Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 117

September 13-16, 2020 Pre-Long Beach Auction

S.S. Central America Treasure

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1264		1814 Capped Bust Dime. "STATESOFAMERICA". PCGS graded Fine-12 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 802036.12/38277435. JR-5, Rarity-4. This is the most popular and scarcest of the five die pairings used to strike dimes in 1814. Upon examining the reverse the run together STATESOFAMERICA is clear where the engraver blundered the spacing on that die. Curiously this same reverse die was put back into the die box in 1814 and came out again in 1820 when dimes were again struck! This particular coin tells us a lot about its use, with some old scratches and handling marks from circulation. It is noteworthy that it still was in Fine condition when this and many other dimes left on that fateful voyage on the S.S. Central America ship in 1857 and then lost on the bottom of the ocean for 140 or so years. It is remarkable that a coin like has served its intended purpose in the channels of commerce for 43 years before ending up on that shipwreck. The toning is a bit mottled with gold and russet shades mixed with some blue color. The only example graded at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series. Estimated Value $1,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,920
Lot 1265		1829 Capped Bust Dime, Curl base 2. PCGS graded Good Detail, Scratch. JR-10, Rarity-5. This is challenging issue to find, and the only use of the Curl Base 2 on 1829 dimes. The obverse is a mix of golden tan with a somewhat minor scratch from star nine into Liberty's cheek and jaw. Given the rather extensive wear a scratch of this nature is not unexpected, and the coin is otherwise fairly wholesome. The diagnostic die crack from Liberty's chest to her chin is clear, and this likely accounts for the rarity of this particular die variety. Always in strong collector demand for the Curl Base 2, and a variety which is nearly always found in lower circulated grades from About Good to Very Good normally (PCGS # 4512) Estimated Value $400 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,160
Lot 1266		1856-O Seated Liberty Dime. PCGS graded MS-63 CAC PQ In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 686778.63/38277438. A nice white coin with just a few traces of light gold and boldly struck. There were several 1856-O dimes on the shipwreck of the S.S. Central America, but this is one of the finer examples with just two recovered. These were recovered from the pursers safe which contained mostly dimes thought to have been intended to pay the crew upon arrival in New York. The dimes were picked up in New Orleans, the last port stop for the ill fated ship. The finest S.S. Central America example graded for the date; only 15 graded finer at PCGS for regular 1856-O Dime, 11 in 64, 3 in 65, 1 in 66. Estimated Value $1,600 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,400
Lot 1267		1856-O Seated Liberty Dime. PCGS graded MS-62 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 686778.62/38277437. Frosty, well struck and untoned. There was a modest group of 1856-O dimes recovered from a safe aboard the S.S. Central America intended to pay the crew upon arrival in New York. The contents of the safe were mostly dimes, which were purchased in New Orleans in 1857. Thus many were likely New Orleans coins like this one. An historic relic that will always have a great story to tell. Pop 7; 3 finer at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series, 1 in 63, 1 in 62. Estimated Value $700 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,170
Lot 1268		1856-S Seated Liberty Dime. PCGS graded MS-65 CAC PQ. In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 698313.65/36935381. Here is an incredible coin, first off this is one of the lower mintage dates of the Liberty Seated dime series. Gems have long been represented by a single coin, and miraculously here is the second certified gem known today, recently recovered on the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Needless to say, this San Francisco rarity was an unexpected delight when found and certified. A passenger might have carried it along, or perhaps an earlier ship brought this coin to New Orleans where it ended up in the purser's safe along with hundreds of other dimes for distribution to the sailors when they arrived in New York, but nature had other ideas. Totally white and frosty, with strong eye appeal throughout. Boldly struck and remarkably well preserved by 140 or more years on the ocean floor, a mile and a half below the surface. Only 70,000 struck, and this is the first issue of dimes from the San Francisco Mint which opened in 1854. Tied with a regular 1856-S Dime for the finest examples graded at PCGS. In our opinion this coin should be regraded to MS-66. Estimated Value $30,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $39,600
