Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 10

Coin and Currency Auction

Early Silver Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 843		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. Two leaves beneath each wing. . B-10. PCGS graded VF-35. Here is a foremost rarity in any grade, and this is one of the better coins seen of the variety. For many years, collectors have mistakenly believed that this was rarity-6 or lower, but a recent in depth study published in the John Reich Journal (January 2001) by world famous numismatist W. David Perkins confirmed that this is a true rarity-7 variety. The present coin was not listed in that study, and was likely tucked away in various type collections for the last several decades. It came to us without an attribution, so the owner was likely not aware of its significance as a variety. The coin itself has a dark arc of toning through LIBERTY and a couple of stars on the right, and is silvery gray on the rest of the obverse, the reverse is the opposite, dark tones ranging through greens, golds and dark gray on the lower eighty percent, lighter at the top. Identifiable by a small nick on the right side of the eagle's neck, and a tiny ding over the I in AMERICA. There is a small field mark above the highest curl on the back of Liberty's head and a tiny dig in the lower right obverse field. In the PCGS holder it is hard to see if the rims are clean, but they certainly have no significant bumps or bruises. In PCGS holder #3653761. As a variety, this one is often overlooked. It shares the common obverse seen on the Bolender-1 variety with the weak curl third from the bottom. The reverse is similar to the B-1 also, but the B-1 has 10 berries on the right branch, while the B-10 has just 9 berries. In addition, the B-10 has a die lump just below the right ribbon end. This obverse die was also paired with another reverse to make the ultra rare B-16, of which just 2 coins are presently known. This cataloger has owned 3 different examples of this variety over the last 20 years, and this is certainly one of the better ones known. The Condition Census would presently read as follows: MS60, 1949 ANA, Stack's Bareford 10/81, Stack's 400 sale, 1/88; EF40, east coast collection ex: NERCG 79 ANA sale; VF35 recently discovered and sold by J.J. Teaparty privately; VF35 the present example; VF30 Bowers Brooks Sale 6/89; VF20 ex: Bolender; VF20 O.K. Rumbel 1951; F-12 Heritage ANA 82, misattributed as B-1, scratches obverse field. The only recent sale we know of was the other VF35 coin which traded hands privately in the high four figures over a year ago. The last one of these offered at public auction was the Roland Willasch coin in 1990! With the prices of rare bust dollars dramatically increasing the past few years, we would not be surprised to see this coin bring a runaway price, which it heartily deserves. Estimated Value $5,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $13,225
Lot 844		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. Three leaves beneath each wing. . B-5. PCGS graded EF-45 Premium Quality. This coin has a dark arc of toning on the left side of the obverse through most of the stars, while the balance is toned a silvery gray color. Well struck for the variety, with good separation on Liberty's curls. Especially pleasing on the reverse, with most of the wing feathers present, and some breast feathers too. Some luster in the fields and typical handling marks for the grade. Perfect for the type collector. Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 845		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 9 stars left, 7 right, large letters. . B-1. Steel gray and pleasing, but the coin has been holed and plugged at 12 o'clock on the obverse, and minor surface scratches are noted where the plug was filled. One tiny edge cut is noted above the R in AMERICA. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Unsold
Lot 846		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. 10 stars left, 6 right. . B-3. PCGS graded VF-30 Premium Quality. A beautiful coin for the grade, medium silvery-gray in color with some luster hidden near the stars. Typical soft strike, but very appealing for its clean surfaces and defect free rims, fields and devices. It would be hard to improve on this coin for the grade. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,830
Lot 847		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Small eagle reverse, 15 stars on obverse. . B-2. PCGS graded Fine-15. Lovely steel gray in color on the obverse, with darker hues in the fields, and some sunset tones around the lower peripery. The reverse is weakly struck, as always, and we note minor adjustment marks around the rims. Remember, this reverse die was used every year from 1795 through 1798, with seven different obverse dies, and this was its final usage. It is apparent that the reverse die had been ground down by the Mint to remove clash marks or perhaps light die cracks, and thus the devices are very shallow. Clean rims and surfaces for the grade, and perfect for the type collector. Estimated Value $1,700 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,875
Lot 848		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Heraldic eagle reverse, large eagle, 10 arrows. . B-14. PCGS graded EF-45 Premium Quality. This coin has some dark toning at the centers which may have been carefully removed. Toned with lovely colors around the edges, with some luster near the devices. The dies were lapped before this one was produced so the devices are not as sharp as on early die states. Further, this is one of the scarce "star cross" pattern reverses, where the stars over the eagle's head are arranged in straight lines rather than arcs as normally seen. The straight line arrangement is truer to the Great Seal of the United States, but doesn't "fit" well under the arc of clouds.Typical scrapes and nicks from circulation, but still a nice example of this variety. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 849		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Normal date. . B-5. AU-58. This one is very high grade, but we note a long rubber band burn on the upper obverse from the rim through IB of LIBERTY and out the rim through stars eight and nine, another streak is noted below. The coin was also cleaned, with full flashy luster elsewhere, and remains untoned. One small disturbance above the left corner of the shield. A coin to be inspected, as all high grade bust dollars are rare, and worth a good price despite its problems. Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 850		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Normal date. . B-7. AU-58. This is a scarce variety in higher grades, especially with the encircling die cracks on the reverse. Nice surfaces that show moderate handling marks, and the coin is toned a glowing rose shade on both sides. Well struck and preserved, free of problems on the rims and fields, with no signs of adjustment marks. An opportunity for the dollar specialist to nab one of the more difficult 1799 varieties. Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,900
