Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 11

Coin and Currency Auction

$20 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2229		1850 $20 Liberty. MS-60. The rims are remarkably clean and the surfaces abound with frosty mint lustre. Always popular as the first collectible $20.00 gold coin. Why not start your set with this choice example? Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,990
Lot 2230		1855-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded EF-45. This one has average bagmarks for the period, and some luster near the stars. Little actual wear, but it must have been spent a lot in order to acquire the surfaces. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $575
Lot 2231		1855-S $20 Liberty. ANACS graded EF-45. Some luster near the stars, and minor circulation marks on both sides. An appealing example despite the usual handling marks. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $529
Lot 2232		1856 $20 Liberty. Sharpness of MS-60 but a seawater coin. This coin must have been recovered from the shipwreck of the Yankee Blade which was recovered in 1977 off the coast of California. The coins found included many 1854-S to 1856-S double eagles, and some 1856 Philadelphia coins. In many instances, the coins from shipwrecks are sometimes the finest available for a given date. In the case of the Yankee Blade coins, they were exposed to more tidal movement than others, and thus the coins show matte surfaces from the action of sand slowly wearing down the mint finish. While the coin technically didn't circulate, the freshness is gone expected for a mint state coin and the surfaces have a fine porosity from the decades spent on the sea floor. Nevertheless, this one exhibits few marks and is really a choice example otherwise. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $863
Lot 2233		1857-S $20 Liberty. AU-58. Clean surfaces that show less than the normal barrage of bagmarks, but the coin is slightly dull. Luster remains in the fields, and this one is well struck. Probably not from the Central America, as this one appears to have briefly circulated. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details	Unsold
Lot 2234		1862 $20 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 65 Ultra Cameo. This is likely the finest known proof of this date. Of course, it only had to beat out 35 coins struck in Proof, most of which were probably spent. Somehow this baby survived in absolutely pristine condition. It was obviously one of the first struck, and is the only Ultra Cameo graded by NGC. Further, it is the finest graded, with only 1 other PF-65 seen by NGC, but that is a "cameo" proof, and not as deep as seen on this coin. The devices are all deeply frosted, and the fields are simply black with mirror perfection. We note that trivial hairlines can be seen in the fields, but they are not deep or too distracting (don't expect an upgrade to come along soon) and this is a coin that any collector will instantly fall in love with upon first sight. Rich gold in color, and an ultra rarity. Identifiable by a tiny copper spot on the rim above the E of STATES. One tiny lint mark on the neck, and a wonderful coin for the specialist. Estimated Value $100,000 - 150,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $101,200
Lot 2235		1873 $20 Liberty. Open 3. ICG graded MS-64. Nice luster but there are some handling marks on both sides, as always. Liberty's cheek has several small ticks on it, but none of the usual deep or distracting ones. We note that the finest of this rare date seen by PCGS is a mere MS-62, and it is alone in that category! Hence, given the ICG grade, we feel that this coin could still be one of the finest around, and expect a serious collector to consider the mint bloom, quality of the surfaces and good color. An opportunity to buy a rare and underrated variety. Estimated Value $7,500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,900
Lot 2236		1873-CC $20 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. One of 45 so graded by NGC, with just 12 graded higher by that service. Flashy luster and fairly clean surfaces for the grade. We note some hairlines, but no other problems worth describing. Although 22,410 were struck, this is a very rare date in higher grades, especially above EF, hence a double eagle specialist will soon find this date to be quite a challenge. Here is a very nice one indeed, and we expect to see spirited bidding on this one. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,948
Lot 2237		1873-S $20 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Lustrous and frosty, but with moderate ticks from handling. Liberty's face is generally clean. A scarce date in high grade. Estimated Value $750 - 950. View details	Unsold
Lot 2238		1875-CC $20 Liberty. PCGS graded VF-35 Rainy Day Collection. Traces of luster near the devices and with even wear on the upper devices. Moderate handling marks, as always seen on these large CC coins. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details	Realized $656
Lot 2239		1875-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-60. Gleaming luster throughout, and with moderate bagmarks, despite the uninspired grade. Estimated Value $750 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $920
Lot 2240		1878-S $20 Liberty. These grade from VF to EF. A lustrous group. Lot of 4 coins. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details	Realized $1,323
Lot 2241		1883-CC $20 Liberty. AU-50. Well struck with natural appearing colors, and good luster remaining. Moderate hairlines and average handling marks. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $863
Lot 2242		1884-CC $20 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Good luster and with the usual handling marks on the face, and others in the fields. Still very appealing, and better than most seen. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,294
