Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 14

Coins, Collectibles and Memorabilia Auction

Early Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2343		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. Two leaves beneath each wing. PCGS graded EF-45. An above-average example of this common variety that boasts lovely deep steel shades in the fields, with much light silvery devices, The obverse shows fewer than the usual handling marks, and is quite pleasing in appearance. The reverse has identical color, with lighter hues on the worn areas of the eagle. We do note some minor dull scrapes around the periphery, one near the first S of STATES, two more between OF A, and the worst between AM of AMERICA, but these are all old and toned over. Traces of luster near the devices. One for the type collector who appreciates a well struck high grade coin. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 2344		1795 Draped Bust Dollar. Off-center bust. . B-14. PCGS graded VF-30. A real beauty for the grade, the periphery is toned with multicolored hues while the centers remain natural silver gray. Examination finds no fault, the rims, surfaces and devices are clean for the grade, and show the expected circulation ticks, and one light rim mark on the reverse at 3 o'clock (hard to see in the holder). Always in demand by type and variety collectors despite being somewhat common, these are hard to find this nice. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 2345		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. Small date, large letters. VF-30. Steel gray and evenly toned on both sides. Perfectly centered and well struck for the variety with no rim problems or distracting marks anywhere to be found. Far better than usually encountered for the grade, and we suspect that this one will bring a strong price from a collector who recognizes the quality offered. Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 2346		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Small eagle reverse, 15 stars on obverse. PCGS graded VF-35. One of the most important type coins from the Bust dollar series, this is the only fifteen star obverse used in 1798, and it is paired with one of just two small eagle reverse dies. Apparently this was the first variety struck in 1798, as the new heraldic eagle reverse dies were prepared. Locating this variety in high grades is always a challenge, most circulated for years before they were saved, and few are found in grades over Extremely Fine. The reverse die was used over a four year span, and was paired with six different obverses during that time! The reverse is always weak, likely due to die lapping, while the obverse is fairly sharp for the variety. Toned a steel gray color, with lilac and gold hints on either side. Light adjustment marks can be seen around the obverse, mostly at the rims with a few at the centers. This is the usual die state with a faint crack from the seventh star to the upper ribbon in Liberty's hair. Traces of luster in the devices, and clean rims and surfaces generally. Identifiable by a small nick on the leading edge of the right wing of the eagle, just below and right of the point of his beak. An impressive example of this sought-after coin. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2347		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Heraldic eagle reverse, wide date, 13 arrows. VF-30. One of the most dramatic die breaks in the entire bust dollar series, the obverse die cracked severely before this coin was struck through the last star up to Liberty's head. Curiously, the die first cracked through the bottom 3 points of the star to her neck, the die was then lapped greatly reducing this crack, and then as more coins were struck the die cracked again, this time through the upper point of the last star to Liberty's mouth. Well struck by the dies, with traces of sunset luster in the fields and we note one rim nick on the reverse above the last S of STATES. This terminal die state has always been popular with specialists in this series. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. Purchased from Jonathan Kern in February 1997. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,783
Lot 2348		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. 9 over 8, reverse with 15 stars. NGC graded MS-63. Certainly one of the finest examples of this popular overdate obverse which combines with the delightful corrected error reverse. The surfaces display a lovely lilac and gray tone over strong mint luster, with deep blue and green tones in the fields noted when examined with a light. Fully struck by the dies, with sharp stars on the obverse, curls on Liberty and similar on the reverse, with no signs of weakness worthy of note. Faint hairlines can be seen from a long ago wiping with a cloth or similar action, and this coin is identifiable by a small tick at the lower pocket of Liberty's throat and a horizontal line through her drapery into the field by the last star. The fifteen star reverse is unique to this one reverse die, and few are known in mint state grades. NGC reports only 5 graded this high (of both the thirteen and fifteen star reverse, as this is not differentiated on this holder) with a single coin graded higher. PCGS has graded just 1 as MS-63, with 4 graded higher, all MS-64 of this variety. How did the fifteen star reverse come about? For a brief time, the engravers at the Philadelphia Mint added a star to the obverse and/or reverse as each new state joined the Union. This continued until Tennessee joined as the sixteenth state in 1796, and many silver and gold coins display 16 stars. At this point, Mint officials decided to return to the 13 stars to represent the thirteen original colonies. By 1799 most of the dies had been discarded which showed more than 13 stars, except for a couple of accidents where too many stars were engraved. Here is one of those accidents, apparently the die engraver put 7 stars in the top row, another 6 in the second row, then added the usual two stars on either side of the eagle's head, for a total of 15 stars. The error was noticed, but what to do? An ingenious solution was found, why not cover over two of the offending stars, but how? The engraver came up with a unique solution, he expanded the first and last cloud over the first row of stars to cover over the offending stars! Thus, only 13 stars now show, but the enlarged clouds show star points sticking out from the bottoms giving away the error. Die steel was quite expensive, and each die took time to engrave, so it was better to use this die rather than discard it. Later, this fifteen star reverse die was paired with a second obverse, and more coins were struck before it was retired. Here is one of the most popular "error" reverse dies, in choice mint state condition for your consideration. Estimated Value $20,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $26,450