Lot 851		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Normal date. . B-12a. PCGS graded AU-53. A fairly common variety but this one is well preserved and remains in very high grade. Note the light silver devices and mottled flecks of toning in the fields. Examination with a glass will note a very thin scratch from Liberty's neck out to the tenth star, and a couple of ticks on the eagle's breast and the field nearby. Toned around the upper reverse, but mostly silver white in color. Excellent rims and fields otherwise, and free of adjustment marks or other problems. This is a coin most collectors will love for its interesting die cracks through the date, and clean unmolested surfaces. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,370
Lot 852		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Normal date. SEGS graded AU-55. This coin should be examined by prospective buyers, it obviously has been cleaned, and many areas have been scratched. Probable PVC residue on the reverse, where green remnants are noted in the devices. Several letters and devices have tiny pin scratches where something has been carelessly removed. The toning is mottled, mostly on the reverse. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 853		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Normal date. . B-5. EF-45. This one was lightly cleaned and is toned a steel gray on the obverse, the reverse much darker, with deep toning around the periphery and lighter at the centers. There are some minor rim ticks and marks in Liberty's hair as well as light pin scratches in the field before her face. Not the best preserved example, but a decent coin for the grade. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 854		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Normal date. . B-14. PCGS graded EF-40. One of the scarcer varieties of the year, this one has steel gray tones with darker brown in the devices. The reverse has especially nice color, with hints of gold near the devices, silver gray elsewhere, and deeper shades around the periphery. A nice example for the variety specialist. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,783
Lot 855		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Normal date. This type set includes the following dollars and grades: 1799 B-19 Bust dollar AG-3, cleaned; 1873 Seated Liberty dollar, VF-20; 1877 Trade dollar, damaged; 1886 Morgan Dollar, AU-55; 1924 Peace dollar EF-45; 1973-S Ike dollar, proof, but with corrosion on both sides; 1976-S Ike dollar MS-63; 1981-S SBA dollar, Proof. Mounted in a Capital Plastics holder. Lot of 8 coins. Estimated Value $200 - 225. View details	Realized $633
Lot 856		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. "Dotted date" from die breaks. . B-14. PCGS graded EF-45 Premium Quality. A choice example of this popular variety, the coin has delicious blue, gold and green toning around the periphery, silvery-white on the stars and devices, and even more intense color on the reverse. The surfaces show the usual tiny handling marks, but they are small, unimportant and seen on all circulated silver of the period. This is an early die state, and the die lumps in the date are smaller than seen on later strikes. The hair on Liberty is sharp and shows good separation, and this coin could easily be called a grade higher in terms of wear and abundant eye appeal. Popular as a Redbook coin and with variety collectors, this one should realize a strong price. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,140
Lot 857		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. Only 12 arrows. . B-17. PCGS graded EF-45 Premium Quality. This coin is obviously from an old album collection as it has identical toning to the 1800 dotted date in this sale. The obverse has peripheral toning of blues, golds and greens, while the reverse has the same colors but covering the entire side. Frosty mint luster in the fields, this one with a bit more wear on the upper curls. The strike is a bit weak on the left obverse stars, and the rims and fields show no evidence of bumps or adjustment marks. Although a common variety, this coin is exceptional for its eye appeal and quality for the grade. Bolender had trouble back in 1950 when he wrote his book on Bust Dollars. At that time clash marks were not understood, and were called "suction" marks, or sometimes "die breaks" to describe the familiar arc break through OF into the clouds on the reverse. These are from the dies clashing together without a planchet between them and are the outline of Liberty's bust and drapery. Above Liberty's chest is a curious raised area, this is also a clash mark from the upper wing where it joins the cloud, and appears on several die varieties. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,220
Lot 858		1802 Draped Bust Dollar. Narrow normal date. . B-6. MS-60 Plus. This one has been darkly toned artificially, and the surfaces are fairly clean, but some ticks are noted on Liberty. We note minor horizontal adjustment marks on the reverse through ST and the clouds, but they are light. Well struck on most of the stars, with a few showing weakness, but most bold. Excellent details on Liberty, with high curls and problem free for the most part. A common variety which is often purchased by type collectors as it can be found in high grade. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 859		1802 Draped Bust Dollar. Wide normal date. . B-6. Fine-15. A common die variety. This one is steel gray in color and nice for the grade. Estimated Value $550 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $920