Lot 1269		1854-O Seated Liberty Quarter. Arrows, huge O. PCGS graded AU-55 CAC PQ. In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. PCGS number 5434.55/37933536. A very rare Red Book variety. Well struck, frosty and surely looks Mint State. The oblong and irregular "O" mintmark is the result of hand engraving likely by the New Orleans Mint engraver who noticed this reverse die that arrived from the Philadelphia Mint in early 1854 lacked their hallmark "O". He took out an engraving tool and did his best in the hardened steel die. This is the result. Bright white with a dash of gold around the rims, and a stellar example of this popular issue which is rarely seen at all, and virtually unobtainable at this lofty grade level. This coin is mistakenly assigned with a regular PCGS number of 5434 for the variety, instead of the special number of 771778 for the S.S. Central America Series. Pop 2; only 2 examples graded higher in 58 for regular issues at PCGS. Reviewing this coin we feel it should be graded AU-58+. It is frosty with claims to mint state grade level. We deem this example as THE FINEST KNOWN. Estimated Value $17,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,400
Lot 1270		1854-O Seated Liberty Quarter. Arrows, huge O. PCGS graded AU-55 CAC PQ. In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 771778.55/37278686. A very rare Red Book Variety. Mostly untoned and well struck with considerable mint luster remaining in the fields. After viewing this coin, the cataloger believes that it should be graded Mint State as there is no wear on the high points, just some minor softness on the uppermost design elements. It is believed that this reverse arrived in New Orleans but the Philadelphia Mint had forgotten to put on the New Orleans "O" mintmark, so the engraver in New Orleans hand engraved the "O" which came out too large and oblong. The reverse die failed quickly as it was likely annealed before leaving Philadelphia, and re-heating an annealed die always ends in die cracks and failure quite soon. Notice the parallel cracks to the left of the mintmark, signs of eventual failure. An important and historic offering. Pop 2; only 2 examples graded higher in 58 for regular issues. After reviewing this coin we feel it should be regraded to AU-58. Estimated Value $15,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,400
Lot 1271		1855 -S Seated Liberty Quarter. PCGS graded AU-58 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 802038.58/38277439. Listed in the Red Book. Untoned with abundant bright silver and lustrous. The devices are all well struck, and this is one of the varieties that shows the Drapery down from Liberty's left elbow. The surfaces are satin smooth and clean, with glorious preservation for this elusive date. We're it not for this disastrous shipwreck, so many high grade rarities would not be available to collectors today, this is a delightful key date that is simply in spectacular condition. *The only example graded at PCGS for the S.S. Central America* Series.** Estimated Value $1,700 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,080
Lot 1272		1856-S Seated Liberty Quarter. PCGS graded MS-63 CAC PQ. In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 802039.63/38277441. Frosty and untoned. A boldly struck and historic relic from the early days at the San Francisco Mint. Silver coins were in great demand in commerce at the time, but scarcely any we produced as the San Francisco Mint was perfectly placed out west to coin the cart loads of gold dust being found nearby, but not much silver came with it, so silver bullion was in short supply. A frosty white well struck example. Most of these early San Francisco quarters were quickly spent and circulated for decades in the Wild West of San Francisco. Not many thought of saving them, as they were so needed in the cigar boxes used to make change in every store and soda shop in the land, not to mention the bars and hotels! The finest 1856-S Quarter for the S.S. Central America Series; only 2 examples graded higher at PCGS for the regular issues, 1 in 64, 1 in 65. After reviewing this coin is should be regraded to a MS-64 example. Estimated Value $10,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,600
Lot 1273		1856-S Seated Liberty Quarter. PCGS graded MS-62 CAC PQ. In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 802039.62/38277440. Frosty, well struck and untoned. Both sides show mint fresh satin silver luster in the fields and frosted devices. The surfaces are pleasing with minimal signs of handling and this coin basically went down with the ship perhaps mere months after being struck, never entering circulation. A frosty white example. Well struck and should be graded MS-63. As such it is a time capsule into mint production in 1856. An opportunity for the astute numismatist. Pop 1; 1 finer in 63 at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series. Sure looks better than a MS-62. Estimated Value $8,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,800
