Eye appeal is the backbone of any great collection. Early American GEM graded coins that have not been seen in decades will be available soon as Legend Rare Coin Auctions has the Dale Friend Collection coming for auction in its entirety. While no formal estimates were communicated on these coins ahead of time, similar sales have been for $50,000 to $75,000 and even above $200,000 for just one coin.

As far as who Dale Friend is, his pristine coin collection was accumulated over many years — actually many amazing coins built over many decades. He passed away in in 2021 at the age of 80. What these coins sell for will depend on many factors.

Collectors Dashboard prides itself on being aware when trophy coins come to auction. According to Legend Rare Coin Auctions, a collector can see that each coin was chosen for its look and appearance. The collection will be broken into two separate auctions: Regency Auction 51 on April 28, 2022 and Regency Auction 52 on May 26, 2022.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates high-end collectibles as an alternative asset class. This means collectibles are attracting the same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds. Many collectibles now cost thousands of dollars (or much more). Collectors with a passion to own a collectible for years frequently have to compete directly against investors whose only desire is to make a profit in the future.

Regency Auction 51 is an official auction of the Central States Numismatic Society Convention and will be held in Schaumberg, IL on April 28, 2022. In an age of trophy coins these highlights will make a major splash in the collecting market. Highlights include the following:

• 1C 1925-S PCGS MS65 RD CAC
• 5C 1885 PCGS MS66 CAC
• 25C 1909-O PCGS MS66 CAC ex Pogue
• 50C 1892-O Micro O. PCGS MS67 CAC
• 50C 1904-S PCGS MS65
• $1 1795 3 Leaves. PCGS AU58 ex Garrett and Hesselgesser (See image below)
• $1 1795 2 Leaves. PCGS AU58 CAC ex Col. Green and Eric Newman
• $1 1798 Small Eagle, 13 Stars. PCGS AU58 CAC ex Cardinal and Legend
• $1800 AMERICAI. PCGS MS63 ex Pittman and Pogue
• $5 1827 PCGS AU58+ CAC
• $20 1881-S PCGS MS63+ CAC ex Saddle Ridge

The value takes off in high graded colonial coins. The PCGS population of a 1795 $1 coin 3 leaves variety for AU58 is 44 examples and 1 example graded AU58+. The PCGS price guide lists the value of an AU58 at $45,000.00. Of the 44 PCGS examples of the coin there are no recent sale prices known to review. In the early 2000s the coin would easily achieve $50,000+ based on past records.

The $1 1795 2 leaves variety has only 20 examples graded by PCGS in AU58 condition. The PCGS price guide stands at $75,000.00. No known current sales are listed to review. The auction record for the coin type is $218,500.00 graded MS-63 and sold in March 2006 by R.M. Smythe Auction Firm.

Here is a list of highlighted coins for Regency Auction 52 on May 26, 2022:

• 50C 1795 A/E PCGS MS62
• 50C 1801 PCGS AU58+
• 50C 1823 PCGS MS66 CAC
• 50C 1828 Sq. 2, Sm. 8, Lg. Letters. PCGS MS66+ CAC
• 50C 1839-O PCGS MS64
• 50C 1892-O Micro O. PCGS MS68 CAC ex Eliasberg (see special note and image by Legend Auctions below)
• T$1 1878 PCGS PR66 CAM

According to the press release:

“One of Dale’s favorite coins, was this 1892-O Micro O Barber half dollar, and it is very easy to see why. It is the undisputed finest known, and has a provenance that goes back to Lyman Low’s July 1903 auction sale; and with its amazing, pristine surfaces, it is likely this coin was consigned to that sale by someone who acquired it directly from the New Orleans mint at the time of issue.”

With eye appeal the main focus in both auctions, opportunity will be the theme for any serious collector. Like sports collecting when a serious collector decides to sell or passes away the collection represents in some cases a 50 year time-capsule to collectibles that haven’t been seen in decades.