Lot 2349		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. 9 over 8, reverse with 15 stars. EF-40. A nearly perfect coin for the grade, with steel gray toning around the rims, and lighter silver at the centers, the reverse sports lots of blue shades tucked in with the devices. The overdate is clear on the obverse, and the reverse has the unusual 15 stars over the eagle, but note that two of the stars were covered over by elongating the clouds at the left and right! Apparently the engraver put too many stars on the reverse, noticed the error, and then covered it over by engraving the clouds much larger. No adjustment marks or problems whatsoever, and a delight to behold. Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,800. Purchased from Stack's Sale, March 22, 1994, lot 1148 and used as one of the cover coins in that sale. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,990
Lot 2350		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Normal date. PCGS graded AU-58. A superb example of this common die variety, each device is fully struck and the entire coin is a steel gray color with good luster in the fields. The only hint of weakness is on the second star on the left, and this is diagnostic to the variety. Far better than most encountered, this particular coin not only barely circulated (if at all) but has far better surfaces than is typical, even for this lofty grade. Note the vein details on the leaves and crispness of the eagle's feathers. There are circular die polishing lines on the obverse, and these can be seen in Liberty's hair and in her drapery lines. As this obverse was used extensively, the coiner removed the die and polished it up a bit, and these lines are the result. The obverse die cracked through the first 9 up through Liberty, just touching the tip of her chin and out star nine to the rim, another crack joins this one and continues up in the field below the Y. On the reverse, we note a crack through the tops of MERICA. Although a common variety, few could survive with such choice surfaces in this high grade. We were unable to trace the provenance on this coin. Estimated Value $7,500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,350
Lot 2351		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Normal date. VF-30. A beautiful example of this later obverse die state. There are several cracks on the obverse, and a rim cud has formed above stars two and three (often called a rim bump by catalogers unfamiliar with the variety). Deep steel gray with lighter silver on the devices. Nearly perfect surfaces for the grade, and far above average for the variety. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. Purchased from Superior's Wyatt Sale, October 1, 1985, lot 2036. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 2352		1801 Draped Bust Dollar. VF-30. Frosty luster and well struck by the dies and totally problem free. Light greenish gold toning around the periphery. Excellent rims and surfaces, with loads of eye appeal for this tough date. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. Purchased from Jim McGuigan on February 1, 1986. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 2353		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Small 3. . B-1. PCGS graded AU-55. Probably high in the condition census for the variety, as this date is virtually impossible to locate in full mint state grades (PCGS notes only 8 graded of the date in mint state condition), with a small cluster in AU grades below. Frosty luster in the fields, and especially so on the reverse, and toned a light golden gray color. The surfaces show minor handling marks and are problem free. Sharply impressed on the devices, including the stars and curls on the obverse, and similar on the reverse. As a date, 1803 is far rarer than most of the Bust dollar series. Identifiable by a tiny nick in the wing from the top of the L in PLURIBUS to over the first U of that word up at an angle. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,290
Lot 2354		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Large 3. . B-6. ICG graded AU-55. Beautiful green and gold toning primarily around the periphery of both the obverse and reverse. A sharp strike for the variety, as usually seen, and struck after the obverse die had been lapped, as the recut 3 is scarcely visible. On the reverse, note that the die was rotated about 25 degrees counter clockwise. Clean rims that show no bumps or bruises from what we can see through the holder, and no adjustment marks are present. Enough luster remains to dazzle the eye. Average handling marks on the surfaces. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2355		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Large 3. PCGS graded AU-50. The most common variety of this date, the large 3 is instantly recognizable by the recutting seen along the bottom of that digit. Light silvery gray in color, the surfaces display a fair amount of luster in the protected areas, and the strike is average for this variety (sharp stars, slight weakness on the upper hair curls). This is Bowers die state III, with a die crack connecting all the obverse stars on the right, which is the final die state reported. As with many coins of this variety, the reverse die was rotated about 20 degrees counter clockwise when this one was struck. As to rarity, this coin is probably in the top 20 known of the variety, according to the combined NGC and PCGS population reports. This particular coin is identifiable by a microscopic pit just below Liberty's nose, and a short scratch from the point of the star above the eagle's beak down to the right to the eagle's head, stopping at the head above his eye. No rim problems, but we do note peripheral adjustment marks on the reverse. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,680
