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Blanchard places the 1843 John Jay Pittman Proof Gold Set
The premier proof gold set in existence from the legendary Pittman collection
1843 Pittman Proof Gold Set
Blanchard is proud to announce our recent placement of one of the rarest intact U.S. proof sets in existence – the 1843 John Jay Pittman three-coin gold proof set. These marquee coins, notable for their originality and superb coloration, were a part of the legendary Pittman Collection, Blanchard offers one of the world’s leading selections of fine rare coins for your acquisition, personally selected by internationally known numismatist John Albanese.
The Legendary Pittman Coin Collection
The John Jay Pittman coin collection sold for a shocking $30 million at auction in the late 1990s, at a thousandfold return on Pittman’s original collecting investment. Pittman, a chemical engineer employed by Kodak, through instinct, knowledge and sheer force of will, assembled one of the most stunning collections of United States coinage ever. Pittman invested a mere $100,000 to build this collection from the 1950s to the 70s.
Pittman’s Set Strategy
Pittman assembled sets of related coins – especially rare, proof coins. Proofs were made in very limited quantities and consist of one of each of the coins struck that year. At that time proof coins were not yet popular – which allowed Pittman to acquire the very best known proof gold coins in existence.
1843 Proof Boxed Set
One of the highlights and highest bid items of the Pittman collection’s auction was the ten-coin 1843 Proof Boxed Set. This set, as well as the collection, was largely broken up at auction into individual coin sales. Today the three-coin 1843 Proof Gold Set that remains is the best and the last multiple coin set left of Pittman’s great collection, and the only three gold coins from the ten-piece set. These marquee coins are notable for their originality and superb coloration and are highly prized by collectors.
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The 1843 Proof Gold Set
- The Pedigree of this set is second to none
- Each coin in the set is one of only five minted in 1843
- The finest proof set of only two 1843 gold sets in existence
- The Pittman name is on all coin holders
- Original
presentation box from President Tyler
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- This is one of the premier Proof gold sets in all of numismatics
- The pedigree of this set is second to none
- Pittman name is on all holders
- Mintage estimate of these coins is 5 of each coin
- Proof sets were minted as presentation pieces given to the likes of presidents and dignitaries
- One
of only two 1843 sets known
- The finest Proof 1843 gold set in existence
- Original presentation box from President Tyler included
- Contains all gold coin minted in 1843
- All coins are Proof Cameo
Proof 66 $2 1/2 1843 Liberty Head Cameo
Although the 1843 Liberty Head quarter
eagle is a very rare coin in Proof, there are a few pieces in private
hands. There have also been two complete 1843 Proof Sets, which were
housed in the original box of issue, and were part of the John Jay
Pittman and Amon Carter Collections. The sets contained 10 coins
each with a total face value of $19.41 and 1/2 cents. The reason
for the sets to have been issued is unknown. The Smithsonian example
that was originally stored in the U.S. Mint's vaults for many years is a gem cameo specimen.
An example of the date in Proof surfaced in a Connecticut estate
sale in 2002. The coin sold for $66,125. There are probably a total
of five known Proof 1843 quarter eagles.
Proof 66 $5 1843 Liberty Head Cameo
The 1843 half eagle is another incredibly
rare issue in Proof condition. There are probably just four or five
examples is existence. The Smithsonian specimen is superb and was
placed in the original Mint Collection at the time of issue. Other
known examples include the John Jay Pittman and Amon Carter coins,
which were part of original and complete 1843 Proof sets. The Farouk
Collection that was sold in 1954 contained an example, and it is
probably one of the specimens shown as certified by NGC and PCGS.
There have been five coins certified as Proof by the major grading
services, but this number probably includes at least one resubmission.
PCGS has certified one example as PF-58, but the authors have not
had an opportunity to view the coin personally.
Proof 64 $10 1843 Liberty Head Cameo
The 1843 Proof eagle is an extremely
rare coin of which only five examples are presently accounted for.
Two are in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian
Institution (a PF-65 cameo obtained in the year of issue and a PF-61
cameo that came with the Lilly Collection). John Jay Pittman owned
one as part of a complete set of 1843 Proof coins in the original
case of issue. A fourth example, also part of a complete set, was
once owned by Will Neil and Amon Carter. Virgil Brand owned a fifth
example. Sorting out the certified examples is a challenge: PCGS
reports a single PF-63, while NGC reports a PF-61, a PF-63 cameo
and a PF-64 cameo. Clearly, there have been some resubmissions for
a possible upgrade, or there is a least one more Proof 1843 eagle
in existence.
Original 1843 Presentation Proof Set Box
This original presentation box from President Tyler housed the original ten coin 1843 Proof Set. This exclusive piece of history is highly prized and worth over $10,000 by itself.
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Copyright © 2010 Blanchard and Company, Inc.
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