Lot 2243		1886 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 66 Deep Cameo. Here is one of the finest double eagles of any date! The surfaces are astounding in their beauty, the devices all deeply frosted and floating on a glassy sea of mirror fields. Light golden toning on Liberty, and a hazy patch on the right below the eagle's wing on the reverse. Identifiable by a small planchet flake below the G of GOD on the reverse. PCGS has graded 3 coins this high, from the original mintage 106, and none have been graded higher. Further, we don't know if the other 2 coins were Deep Cameos or even Cameo coins. If you demand the finest, most ultra rare and ultra beautiful coin for your collection, then don't hold back and buy this coin. Down the road, it is unlikely any will impress a true collector as much as this monumental coin. Estimated Value $90,000 - 110,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $92,000
Lot 2244		1891-S $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Subdued luster and the surfaces have moderate bagmarks. Scarce in mint state. One thin line below the date from rim to rim. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2245		1892-CC $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-61 Premium Quality. Bright luster on both sides and sharply struck. There is a hidden scrape at the base right wing on the eagle. Scarce and in demand in full mint state condition, and this coin will please most collectors for its fresh color and surfaces. PCGS has graded 19 this high, with just 19 graded higher (MS-63 finest). Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 2246		1894 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 62 Premium Quality. A rare date in proof, only 50 were coined and PCGS has graded 5 this high, with 9 graded higher of the date. Note the hazy gold toning on both sides, and the excellent contrast between the deeply frosted devices and reflective fields. Examination will find a small disturbance on Liberty's cheek, and the ever-present faint hairlines in the fields, but these are to be expected and are the general rule, locating a coin without signs of handling tends to be a far more expensive proposition, if such a coin can be found at all! During the 1890s, great care was taken in the production of proof coinage, the dies were especially well prepared, and the coins tend to show the greatest contrast of the century, and have the most frosted devices. If you, as a collector, would like to own just one example of proof gold, then we would heartily recommend this coin, as it has all the attributes of the finest proof gold ever made, and a comparatively reasonable price, when compared with coins of a higher grade. This is a regal coin worthy of a great collection. Estimated Value $7,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,625
Lot 2247		1894 $20 Liberty. MS-60. Golden luster and a couple of bagmarks from a higher grade, one at the center of the shield, another near the edge behind Liberty's hair bun. Minor hairlines, and decent eye appeal. Estimated Value $300 - 330. View details	Realized $328
Lot 2248		1895 $20 Liberty. These grade VF to EF. The 1899 has been polished, the others more natural in appearance. Lot of 4 coins. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details	Realized $1,380
Lot 2249		1896 $20 Liberty. MS-64+. This one came to us with an MS-64 insert tag from PCGS. Apparently broken out in quest of an upgrade. Full luster and excellent surfaces that are free of all but the most minute marks. If you demand a nice one, then take a look at the surfaces under a strong glass to see if this one will suit your needs, as we expect it will. Estimated Value $3,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 2250		1896-S $20 Liberty. MS-60+. Minor handling marks, mostly on the obverse. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $357
Lot 2251		1897 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63 Premium Quality. Clean surfaces and good luster in the fields. The only area of minor contact is Liberty's cheek, but the ticks are small and evenly distributed. A scarce coin this nice, and just 72 are graded higher, all MS-64, none above that. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. View details	Realized $920
Lot 2252		1897 $20 Liberty. Both grade EF-45. The "S" was cleaned. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $550 - 575. View details	Realized $644
Lot 2253		1897-S $20 Liberty. MS-63. Clean surfaces and strong luster. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 2254		1899 $20 Liberty. MS-60. Average surface marks. Estimated Value $300 - 330. View details	Realized $328
Lot 2255		1899 $20 Liberty. AU-58. Moderate handling marks. Estimated Value $270 - 300. View details	Realized $316
Lot 2256		1899-S $20 Liberty. MS-60. Bright luster, but some bagmarks and hairlines. Estimated Value $300 - 330. View details	Realized $328
Lot 2257		1903 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. A couple of small copper spots are noted. Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details	Realized $426
Lot 2258		1904 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Golden toning on the obverse over flashy luster. Estimated Value $550 - 650. View details	Realized $730
Lot 2259		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. A flashy uncirculated example which has clean surfaces and excellent luster. Estimated Value $550 - 650. View details	Realized $1,150
Lot 2260		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. A common date, but uncommonly clean surfaces, and good luster too. Estimated Value $550 - 650. View details	Realized $719
Lot 2261		1904 $20 Liberty. MS-60+. Nice color and surfaces. Estimated Value $325 - 350. View details	Realized $334
Lot 2262		1904 $20 Liberty. MS-60. Average surfaces for the grade. Estimated Value $300 - 330. View details	Realized $334