Lot 1274		1856-S/S Seated Liberty Quarter. Large S over Small S. PCGS graded EF-45 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 803499.45/38277449. Listed in the Red Book. The S over S mintmark blunder is the result of the much smaller dime mintmark for San Francisco being pressed into the quarter die, the engraver realized the boo boo and swapped up to the much large Quarter "S" mintmark. The placement wasn't quite perfect so the underlying small S can be easily seen, especially on this high grade coin. Mint blunders like this are always out there to delight collectors, as errors like this are few and far between, but always "humanize" the whole process of producing coins into a way which makes us all relate to them in a comforting way. Who hasn't had a bad day now and then? Here's an S over small S mintmark blunder to show it still can happen in San Francisco in 1856. Why not add this American classic to your collection today? *Pop 1; none finer for the S.S. Central America* Series and tied with another regular issue for the finest examples graded at PCGS for this rare variety.** Estimated Value $7,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,400
Lot 1275		1856-S/S Seated Liberty Quarter. Large S over Small S. PCGS graded EF-40 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 803499.40/38277442. Listed in the Red Book. A well struck and mostly untoned example with a touch of silver-gray and hints of gold. The S/S is very clear with the tiny underlying "S" below and right of the larger "S" imposed atop the prior small "S". A rare and desirable mintmark blunder, and one which has always been in strong collector demand. The surfaces are attractive with a few minor nicks from circulation (oh if coins could talk--wild piano playing at bars in San Francisco in the Winter of 1856) then loaded onto a ship at the docks in San Francisco and off to New Orleans, onto the ill fated side wheeler ship which came upon a massive hurricane hundreds of miles out to sea off the Carolina coast where a 140 year vacation in Davy Jones Locker began. Listed in the Red Book at $7,000. Pop 1; only 1 finer in 45 at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series. Estimated Value $6,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,300
Lot 1276		1856-S/S Seated Liberty Quarter. Large S over Small S. PCGS graded VF-35 CAC. In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 803499.35/38277447. Listed in the Red Book. Natural steel gray with golden accents around the devices, the central fields are lighter silver and free of all but a few minor signs of circulation. The S over S mintmark is rarely found at all, especially so in high grades. The luck of the draw found a handful of these rare coins included on the S.S. Central America which were recovered and still in excellent condition from the depths of the ocean. Pop 4; 2 finer at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series, 1 in 40, 1 in 45. Estimated Value $4,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,320
Lot 1277		1856-S/S Liberty Seated Quarter. Large S over Small S. PCGS graded VF-35 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 803499.35/38277445. Listed in the Red Book. A classic steel gray and silver example of this rarity. The surfaces are nice despite a thin diagonal scratch on the shield, which serves to identify this specimen. the S over small S is quite obvious when examined. It is indeed remarkable that any of these early San Francisco quarters made it onto the S. S. Central America, as they would only have been in circulation a few months or so at the time the ship left San Francisco for Panama to go overland onto a waiting ship like the S. S. Central America. A rarity with a whole lot of history behind it. Pop 4; 2 finer at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series, 1 in 40, 1 in 45. Estimated Value $4,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,600
Lot 1278		1856-S/S Seated Liberty Quarter. Large S over Small S. PCGS graded VF-35 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 803499.35/38277443. Listed in the Red Book. Very clear S over S. Mostly untoned with some steel gray and gold particularly on the reverse. A rare blundered mintmark variety, with clean surfaces and appealing color. It is incredible that a few of these turned up on this shipwreck, much to the delight of collectors which would seldom be offered this prized rarity prior to their recovery. Pop 4; only 2 graded higher at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series, 1 in 40, 1 in 45. Estimated Value $4,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,760
Lot 1279		1856-S/S Seated Liberty Quarter. Large S over Small S. PCGS graded VF-35 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 803499.35/38277446. An untoned example on the obverse, with classic silver gray throughout, the reverse well matched with a few light toning specks scattered over the fields. The blundered mintmark is clear and the surfaces are attractive with no deep or distracting handling marks. A rare and desirable variety in high collector grade with towering historical significance from this shipwreck. Pop 4; only 2 finer at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series, 1 in 40, 1 in 45. Estimated Value $4,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,760
