1805 Draped Bust Dime. JR-2. Rarity-2. 4 Berries. MS-67 (PCGS). The John J. Pittman Collection was remarkable for its overall quality. Cataloger David W. Akers spared no words when it came to certain of the highlights of that cabinet, as here:

“Gem Uncirculated. This is an absolutely spectacular quality early dime that certainly has to rank as one of the finest known specimens of both the date and type. It is fully struck, lustrous, and well centered, but what sets this coin apart are its immaculate satiny surfaces and incredible multicolored toning, a gorgeous blend of russet, violet, blue, and greenish-gold. The coin is pristine and literally ‘as struck,’ except for the intervening 192 years of the incredible toning.”

While in the past half century or more many “name” collections have crossed the auction block, consistent high quality is not a feature of most of them. A notable exception, the Pogue Collection is remarkable for its quality, and although it contained far fewer early rarities, the Pittman Collection certainly comes to mind as well for its excellence.

Provenance: From Barney Bluestone’s 90th Sale, December 1945, lot 349; David W. Akers’ sale of the John J. Pittman Collection, Part I, October 1997, lot 542.

Rarities Auction Accompanying The D. Brent Pogue Collection

Stack’s Bowers Galleries will be hosting an exclusive Rarities Auction, held in conjunction with The D. Brent Pogue Collection. We will be accepting limited consignments of United States and world coins and paper money, featured in a spectacular catalog reserved for the rarest of the rare. Special terms will apply. If you are interested in participating in this unique opportunity, please call 949-748-4849 or email us at [email protected].

Alternatively, you can fill out our online consignment form. Click here to view the form.