgeous multicolored iridescent toning encircling the borders. Some faint hairlines and lint marks are noted in the obverse fields, but most were present on the planchet when made. $3,740.00.
1881 Br. Proof-50+. A glittering Proof specimen with some contact marks in the left obverse fields; otherwise, quite choice. The reverse exhibits a blending of violet and russet hues. $1,750.00.
1882 Br. Proof-55. This beauty exhibits the most exquisite blending of violet and electric blue iridescent tones that one could wish for. $5,775.00.
1882 Br. Proof-53. A glittering Proof specimen with toning resting within the devices. The reverse fields are overlaid with a film of light violet iridescence. $1,750.00.
1882 Br. Proof-53. A choice Proof specimen with some faint hairlines in the fields, none of which are very serious. The obverse is totally brilliant, while the reverse exhibits a light golden and pale violet tone. $1,980.00.
1883 Br. Proof-53. Uniform pale golden tone which deepens a bit within the devices. Free of any serious hairlines, just a few scattered lint marks as made. $2,850.00.