Lot 2263		1904 $20 Liberty. MS-60. Minor hairlines. Estimated Value $300 - 330. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $328
Lot 2264		1904 $20 Liberty. MS-60. Good color and decent surfaces. Estimated Value $300 - 330. View details	Realized $334
Lot 2265		1904 $20 Liberty. These grade AU-53. Each is lightly circulated. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details	Realized $978
Lot 2266		1904 $20 Liberty. Both grade AU-58. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $570 - 600. View details	Realized $661
Lot 2267		1904-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62 Premium Quality. Much scarcer than the Philadelphia version. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details	Realized $357
Lot 2268		1907 $20 Liberty. MS-60+. A bit better than average. Estimated Value $325 - 350. View details	Realized $368
Lot 2269		1907-D $20 Liberty. AU-53. There is a surface scratch in the field before Liberty's face. Estimated Value $275 - 300. View details	Realized $316
Lot 2270		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, Roman numerals, wire rim. NGC graded Proof 66. One of the most magnificent coins ever struck, this regal gem boasts creamy rich gold luster throughout and near perfect surfaces. The strike is second to none, and we know that these were coined on the largest press available, using maximum pressure to bring up the "high" relief cut deeply into the dies. Not just one strike, but several were required to fully complete the minute details on Liberty's head, hand and the tops of the eagle's wing feathers. As seen here, the coins devices jump off the surfaces, and examining the towering rendition of Lady Liberty is like climbing over the Alps when compared to normally struck coins of other denominations. We must remember that these were basically experimental pieces, and required extraordinary efforts to remain true to St. Gaudens magnificent design. Success was complete, but only a few were coined before the high relief devices were greatly reduced to a more production friendly low relief coin. These battles raged on in St. Gauden's 1907 eagles and again on Peace Silver dollars in 1921, where the relief was similarly reduced after a brief production run of extraordinary high relief pieces. NGC in their online Population Report (as of August 21, 2001) notes just 8 have been graded as PF-66, with a mere 9 graded higher (best is PF-69). While we haven't seen the others, we can only assume that they are very similar magnificent coins. Certain to be the centerpiece of any collection and worthy of a strong bid. Estimated Value $50,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $42,550
Lot 2271		Withdrawn	Unsold
Lot 2272		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, Roman numerals, wire rim. NGC graded Proof 64. A classic American rarity, these St. Gauden's proofs are clearly one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by any country, any mint. Deep gold in color, with pristine surfaces throughout. The strike is full and complete, and there are no signs of weakness even at the peak of the mile high devices. Identifiable by a tiny rim tick on the delicate wire rim just above the torch, and another tiny flake on the edge above the right side of the first T of STATES, and a shallow horizontal line on the eagle's breast. The color is slightly matte on this one, and it's in NGC holder #1602020-012. Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $19,550
Lot 2273		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, Roman numerals, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-64. Here is a beautiful example of what is arguably the most popular coin design from the United States. Fully struck by multiple blows from the dies, with every nuance of the design crisp and complete. The familiar die swirl lines are present in the fields, caused by polishing at the Mint prior to coining. Glowing luster throughout, and this is a highly desirable example of this coin. Housed in an old PCGS holder with the green colored insert. Estimated Value $12,500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $18,113
Lot 2274		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, Roman numerals, wire rim. NGC graded MS-63 Pittman. Boldly struck and retaining the abundant mint freshness that makes these coins so popular. We note that the wire rim is located on the lower left of the obverse, and upper left of the reverse. Minor handling marks and hairlines account for the grade. This one has a great pedigree, which includes "Pittman" on the NGC insert. Estimated Value $7,000 - 9,000. From David Akers Numismatics, Inc. John J. Pittman Sale, October, 1997, Lot 1188, previously purchased from Mr. Gullian for $100 in 1947. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,890
Lot 2275		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, Roman numerals, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-62. Nice for the moderate grade assigned, we see a few scattered ticks and signs of handling, but they are not problematic. Good luster, the usual mega-bold strike, and exceptional eye appeal, as always for this issue. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,338
Lot 2276		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. Flat relief, Arabic numerals. NGC graded MS-64. Good luster and generally clean fields for the grade. The devices have some scattered bagmarks, expected for the grade. First year of issue. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $805
Lot 2277		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. Flat relief, Arabic numerals. AU-50. Nice luster and clean surfaces. Estimated Value $300 - 325. View details	Realized $403
Lot 2278		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded MS-64. Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details	Realized $489

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