Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 10

Coin and Currency Auction

Early Half Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 691		1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. . O-101. PCGS graded Fine-15. Steel gray and problem free for this issue. We note some minor adjustment marks on the reverse, but they are light. This is the popular first year of issue and few are found in moderate grades. These 1794 half dollars are very popular with collectors, and always bring strong prices, which are well deserved. Don't miss this one if you need this date for your set. Later die state with the crack through the F of OF too. Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 692		1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. . O-104. PCGS graded EF-40. One of the finest examples known, behind the NGC Mint State-61 example sold by Stack's in October of 1997, and another pair of EF-45 examples sold in 1998 and 1996. This particular coin has outstanding even silvery-gray color, with hints of luster near the devices. Liberty's hair detail is strong, the curls show excellent separation throughout. Further, this one is quite problem-free, the obverse has only one tiny mark before her neck, which requires magnification to see, no rim bumps or bruises, and light antique gold around the periphery. On the reverse, we note minor adjustment marks most visible around the eagle's tail, and a planchet flaw located between the right wing and tail feathers. Planchet flaws are not unusual on early coinage, as the Mint's rolling equipment was primitive, and exacting standards were hard to achieve. Frequently, planchet flaws or heavy planchets were produced, and many silver and gold coins of the period had to be filed a bit to bring the planchet weight down to the proper level before the coin was struck. This coin is probably in the middle of the Condition Census of half a dozen coins, and a beautiful example it is of this die pairing. Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,140
Lot 693		1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. . O-104. Sharpness of EF-40 but burnished. This coin has been worked on quite a bit, it shows evidence of burnishing and some scratches on the eagle. Still a lot of detail, and it has been retoned to look more natural. Estimated Value $700 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,926
Lot 694		1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. . O-104. Fine-15. Choice color and surfaces, but there is a planchet flaw from Liberty's eye up to the Y of LIBERTY. There is also another planchet flaw or scrape in the right obverse field, and a scrape between LI. Toned with lovely peripheral colors and very appealing. Perfect for the type collector who wants a medium grade coin. Estimated Value $500 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $552
Lot 695		1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar. 15 stars. . O-101. PCGS graded Fine-12. Nice and original, but weak on the right obverse stars. We also note minor adjustment marks hidden in the hair. The obverse die has a crack through the second star into Liberty's hair, and the reverse is shattered through STA. One of the lowest mintages of all regular issue silver coins, and downright hard to find in any decent grade. It is believed that 3,918 of the 1796 and 1797 half dollars were struck, then the design was changed to the heraldic eagle reverse. Of all the small eagle silver coins (half dime, dime, quarter, half dollar and silver dollar) this was the only one with the denomination displayed below the wreath on the reverse. This coin appears to be original, with steel gray toning and clean surfaces for the grade. In an old style green label PCGS holder, and truly rare in any grade. Estimated Value $16,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 696		1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar. . O-102. Fine-12. Steel gray in color but there are some light surface scratches and an old one through the second T of STATES. Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $518
Lot 697		1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar. Pointed 6, stem not through claw. . O-109. NGC graded AU-58. A beautiful toned coin that retains most of the original luster in the fields. The devices have a special glow from careful preservation. All is toned a deed gray and well struck throughout. The reverse die was rusted when this one was struck. Perfect for the type collector. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 698		1808 Capped Bust Half Dollar. . O-107. PCGS graded MS-65. One of the nicest coins of this date seen, with superb surfaces underneath speckled green and gold toning on both sides. A couple of minor ticks including a shallow mark out from Liberty's neck and a couple of tiny ones on her face are all we could locate. Flashy luster and well struck, including each stars central lines. PCGS has graded 5 this high and 4 graded higher. Several light die cracks add interest and didn't challenge the strike in any way. Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $18,400