Lot 1280		1856-S/S Seated Liberty Quarter. Large S over Small S. PCGS graded VF-25 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 803499.25/38277450. Listed in the Red Book. An untoned example with classic steel silver gray throughout and a few deeper gray traces when examined. the surfaces are nice for the grade, and this rare blundered mintmark variety is now represented by several previously unknown coins thanks to the recovery work from shipwreck site. Pop 1; only 6 finer at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series. Estimated Value $3,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,700
Lot 1281		1856-S/S Seated Liberty Quarter. PCGS graded AU Details, Environmental Damage. This is still a reasonably attractive coin, with silver gray overall with a few traces of gold toning. The reverse seems to have more evidence of sea-water textured fields and patches of darker tone. A rare die variety where a much smaller S (intended for the dimes) was first engraved, then a larger S for quarters was also punched into that reverse. An important find from the S.S. Central America shipwreck of 1857 (PCGS # 5441) Estimated Value $1,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America #2. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,640
Lot 1282		1856-S/S Seated Liberty Quarter. PCGS graded XF Details, Environmental Damage. All of the devices are sharp and clear and the environmental damage seems minimal and is more related to the darker toning seen in small areas on the reverse. The S/S mintmark is clear, and this is a rare coin which is seldom offered in any grade (PCGS # 5441) Estimated Value $1,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America #2. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,680
Lot 1283		1855-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Arrows. PCGS graded EF-45 CAC. In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 802040.45/38277451. Untoned with natural light sliver throughout and a few light scattered marks. The devices are sharp and well struck. A key issue and low mintage date and mint. This is the final year of three for the Arrows at the date. A prize for the specialist! Pop 2; tied for the finest 1855-S Half Dollars graded at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series. Estimated Value $3,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,200
Lot 1284		1855-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Arrows. PCGS graded EF-45 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 802040.45/38277452. An untoned example. This is a tough issue to find in high grade and downright rare this well preserved. This is the first year of half dollar production for the San Francisco Mint and precious few of these were saved in high grade. This one was preserved simply by its long journey to the bottom of the sea two years after it was struck, and awaited recovery in recent years. The strike is sharp throughout and the surfaces are attractive. LIBERTY is bold across the shield, and shines with tinges of residual luster. A rare and desirable coin. Pop 2; tied for the finest 1855-S Half Dollars graded at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series. Estimated Value $3,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,760
Lot 1285		1856-S Seated Liberty Half dollar. PCGS graded AU-55 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 802041.55/38277453. Well struck and mostly untoned. The surfaces are attractive and free of any detracting marks, and virtually mint state quality for this date and mint. There are only a few examples of this issue that survive in Mint State, and about a dozen at this grade level, so this coin is a condition rarity and a highly collectible example. The only 1856-S Half Dollar graded at PCGS for the S.S. Central America Series. Estimated Value $2,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,800
Lot 1286		1849 Liberty Gold Dollar. Open wreath. PCGS graded About Uncirculated Details (Damage). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670679.98/35669361. An untoned coin with scattered light nicks and otherwise attractive. The damage seems to consist of a few too many marks, but don't forget, some of the coins on the SSCA had a pretty hard life before getting onboard that ill fated ship. Estimated Value $500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $930
Lot 1287		1849 Liberty Gold Dollar. Open wreath. PCGS graded Uncirculated Details (Holed). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670679.98/35637264. A lovely example, however, holed at 11:00 of the obverse. An interesting coin that obviously has a story to tell such as who punched in this hole, who owned it, was it intended for someone special after the journey on the S.S. Central America. Quite historic. Estimated Value $500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $900
