The John Jay Pittman
1843 Proof Gold Set

The premier proof gold set in existence from the legendary Pittman collection–an opportunity of a lifetime.

The Legendary Pittman Coin Collection
The John Jay Pittman coin collection shocked the coin world when it sold for over $30 million at auction in the late 1990s. Pittman, a retired Kodak employee of modest means, through instinct, knowledge and sheer force of will, assembled one of the most stunning collections of United States coinage ever. Pittman invested $100,000 in his collection throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s and the collection’s realized price at auction was staggering, a several thousand fold increase in value.

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 10 piece set. These marquee coins are notable for their originality and superb coloration and are highly prized by collectors. The Pittman pedigree is assured and will become even more desirable in the future.

• 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

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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.

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.

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.

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.