Lot 699		1814 Capped Bust Half Dollar. E over A in "STATES". . O-108. Accugrade graded AU-50. This is a very late die state with a die crack through the 4 in the date to Liberty's lower curl, and heavy and extensive clash marks on both sides. Medium silver-gray in color, with darker colors on the high points of both sides. The E over A is clear, despite the late die state, and this is quite popular with collectors. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details	Realized $345
Lot 700		1823 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. AU-50. Flashy and lustrous, with minor hairlines from old cleaning. Appealing with delicate gold toning around the periphery, and silver white at the centers. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details	Realized $242
Lot 701		1826 Capped Bust Half Dollar. . O-120. PCI graded AU-50. Here is a nice coin for the grade, the surfaces show minor hairlines (always seen on bust half dollars) and no appreciable marks on either side. Substantial luster remains and the coin is well struck from a late reverse die state. Note the cracks through the legends on the reverse. A scarce variety, and a coin most collectors will appreciate. Estimated Value $170 - 190. View details	Realized $196
Lot 702		1828 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Curl base, no knob 2. . O-102. ICG graded MS-64. A choice mint state coin that is silvery white on the obverse with delicate toning, on the reverse we note some darker areas above the eagle. Mint frost in most of the fields. Well struck and scarce in this grade. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 703		1829 O-113a, Rarity-2. . O-113. ICG graded AU-58. Minor hairlines as always, but steel gray in color and well struck. The final A in AMERICA is filled. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details	Realized $299
Lot 704		1831 Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. A gem example of this date, the surfaces are pristine and we note that the strike is also bold. Toned with lovely steel gray around the periphery, lighter at the centers. The fields are aglow with golden luster. PCGS has graded 33 this high, with a single coin graded higher, making this one of the very best available of this date. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,910
Lot 705		1831 Capped Bust Half Dollar. . O-103. MS-60+. Semi Prooflike. Flecks of gold toning around the periphery and well struck. Notable luster in the fields, and minor hairlines. Estimated Value $500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 706		1831 Capped Bust Half Dollar. . O-105. PCGS graded AU-53. A scarce variety, this one has decent surfaces but there is a dull scratch touching the back side of the 1 in the date down to the rim. Sharply impressed by the dies, the only weakness is on the lower part of the first T in STATES. Estimated Value $175 - 200. View details	Realized $219
Lot 707		1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. . O-110. MS-60 +. This one his very flashy and bright, with blazing white luster throughout. Free of toning and almost certainly dipped, as no silver coin of this age could possibly be so bright otherwise. Problem free surfaces, and well preserved. Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $506
Lot 708		1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Normal. . O-107. PCGS graded AU-50. Silvery white in color with a hint of gold toning on both sides. Some luster remains and this is a well struck example of the date. Estimated Value $150 - 175. View details	Realized $196
Lot 709		1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64 Premium Quality. This coin has a great appearance, it boasts hot mint luster in the fields and is toned with a delicate golden gray throughout. Examination will note some minor hairlines in the fields and stacking evidence on the high points. Struck by the new powerful steam press at the Philadelphia Mint, and after years of inconsistent strikes, coins could finally be kept to uniform standards, rather than the mood swings of horses and mankind. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 710		1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Flashy mint luster in the fields and very well struck by the dies. We note delicate golden brown toning around the periphery, while the centers are untoned. An impressive example that will certainly please the fastidious collector who demands quality surfaces and toning. PCGS has graded 13 this high, with just 6 higher. Estimated Value $3,700 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 711		1839-O Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. This is one of the finest graded of this important rarity. PCGS has seen just 8 this high, with a single coin graded higher (MS-66), making this one of the very finest known of this rare 2 year type coin. One of the most important features is also the bold obverse O Mintmark above the date. The obverse mintmark was used for just a couple of years before people complained that it was too obvious, and hence it was soon (1840) moved to the reverse. As we now know, the various branch mintmarks stayed on the reverse until 1909 when the obverse mintmarks appeared on cents and double eagles (1908), and 1916 when they appeared on the obverse again on quarters and half dollars. This particular coin is blazing white with luster and completely without toning. There is a minor reeding mark on Liberty's cheek, but the surfaces are truly clean for the grade. Several die cracks are noted around the periphery of the obverse and reverse, and this is the normal die state seen. The strike is full and complete, with no signs of weakness. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,050
