Locked away in a safe deposit vault for decades, the Damon Collection offers intrigue for collectors of U.S., Hawaiian and world rarities.
A collection of 6,000 coins from the estate of Hawaiian banker Samuel Mills Damon will be put up for auction in early 2006 at Doyle New York in a live sale.
With regards to U.S. coins, the collection offers 500-600 examples dating from 1785 through 1892. The showcase item is an 1876 14-piece proof set comprising one cent through $20, with the original presentation case from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. Other highlights include an 1871 10-piece proof set, an 1884 seven-piece proof set, and an 1887 seven-piece proof set.
U.S. dollars are highlighted by a choice uncirculated 1892 S Morgan, as well as a Bust 1796 small date, a 1797 with ten stars left, a 1799 with 13 berries, and Seated types from 1840, 1866, 1870 CC and 1873 CC, as well as gem 1874 S and choice 1877 S Trade dollars.
Half dollars feature choice 1872-S, 1873-S, and 1892-S examples. Other coins of note include a 1793 half cent, a 1795 one cent, an 1878 S quarter, and an 1892 S quarter.
A range of United States gold issues includes $1 through $50 specimens highlighted by Capped Bust Half eagles of 1795 and 1798, as well as eagles from 1801 and 1803.
Also of note is a small group of U.S. Pattern coins struck in 1869 comprising ten cent through half dollar denominations.
Bids can be submitted in a variety of ways. Interested parties may bid in person in the sales room, by telephone, via the Internet, and by absentee bid.
A printed catalog and a free Internet catalog will be made available in early 2006 prior to the sale. For more information on the Damon Collection or the auction process, contact Doyle New York’s Client Department by calling (212) 427-4141, ext. 207 or by e-mailing client.services@DoyleNewYork.com.