Lot 860		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Large 3. AU-53. This coin has been cleaned and nicely retoned, it is dull and without luster now, but the color looks appealing enough. Medium gray and with pinkish highlights in the devices. Well struck by the dies, with strong details throughout. Minor adjustment marks down through Liberty and out the rim. The surfaces are much cleaner than one would expect for the grade, and few handling marks can be found even with a glass, and the rims are excellent. Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,795
Lot 861		1840 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. This important pattern issue is often collected with the Seated Dollars, so we placed it there instead of with the pattern issues. The obverse is by Christian Gobrecht with the seated Liberty design, the reverse is an eagle in full flight with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR around. The strike is as crisp as a Minnesota Winter morning, and the toning must be seen to be appreciated. Deep shades of charcoal gray throughout, with nary a mark to found on the surfaces. Hints of blue and yellow can be seen in the colors, but gray predominates. NGC has graded 6 this high, with none graded higher! Die alignment IV (Pollock), when the coin is turned like a medal, the eagle is flying level. This is the more common die alignment, and these are believed to be restrikes circa 1858 or later during the "high" flying Robert Coulton Davis years of free flowing laudenum for Mint employees, who supplied Mr. Davis with various delicacies from the Mint's die library. We should praise these early indiscretions at the Mint, for many of our most popular coins were made to order during the free wheeling days before the various scandals broke, and the "restrikes" were brought under control, at least for awhile. Today, we seem to be getting errors made to order, penny-dimes, dollar/quarter combinations etc… People don't seem to change, and manage to take advantage of any situation. Estimated Value $30,000 - 40,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $29,900
Lot 862		1843 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded AU-58. The fields retain some prooflike reflectiveness from the dies, and this coin is appealing overall. We note minor surface hairlines and scattered handling marks on both sides, and there is a small planchet lamination touching the O of OF on the reverse. Faint gold toning around the extreme rims of both the obverse and reverese. Nicely struck by the dies and very little wear on the upper devices. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 863		1845 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded Proof 64. Light silvery gray in color with gorgeous blue and gold toning around the periphery. Of course the devices are all boldly struck, including the stars and fine details on Liberty. Similar on the reverse, which has smoky gold around the rims, and hazy gray at the centers. Identifiable by a couple of minor spots, one located in the right obverse field near Liberty's knee, and another on the rim below the 1 in the date. Examination with a loupe will note a minor disturbance in the delicate mirror field on the left side of the obverse, near the first couple of stars, and decidedly few signs of handling elsewhere. Liberty is well frosted by the dies, and shows up with excellent contrast for an early proof issue. As to the rarity, is it estimated that 15 survive of this extremely rare early proof, of those NGC has graded 8 coins, three of which as PF-64, the other 5 are graded higher. PCGS reports they have graded 6 coins, the best of which is PR-64, and the rest in lower grades, including two mishandled specimens. The date is clearly repunched on this coin, with the 84 showing below the final punching as seen on most of the known survivors in proof. Over the decades these early proof issues (struck prior to 1858) are seldom seen. Collectors search for decades to locate an example of a particular date, and it is highly unusual to find one in very choice condition as offered here. What few are found are usually offered when famous name collections are sold, and many years can pass before certain dates are seen. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a coin worthy of a kings collection, in choice proof condition. Estimated Value $30,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 864		1846 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded Proof 64. This coin has been dipped as the surfaces are untoned and look a touch hazy now. Without question, this is a proof as the date is strongly recut low (Breen-1) and the strike is needle sharp even on the highest devices. Note the frost on the devices and smooth, mirror fields surrounding. We see minor hairlines in the fields, as always seen on these early proofs, but these do not detract significantly from the grade. NGC has graded 9 this high in proof, and just a single coin higher. Currently in NGC holder #1295024-004. Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 865		1847 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded AU-53. Medium silver in color, with two dark spots on the right side of the obverse, and a curious line of lighter colors at the top of the reverse. Minor circulation hairlines. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $506