Lot 712		1840 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Small letters. This group is all ANACS graded as indicated with the variety information included on the ANACS insert: 1840 Sm. Letters, F-15; 1843 Breen-4765 EF-45; 1854 Breen-4846 EF-45; 1860-O WB-104 EF details, net VF-30 cleaned; 1861-O Breen-4905, AU details net EF-40 cleaned; 1871 Repunched Date, EF-40 and 1871-S Breen-4960 EF-40. Some rare coins are included, but many have problems so inspection mandatory. Lot of 7 coins. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details	Realized $345
Lot 713		1844-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Double date. PCGS graded EF-45. This is simply a splendid example of this immensely popular Mint error. The double date feature is one of the most dramatic recuttings seen, and this is a clear statement of upheaval at the Mint. Breen speculates that the series of mispunched dates that began in 1844 was a direct result of the power struggles within the Philadelphia Mint. Longacre got himself appointed the Mint Engraver by Senator John C. Calhoun. Mint insiders were outraged, and Breen speculates that either Longacre was forced to punch in the dates in the dies or the Mint employees did their best to make "mistakes" such as this obviously mispunched date. Perhaps such "mistakes" were to get rid of Longacre, or Longacre's own disgust at having to do the menial task of engraving dates on dies, something that should be beneath the Mint Engraver. Whatever the cause, this is a superb coin that will excite even the most advanced collector. The surfaces are pearl gray with minor handling marks and lines in the fields. Well struck, and the overdate feature is bold. Listed for decades in the Red Book, and always in feverish demand. PCGS lists just 5 graded this high, with 2 graded AU-50 above, and 2 graded in mint state. Precious few to go around! Don't miss this coin if you've been searching for a high grade, lightly circulated example. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,760
Lot 714		1846 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. 6 over horizontal 6 (error). NGC graded MS-65. This important die variety was discovered many years ago and has been widely published. Over the span of decades, only a few have turned up in Mint State, perhaps a half dozen. Of those, only a single coin, this coin, has been graded MS-65. There are none graded higher. NGC has graded a single coin in MS-62, 63 and 64 below. PCGS has graded 2 coins as high as MS-62, and none higher. Toned with deep blues and fiery reds in the fields, the strike is bold and complete. The recut date feature is sharp, and the "lazy 6" is plain to the unaided eye. As with most seen, there are two small rim breaks below the date, a faint crack connecting the stars on the left, and on the reverse cracks through UNIT and HALF to the rims above. How did this "error" occur. Many have speculated that the mispunchings began soon after Gobrecht died in 1844. Mint officials did not want to replace him, and would instead work with friendly outsiders like Charles Cushing Wright, when some engraving need arose. With modern automation, the process of making dies was fairly simple, and only the date punches needed to be done by hand. The Philadelphia Mint was dominated by a group of old line cronies, the Peale's, Eckfeldts, Pattersons and DuBois families were lord and masters of the institution. Nevertheless, James Barton Longacre used his political influence to buy his way into the Mint via then Senator John C. Calhoun, who gave him the Mint engravership. This appointment rocked the boat, and during this turmoil many overdates, mispunched dates and the like were produced. Perhaps these were by Longacre himself, or by the engraving department to use as excuses to oust Longacre. The feud continued, and Longacre held on using his considerable political influence. Eventually Longacre outlived most of his adversaries, and certainly provided many colorful stories and wonderful coins for today's numismatists to treasure. Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,950
Lot 715		1847 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Normal date. NGC graded Proof 64. An extreme rarity in Proof, perhaps a dozen were struck, and this is certainly one of the best to survive. Toned with mottled brushes of rich blue and gold on both sides, with highly reflective mirror fields beneath. Identifiable by a tiny planchet flake above the L of HALF. We note some trivial hairlines in the fields, but they are toned over and barely show. One of the finer ones to survive, and a few of the others known are nicked or badly cleaned. A superb opportunity for the specialist. NGC has graded 2 this high, with 2 graded higher, while PCGS has only graded 1 coin this high and none higher. Estimated Value $17,500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 716		1848 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. AU-53. Described as "very rare" in Breen, the 4 in the date is obviously repunched, and the crosslet portion nearly touches the bottom serif, hence the "closed" portion. This is a nice coin for the grade, silvery gray in color with peripheral gold toning. Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details	Realized $460