Lot 2356		1842 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded AU-50. Antique gray in color, with clean rims and surfaces for the grade. Unlike so many we see, this one is very appealing for the grade, and hence we recommend it to collectors. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details	Realized $546
Lot 2357		1847 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. A rare early proof issue from the Philadelphia Mint, perhaps 15 were struck, and this is one of the best to come down to us. Fully struck throughout, and toned a deep bluish gray tone on both sides. The surfaces show only trace hairlines, and no contacts marks worth describing. PCGS has graded 6 this high, with none graded higher. The devices are well frosted, and they contrast nicely with the mirror fields. An important offering for the specialist in the series. We were unable to trace a prior pedigree, this is not the Heritage 9/95:6060 coin, but they are similar. A rare coin, and no doubt can be traced with patience as so few are known. Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. From the Michael Riordan collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $21,850
Lot 2358		1867 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded Proof 66. We suspect that this is an older NGC holder as this one should have qualified for a cameo designation, as the devices are very well frosted, and the cameo designations only started in the last few years. Light gold around the edge, with deeply mirrored fields, and mile high frost on the devices. One of the nicest of 625 struck in Proof, and truly appealing in every way. NGC has graded 7 this high with just 3 graded higher. Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2359		1873 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. One of the finest graded by NGC, this one boasts lovely blue gray toning on both sides which characteristically offsets the devices. The surfaces are very clean, and only the faintest hairlines can be seen in the delicate fields. Sharply struck throughout, and a grand example of this first year of issue. NGC has graded 11 this high, with just 2 graded higher. Exceptionally appealing and worth a strong bid. Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,370
Lot 2360		1873-S Trade Dollar. MS-63 or better. Steel gray toning with areas of gold and blue mixed in over slightly prooflike fields. Well struck for the date and well preserved. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,006
Lot 2361		1875-CC Trade Dollar. PCGS graded MS-62. Bright and lustrous, with no signs of toning on either side. Scarce in mint state, and very rare in higher grades. Fully struck and well preserved, with a few minor hairlines accounting for the grade. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,351
Lot 2362		1876-S Trade Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. An exceptionally beautiful toned example of this date. The centers are toned with yellow gold, while the periphery boasts a sea green and blue over luster, which is perfectly matched on the reverse too. Fully struck and a coin that all collectors will love. Minor ticks hidden on Liberty from a higher grade. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,875
Lot 2363		1878 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. Here is a lovely toned gem proof example of this date. The fields display deep blues and gray while the centers are lighter gray and well frosted. Examination will note how superbly struck this coin is, and how clean the surfaces are. Faint hairlines are the only sign of handling, and these scarcely show with the gorgeous toning. PCGS has graded 8 this high, with 10 graded higher, making this likely one of the top couple of dozen known of the date. Perfect for the date or type collector who demands a toned gem. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,555
Lot 2364		1878 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. A toning bonanza here, deep blues and golds on both sides, with hazy gray on the frosted devices. Sharply impressed by the dies as expected, but this one is also very well preserved. Breen (1977) notes that the mintage came in at 900 for the year, and many of those were poorly cleaned. This particular one is in an old green insert PCGS holder, and was likely put away some years ago. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. From the Michael Riordan collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,910
Lot 2365		1880 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo. Premium Quality. A stunning coin that boasts snowy white frost on all the lettering and devices which is naturally well contrasted by the deep, dark mirror fields. Ringed with a hint of gold at the periphery, this one will excite even the most advanced collector for its resplendent quality. A monumental grade and as nice as this date can be found, we note that PCGS has graded 5 this high, with none higher, and we don't know if any of the others are Cameo proofs or not. Perfectly struck and preserved, with such quality seldom available, and never inexpensive. Estimated Value $18,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $27,025
Lot 2366		1880 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 67 Cameo. Well mirrored fields surrounded by snowy white frost on the devices with a touch of gold toning around the extreme edge above the dentils. These cameo proofs are very beautiful, and are truly head and shoulders above the average contrast pieces. Perhaps a tenth of original issue qualifies as cameo or ultra cameo. NGC has graded 23 this high (only 4 are cameos), and 6 higher of the date. Estimated Value $12,500 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $18,400
Lot 2367		1881 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Light silvery gray on the obverse, with desirable gold and magenta tones on the obverse, the reverse with more toning of random blue and magenta from top to bottom. Well frosted devices, which give the desired contrast between the mirror fields. Identifiable by a tiny rectangular flaw in the field just left of the T in TRADE on the reverse. Most of this date are poorly struck, not so here, all the obverse stars and even Liberty's head is bold! Nearly a gem and worthy of a top-notch date run or type set. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. From the Michael Riordan collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,370