Lot 1288		1851 Liberty Gold Dollar. PCGS graded About Uncirculated Details (Holed). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670681.98/35637273. The coin is otherwise attractive and here is one which has a story that was lost with the ship. Tinges of luster remain in the protected areas. Estimated Value $500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $900
Lot 1289		1853 Liberty Gold Dollar. PCGS graded AU-58 In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. PCGS number 7521.58/37933537. A frosty untoned coin. The strike is sharp throughout and the surfaces are frosty on the devices, lustrous in the fields. A lot of eye appeal. This coin was mistakenly assigned with a regular PCGS number of 7521 instead of a special PCGS number of 670725 for the S.S. Central America Series. Estimated Value $500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,520
Lot 1290		1853 Liberty Gold Dollar. PCGS graded About Uncirculated Details (Holed). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670725.98/35637278. A splendid coin and although a common enough date for the One dollar gold series, certainly not many of these were pierced early on, perhaps these were being holed for a charm bracelet or for a necklace by someone along on the S.S. Central America. Estimated Value $500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $900
Lot 1291		1856-S Indian Gold Dollar. PCGS graded Uncirculated Details (Scratch). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670730.95/35669425. A lovely untoned coin which looks like an MS-64 example with, however, lots of scratches on the reverse primarily. A scarce coin in all grades. Estimated Value $2,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,860
Lot 1292		1843-C/C $2.50 Liberty. Large date, plain 4. PCGS graded Extremely Fine Details (Bent). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 676094.98/35631755. An untoned example. The bend is from a sharp dent on Liberty's chin and below in the field, which punched deeply into the coin on the reverse as well. Scarce and historic. Only 23,076 struck. Estimated Value $1,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,800
Lot 1293		1856-S $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded EF-45 CAC PQ. In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670753.45/35223842. A tough early San Francisco quarter eagle. This one is sharply struck and likely a higher grade but does have a couple of old scratches on the obverse. Nice color and traces of luster in the protected areas. Only 72,120 struck. Estimated Value $1,250 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,520
Lot 1294		1856-S $3 Gold. PCGS graded About Uncirculated Details (Bent). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670756.98/35631763. A frosty untoned coin with a slight bend in the planchet, perhaps caused during the shipwreck and sinking of the S.S. Central America. Clearly a lot of heavy items were shuffling about as the large side wheeler ship sank and drifted downwards about a mile and half to the ocean bottom in 1857 taking this coin and far too many souls with her. Only 34,500 struck. Estimated Value $1,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,560
Lot 1295		1851-C $5 Liberty. No Motto. PCGS graded Uncirculated Details (Scratch). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670787.95/34844081. Well struck with nice mint luster evident. This coin would undoubtedly be one of the very finest known were it not for a unfortunate pair of scratches in the left obverse field, which were likely caused during the sinking of the ship with all the twisting and violence of the ship sinking through the miles of water to settle deep in the Atlantic ocean floor. The color is just perfect here, with delicate coppery-gold tints, greenish gold color and full mint luster. A majestic coin that likely was picked up in New Orleans or perhaps way out in San Francisco before the original ship departed. Somehow this six year old coin (in 1857) didn't show any wear so it was clearly saved early on. Still a prized rarity from the Charlotte Mint. Only 49,176 struck. Estimated Value $4,000 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,040
Lot 1296		1853-D $5 Liberty. No Motto. PCGS graded Uncirculated Details (Holed). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670794.98/34844089. A lovely mint state example, however, holed at 11:30 of the obverse. Perhaps this was done to wear on a necklace or charm bracelet along with the gold dollars that were holed from this shipwreck. Most unusual, and on a Dahlonega coin too! Excellent surfaces, color and eye appeal otherwise. Only 89,678 struck. Estimated Value $2,000 - UP To only imagine the 49er that was wearing this numismatic rarity around their neck. Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,100