Lot 717		1852-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 62. It is not known why the New Orleans Mint decided to coin 3 proofs in 1852, but they did. Here is one of them, it has clean surfaces for the grade, and the coin is toned a radiant golden color, with extremely sharp device detail throughout. Liberty's foot is not supported, as noted in Breen, and the die file marks are visible below UNIT to the eagle's wing. We note a small tick mark in the reverse field left of the point of the eagle's beak, and this should help in tracing the pedigree. The first and third stripes in the shield show areas of weakness, at the top and bottom respectively, again confirming this coins status as a proof. A single coin has been graded by NGC, none by PCGS. Breen notes all 3 were "poorly cleaned". All branch mint proof issues are extremely rare. They were coined sporadically apparently for special occasions. Perhaps these were coined as the last of their kind before the planchet weight was changed, and arrows added to the dies in 1853. Whatever the reason, here is a beautiful example of this extremely rare proof issue. Estimated Value $20,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $24,150
Lot 718		1853 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows and rays. Each grades EF-45 but has been cleaned and is starting to retone naturally. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details	Realized $483
Lot 719		1853 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows and rays. PCGS graded AU-50. Choice for the grade, with delicate blue shades around the periphery and light silver at the centers. Nicely struck and well preserved in every way. Estimated Value $350 - 400. This lot includes an old envelope from B. Max Mehl, lot 675 at a cost of $3.48. View details	Realized $460
Lot 720		1854-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-65 Arrows. By 1850, the massive flows of gold from California had depressed the prices of that metal, and made silver more valuable by comparison. Hence, all silver coins disappeared from circulation as they were worth more than face value. Depositors gave little silver to the mints for coinage, and there were no denominations in circulation between the cent and gold dollar. Something had to be done, so in 1853 Congress reduced the amount of silver for minor denominations, in order to reflect the market value of silver as compared to gold. On the half dollar, the weight was reduced from 206.25 grains to 192 grains, and Mint Director George Eckert ordered quick changes to the dies so the entire design did not have to be changed. Arrows were added at the date, and on the reverse, rays were added surrounding the eagle. These design changes caused a problem, the dies cracked and broke to pieces much faster with the arrows and rays. In fact, die life fell to one-third normal, and dies had to be replaced rapidly. When Col. James Ross Snowden took as Mint Director in 1853, he immediately ordered the rays removed starting in 1854, both to extend die life and because so little of the heavier pre arrows coinage was in circulation by then. The arrows were later dropped starting in 1856. This particular coin boasts mint-fresh luster in the fields, well struck stars and devices, with just a bit of weakness here and there, and delightfully clean surfaces. Locating a gem of this date is always a challenge for the advanced numismatist. PCGS has graded 9 coins this high, with 11 graded a notch higher, and just one coin as MS-67 at the top. Don't miss out on this one. Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,980
Lot 721		1855-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. NGC graded MS-66 Pittman. This is one of the very finest graded of this date and important type coin. NGC notes that only 3 have been graded this high, with none graded higher! Deep gray toning with hints of blue near the stars. The strike is full and complete on both sides, and the coin is certainly one of the finest of the date. If you love toned coins that have superb surfaces, then check this one out. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500. From the John J. Pittman Collection sale. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,625
