Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 14

Coins, Collectibles and Memorabilia Auction

$2.50 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 3489		1839-O $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded MS-64. An extremely rare coin in this grade, and certainly one of the very finest known of this date. A scant 17,781 Quarter Eagles were struck in New Orleans during 1839, all bearing the obverse Mintmark above the date. This particular one was saved in very choice mint state condition, and somehow came down through the decades and generations virtually undiminished from the day it was coined. Note the satiny luster on both sides, with splendid surfaces that show virtually no significant signs of handling. There is a minor die crack through the I of UNITED down through the upper disconnected leaf pair, and touching one claw point, then down to the rim through the first 2 in the denomination. The dies were obviously lapped before this one was coined. As to rarity, this one is tied for the finest graded with 3 others at NGC and 4 at PCGS, neither service has graded any higher. An exceptional opportunity for the astute numismatist. Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. From Heritage Numismatic Auctions Andre Dawson sale, September 1998, lot 7028. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $21,275
Lot 3490		1842 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55 Pittman. One of the very finest known of this extremely scarce date, mintage was a paltry 2,823 with few that survived. To locate a high grade coin can take years and years. This particular example boasts fully struck devices and a satiny hazy appearance on both sides. The fields and surfaces show minimal handling marks, and this is a coin most collectors will be proud to own. PCGS has graded only 2 as such, with a single coin higher of the date, which will give the buyers an idea of how truly rare this date is. Estimated Value $9,000-UP. From David Akers sale of the John J. Pittman collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,613
Lot 3491		1844-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Hazy orange gold luster on the obverse, with more coppery tones on the reverse. A fairly good strike for the issue, with all but the uppermost curls showing definition, and similar on the reverse where the usual weak culprits won out on the eagle, although the claws are sharp enough to show separation. Charolotte pounded out 11,622 in 1844, and most of these circulated down into lower grades or were melted. NGC has graded 5 as MS-61, and 2 higher, both as MS-62. PCGS has also graded 2 as MS-62, and one above as MS-63, but none as MS-61. Hence, this one is in the top 10 graded of the date, and quite important as such. Estimated Value $10,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,925
Lot 3492		1844-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. An extremely rare date in mint state grades, especially so in choice condition as seen here. The fields and devices are reflective, and show minor signs of handling and contact. Further, struck from worn or rusted dies, with peripheral roughness seen on both sides, and more areas of roughness around the eagle. As to the strike, we note some weakness on the central areas as always seen. Regardless, the coin boasts bright luster and is one of only 4 graded this high by NGC, with none higher, further, PCGS has only graded 1 this high, also with none higher. Thus, if you want one of the very finest of this date, then here it is. Estimated Value $17,500 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,375
Lot 3493		1845 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-65. Here is the finest graded coin of this date by either NGC or PCGS! The surfaces show faint contact marks mostly in the fields, and we see the usually hazy luster on both sides. Fully struck with excellent details on the obverse, especially on Liberty's top curls, and nearly full on the eagle's thigh, but strong on his neck. Interesting bisecting die crack on the reverse, just touching the left side of the first 2 in the denomination, up the eagle's thigh, neck and to the rim just left of OF. One the obverse, we note a faint crack through stars three to six. As noted, this coin is the finest graded by NGC, and we note only 2 coins graded below in MS-64, similar at PCGS where they have graded only 3 in MS-64, and none higher. A foremost opportunity for the specialist. In NGC holder #956117-004. Estimated Value $9,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,913
Lot 3494		1846-O $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. One of the very finest known of this date, and almost impossible to locate in any mint state grade. Here is a lovely choice example, the surfaces are fresh and clean, and show no significant ticks or handling marks. We see a light haze over the surfaces. Fully struck by the dies, the only signs of weakness are on the eagle's thigh, which is always weak on these early issues. Excellent luster and mint color throughout. As to the population, NGC has graded 2 this high, with 1 above as MS-64, and the finest is apparently the Pittman coin, which is NGC MS-66. PCGS has not graded any as MS-63, and only a single example as MS-64 at their top of the poll. Although 62,000 were struck, very few were saved in high grades. An important offering for the date collector. Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,650