Lot 1297		1857-S $5 Liberty. No Motto. PCGS graded About Uncirculated Details (Scratch). In special PCGS Ship of Gold holder which contains One Pinch of Gold Dust recovered from the S.S. Central America treasure. Special PCGS number 670803.95/35631765. A scarce date and mint, but someone seems to have purposefully scratched Liberty's face and the field below, with a few more on the reverse. Attractive coppery gold and lustrous. An historic offering which was minted in the months just prior to the shipwreck in September of 1857. Only 87,000 struck. Estimated Value $1,500 - UP Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,280
Lot 1298		Kellogg & Humbert Assayers. Mold KH-03. 55.21 Oz at .835 Fine, value in 1857 $952.97. Bar #623. Listed in A California Gold Rush History in the original recovery items on page 1009. This bar was recovered with the initial gold found in 1988 from the shipwreck. This historic gold bar, measuring 99 mm height, 44 mm wide, 24 mm thick, is from the famous treasure recovered from the 1857 shipwreck of the S.S. Central America. The total number of ingots recovered from Kellogg & Humbert is 343 of which 69 were melted for production of the $50 Kellogg Commemorative Restrikes. This ingot is from Mold KH-03 and is plated on page 432 of Q. David Bowers' A California Gold Rush History featuring the treasure from the S.S. Central America. This hefty bar is well preserved in bright yellow gold with the usual frosty patina seen on the other SSCA bars, but lacks the deep reddish colors seen on a few bars. The reason there is so much variation in the purity of the gold recovered is it came from myriad different sources in the back hills, streams and valleys in California. Hence these bars had to be carefully assayed after the dust and grains of gold were melted to form the bars, this assaying process was accomplished by the cut corner off each bar, used to sample the exact purity of the bar and ascertain its value. After the bar was assayed, the weight, fineness and value could be determined and stamped directly onto the bar. A master ledger was kept recording the serial number, weight and purity of each bar by the assayers. Kellogg & Humbert were the most famous assayers of the day and the majority of the bars recovered from this shipwreck were cast in the Kellogg & Humbert Assay office. The face is stamped with the weight, fineness, and face value, which are nicely centered and complete. The back side is marked a second time with the ingot's number, 623 in a different font from the front of the bar. The back features a shallow cooling depression at the center. There is one corner cut, as made for assay purposes, on the lower right corner as viewed from the inscription side. A highly sought-after gold bar from this most famous shipwreck as the name of the assayer is prominently displayed, the patina rich and original, and the provenance well documented. These gold bars represent many individuals efforts, some toiling years in the streams and valleys of California to recover precious gold nuggets and more often than not, tiny gold dust traces, which collectively gathered up and handed to these famous assayers to become a gold bar like the present one. Fortunes gained in the West, then lost on the way to the East, therein lies the tale of the shipwreck of the S.S. Central America. The doomed ship was blessed with the great Captain Herndon during this voyage. Herndon did all he could to save the women and children on board, despite losing two of the lifeboats (nearly impossible to launch in such stormy waters), the other lifeboats were launched and the women and children were able to escape to a passing vessle and thus survive the storm. Once the engines on the Central America lost their steam and dry coal was not available to keep them fired, the pumps that were barely keeping up with the inflow of ocean water from the storm, halted. All hands used buckets to bail out the ship but it was no use. The storm continued. Captain Herndon went down with the ship, along with many brave passengers and crew who gave their all to try to fight back against the mighty hurricane. A statue commemorating Herndon's bravery and his fortitude at saving so many women and children from certain death, is part of the Naval Academy's rite of passage for all graduates and his legendary acts to live on in the hearts of all graduates of the Naval Academy. Estimated Value $200,000 - UP View details and enlarged photos	Realized $216,000
Lot 1299		Kellogg & Humbert Assayers, Mold KH-03, 48.74 Oz. at 809 Fine, value in 1857 $815.10, Bar #643. Listed in A California Gold Rush History in the original recovery items on page 1009. This bar was recovered with the initial gold found in 1988 from the shipwreck. This historic gold bar, measuring 99 mm height, 43 mm wide, 22 mm thick, is from the famous treasure recovered from the 1857 shipwreck of the S.S. Central America. The total number of ingots recovered from Kellogg & Humbert is 343 of which 69 were melted for production of the $50 Kellogg Commemorative Restrikes. This ingot is from Mold KH-03 and is plated on page 433 of Q. David Bowers' A California Gold Rush History featuring the treasure from the S.S. Central America. A formidable gold bar, the approximate value of 41 double eagles at