Lot 722		1858 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Light antique gray toning on both sides of this gem, with one lighter patch on the upper right side of the obverse. Excellent luster in the fields and the surfaces are extremely nice for the grade. NGC has only graded 5 this high, with 1 graded higher (unless this coin was just submitted and not yet in the published population report). One of the best to come down to us of this so-called common date, but as we noted, this date is certainly downright rare in gem grades. Well struck although a few stars show minor central weakness, the central devices are strong. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 723		1858 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. This gem has gorgeous original toning around the periphery, with deep blue and red through the stars and edges, while the centers are frosty and white. Further, this is a scarce variety, WB-105, which is extremely rare in any mint state grade. The 5 has two projections on the right side, these are from an inverted 1 mispunched in that location. NGC has only graded 5 this high, with a single coin graded higher. Note there is a small planchet flaw near the arm in the field between the first couple of stars. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 724		1858-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. AU-55. Deep gold and gray toning over clean surfaces. Nice and appealing. Estimated Value $125 - 175. View details	Realized $161
Lot 725		1863 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. A totally white example and very choice. A mere 460 proofs were coined. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,668
Lot 726		1867 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. Only 625 were coined in Proof, and few remain in gem. This one is toned deep smoky shades with sunset yellow at the centers. Some of the gold toning is mottled on both sides and the effect is quite beautiful. Examination will note a few minor hairlines, and die polishing lines in the fields. NGC has graded 24 this high, with just 10 graded higher. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 727		1871 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. MS-63. Minor hairlines but lovely color around the periphery. Estimated Value $650 - 750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $546
Lot 728		1873-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar. No arrows. PCGS graded MS-64. Here is an extremely rare coin has a suspect mintage. Breen notes that 122,500 were struck early in the year of 1873, then the weight was changed and arrows added at the date, so many of these were melted. Somehow, this one escaped, not only escaped the rough and tumble times, but also the painful depression of 1873. Escaped and survived in pristine condition! The surfaces are snowy white with superb surfaces throughout. No signs of the usual annoying hairlines, just acres of mint fresh luster and the slightest hint of toning around a couple of the obverse stars and the arrow heads on the reverse. PCGS has graded 3 this high, with just 2 coins graded higher (both MS-66!) and NGC similar, with none graded as such, but one graded higher as MS-66 also. Quite frankly, any specialist would do well to bid on this coin, it will be sold without reserve and presents a foremost opportunity to the advanced numismatist to purchase one of the top half dozen of this rare date to survive. Estimated Value $35,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $23,000
Lot 729		1874-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. PCGS graded EF-45. Steel gray in color and with hints of luster in the lettering on the reverse. A scarce issue that is seldom offered in high grades. Estimated Value $250 - 270. View details	Realized $311
Lot 730		1876 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. AU-58. Medium gray toning troughout and quite beautiful. As nice as one could expect for the grade. Sharply struck and desirable. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details	Realized $368
Lot 731		1877-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Satiny luster and lightly toned on both sides, with clean surfaces throughout. Well struck for this Mint, with the curls on Liberty's head present. PCGS reports just 27 graded as such, with 16 graded higher. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,783
Lot 732		1887 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. Blazing white luster on the obverse and well struck, the reverse with light golden toning around the periphery, bright at the centers. This is one of the low-mintage dates where all the silver available was being coined into silver dollars at the various mints. Precious few half dollars were made and very few remain in gem condition. A look at the PCGS Population Report shows 17 graded this high and just 13 graded higher. Not many to go around. Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,530
Lot 733		1887 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. MS-63. Bright white with blazing luster and well struck devices. Perfect for the date collector who needs this issue. One light scratch on Liberty's head. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 734		1889 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 66. Deep blue and gold toning on both sides, with the devices well offset from the mirror fields. Only a couple of faint hairlines in the fields from perfection, and one of the low mintage dates from the 1880s. NGC has graded just 14 this high, with 12 graded higher. An impressive coin for the connoisseur. Estimated Value $2,800 - 3,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,220