Lot 866		1850 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. As the Nineteenth Century reached its midpoint, about 20 silver dollars were coined in proof. Breen notes that two obverse dies were used to coin them, this one has the repunched base of the 0 in the date (Breen-3), but does not have the die crack through the base of the date. This one has several tiny handling ticks on both sides, and minor hairlines, accounting for the grade. The coin is generally untoned save for a beautiful band of album toning around the periphery of the obverse and reverse. PGCS has graded 1 coin as such, with 7 graded higher (all PR-64) some of which may attempts at upgrades, but we don't know for sure. Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 867		1860-O Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded MS-66 Pittman. One of the finest graded dollars of the entire year, and with glorious colors surrounding the periphery. Cartwheel luster cascades about the fields and the surfaces are stunning for such a large coin. The only marks worthy of note are a short series of scratches near Liberty's upper right arm, which scarcely show. Toned with deep blue around the obverse edge, and russet at the center, the reverse is less organized with speckled gold toning evenly distributed there. As to the strike, it is sharp and shows few signs of weakness on the design elements. Trivial hairlines can be seen beneath the toning, but they are shallow and obscure. The NGC Population Report shows only 3 graded this high, with none graded higher, while PCGS has not graded any higher than MS-65. An exceptional coin for the advanced numismatist. Estimated Value $35,000-UP. From the John J. Pittman Collection sale. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $28,750
Lot 868		1862 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. The Philadelphia Mint coined 550 pieces in proof, and precious few survive in grades even approaching this magnificent, stunning gem. Deep charcoal gray around the periphery, and lighter inside the stars towards a gunmetal gray, the reverse lighter with mottled peripheral toning and steel gray for the balance. Well struck on Liberty's tiny head curls, and similar on the eagle's claws, which show fine definition from the dies. Scrutiny finds minor hairlines in the fields, and one long thin line across the eagles wings and shield can be found when the coin is examined with a strong glass and light. A beautiful coin that will impress most collectors. NGC has graded 14 this high with just 6 graded higher. Estimated Value $9,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,050
Lot 869		1863 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 62. A brilliant totally white coin with some scattered light hairlines and faint marks in the left obverse field, some of which were present when made. A premium quality coin for the grade. Only 460 proofs were made. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 870		1865 Liberty Seated Dollar. ICG graded Proof 66 Cameo, Eliasberg. This coin has simply stunning surfaces. The deep mirror are highly reflective and the highly frosted. On the reverse, the devices are especially rough in appearance, which was apparently some mint process used to make them contrast more with the mirrored fields. Delicate champagne and light golden toning. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. Ex: Edm. R. Wolcott Collection, Edouard Frossard, May 17, 1901; J. M. Clapp to Louis Eliasberg, 1942, Bowers and Merena Auctions, April 1997:2236. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 871		1866 Liberty Seated Dollar. With motto. PCGS graded Proof 63. A scarce date in proof that is hard to locate this nice. We suspect that this one has been carefully cleaned at some time in the past as the surfaces are a bit dull and there are hairlines in the fields. No real surface problems, and this is still a choice coin. This is the first year of issue with the Motto on the reverse, and 725 were struck. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,243
Lot 872		1866 Liberty Seated Dollar. With motto. Proof 60 plus. The reverse edge has been lightly filed, and there are hairlines in the fields. Well frosted on the devices, and this is the first year of the with motto on the reverse. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,500. View details	Realized $1,035
Lot 873		1867 Liberty Seated Dollar. AU-58. The fields are prooflike and quite reflective, and the devices are well struck. We note minor hairlines from limited circulation and this coin remains mostly white, with a touch of peripheral toning. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,006
Lot 874		1870 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Deep smoky gray tones over mirror fields with lighter areas on the lower half of the obverse. We note additional colors when the coin is viewed under a strong light, and the surfaces remain very nice for the grade. Only 1,000 were struck in proof, and this is certainly in the top twenty percent of those. Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,830
Lot 875		1870-CC Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded AU-55. This is the closed space mintmark variety. Steel gray in color and evenly toned. The surfaces are quite clean for the grade, and especially so for a CC coin this large. Rarely encountered in high grade, this one will certainly be worth a strong bid from the specialist who has long waited to find a nice high grade example. NGC has graded just this coin as AU-55, with 5 graded higher. Well struck and pleasing in every way. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 876		1871 Liberty Seated Dollar. ANACS graded MS-64. Well struck and preserved, with white luster in the fields. Completely untoned, and most likely dipped recently as silver simply does not look this bright unless it was just coined, especially after 130 years. One for the type collector. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 877		1871 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded AU-53. Frosty and bright in color, with minor handling marks on both sides. Well struck and a common date. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details	Realized $506
Lot 878		1872 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. Deep charcoal gray toning on both sides of this well made proof. Hints of blue shades can also be seen in the fields, and all is perfectly struck. As nice as this date is usually found, PCGS has graded 15 this high, with one single coin higher. This one is in an old green insert PCGS holder, so its been graded for a long while. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,763
Lot 879		1873 Liberty Seated Dollar. Proof 60 plus. Minor hairlines from a higher grade and toned a medium to dark steel gray color. Still an appealing coin for the grade. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,500. View details	Realized $1,380