the time it was cast and valued by the famed assayers Kellogg & Humbert. As seen on all such gold bars, the top inscription is that of the bar number, unique to each gold bar, in this case No. 643, below is the Assayers name framed within a simple rectangular box�Kellogg / & / Humbert / Assayers. It is notable that no location is given, as these bars and their names were well enough known to be valued correctly by anyone likely to see these bars. Below their name in the same large numerical font as the bar number, is the weight, 48.74 oz, below that is .809 Fine. At the bottom of the facing portion of the bar is the value, $815.10. As always, the lower right corner of the face of the bar is cut off and that portion was used (prior to valuation) to determine the fineness and thus the value of the bar itself. On the back of the bar the serial number is stamped again, but using a different font. The usual cooling depression is seen on the back of the bar, pulled from mold KH-03 as seen on several other bars from this shipwreck. Much of this golden cargo was likely expected in a few days after the sinking of the ship to land in New York Harbor, where the gold could be transported anywhere it was needed. Much of the gold in these bars would probably have ended up in Philadelphia where it could be refined and coined into various gold coins that were needed for international as well as local trade. Instead, the hurricane of September, 1857 had other ideas, swamping the S.S. Central America and sending her and much of her gold to the bottom of the sea. Tragically hundreds of lives were lost in the storm as well. The finding of this shipwreck and subsequent recovery of so much of the gold and various artifacts is one of the greatest discoveries of our lifetimes, and to be able to purchase such a significant portion of this treasure would truly be the dream of many collectors. So if you have longed for a historic and timeless golden artifact from the Central America, then look no further than this lot! Estimated Value $200,000 - UP View details and enlarged photos	Realized $210,000
Lot 1300		(1855) $50 Kellogg Original Restrike using the actual $50 dies from 1855. PCGS graded Proof 67 Deep Cameo. The two incredible original Territorial gold dies were oiled up and used to strike only Seven (7) coins from gold from some of the original massive gold bars recovered from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. This is not to be confused with the near 5,000 $50 Kellogg pieces which were created by using these original dies to make transfer dies, and have the date stamped above the eagle and 8-20/9-12 were struck under the auspices of the California Historical Society as noted on the long ribbon held in the eagle�s beak. Clearly this is a far more historic restrike with such limited numbers struck. Notice the fine microscopic die cracks meandering around the reverse in the legends. As the condition of these original dies showed the fine die cracks on the reverse, the talented Ron Landis (Gallery Mint fame) was brought in. Landis was able to put iron braces around the original dies to ensure they wouldn�t crack further and was able to raise new hubs from them in order to create the dies for the restrike coinage. Furthermore, there is slight rust evidence on Liberty�s bust which is present on these original die restrikes whereas Landis was able to remove the rust by grinding it off the raised hubs he created. There is no reference to the California Historical Society on these seven coins, as that reference was added only to the new transfer dies. The original die was treaded with a high quality oil, and the coins were struck on finely polished gold planchets with incredible precision. PCGS has only graded two of these, the present coin as PR67 DCAM. A more historical representation of this important period in our history and the vast efforts at recovery done by the modern teams that worked together would be difficult to imagine. This offering presents the avid collector of shipwreck coinage with an exceptional opportunity to secure a great rarity. One of the originals in this condition would certainly cost over $2,000,000. An affordable opportunity to improve to a territorial collection. Pop 1 in Proof 67 Deep Cameo. Only 2 graded by PCGS. In a special holder with gold foil. Cert#40381169. Estimated Value $50,000 - UP View details and enlarged photos	Realized $36,000
Lot 1301		Five Ounces of 1857 Origial Minted California Gold Dust Recovered from S.S. Central America. Slabbed by PCGS as #52 of 88. Special PCGS Number 671486.80/37127538. 880+/- Fine, $90.96 face value. The California Gold Rush Ore were valued at $20.67 per ounce in 1857, and to be melted into gold bars for striking gold coins. The special PCGS tag is signed by Q. David Bowers and Bob Evans. This holder is 21.7mm x 14.2mm. Estimated Value $15,000 - UP If this had been redeemed at Blake & Co., it would be worth over $125,000! Ex S.S. Central America, 2014 Recovery from Purser's Safe. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $19,200