Lot 3495		1848 $2.50 Liberty. CAL above eagle. NGC graded MS-62. One of the most important early quarter eagles of the Gold Rush, these were coined from a small amount of gold from the first shipment out of California. To mark the event, the California gold was designated for quarter eagles which were each stamped with the word "CAL." above the eagle's head on the reverse. Only 1,389 were coined, and most of those entered circulation. A few were saved in mint state, and we are proud to present one here. The surfaces show moderate handling marks, mostly in the fields, as expected for the grade. The fields are slightly prooflike, and the strike is especially sharp on the stars and curls on Liberty. NGC has graded 4 this high, with 9 graded higher of this early commemorative issue. Identifiable by a small nick at the top of the first star. Rich orange gold in color, and appealing in every way. Estimated Value $30,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $34,500
Lot 3496		1848-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Tied for the finest graded of the date by both NGC and PCGS, with a combined population of 5 coins as MS-62. Bright yellow gold with reflective surfaces on both sides. As to the strike, it is sharp for the date, with only a touch of weakness on the central curls of Liberty and the eagle's head and neck. Minor handling marks from a higher grade, but apparently this is as nice as this date comes, so don't wait for a better one. Always popular for the low mintage (16,788) and the Charlotte Mintmark. Certain to be a highlight in an advanced collection. Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,075
Lot 3497		1848-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Tied for the highest graded by either NGC or PCGS of the date! Glowing orange luster in the fields, with some haze to note the passage of time. Liberty's face is particularly clean, and the strike is exceptional, with complete knobby claws on the eagle, and full detail on the feathers of his thighs. NGC has only graded 1 coin of this date as such, and PCGS has graded 2 this high, and of course, neither service has graded any higher. If you demand one of the very finest known of this rare date, then here is a coin to acquire for your collection. In NGC holder #568461-004. Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $24,725
Lot 3498		1850 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. One of the finest graded of this date, with a PCGS Population of only 4 coins this high and a single coin graded higher (MS-65). Rich golden luster with slightly prooflike fields. We note one bagmark in the field near the fourth star, otherwise the surfaces are very nice. Sharp on all the stars, but we note minor weakness on Liberty's upper curl and on the eagle's feet on the reverse, as is typical of the period. A rare coin in this grade. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3499		1850-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61 Pittman. Bright yellow gold as usually seen on these "C" Mint coins, with fully struck devices and strong luster. One of the finest graded of the date, NGC has awarded this grade to 6 coins thus far with just 2 graded higher. We note that this piece is from the famous John J. Pittman collection, which adds measurably to the appeal. Diagnostics include die file lines on the rim near star nine and twelve. An important coin for the date or Charlotte specialist. Estimated Value $12,500-UP. From David Aker's sale of the John J. Pittman collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,350
Lot 3500		1851 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. A scarce coin in this grade, and we note clean surfaces and hazy white luster on both sides. Well struck, with just a touch of weakness on the eagle's thigh. PCGS has graded 16 this high, and importantly only 3 higher of the date. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,438
Lot 3501		1851 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Bright and fresh, with just a few traces of hairlines and virtually no signs of handling otherwise. An impressive example, and scarce this nice. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,990
Lot 3502		1852 $2.50 Liberty. One grades VF-30, the other EF-40. One has deep coppery toning while the other may have been lightly cleaned. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details	Realized $357
Lot 3503		1852-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. A rare date in any grade, we note Charlotte coined 9,772 for 1852, and most of those were circulated. Here's a remarkable exception to the usual rule, for this coin remains in mint state condition, with a sharp strike on Liberty's curls and minor weakness on the eagle's thigh. The fields are prooflike, but their reflective surfaces show moderate handling marks. Both the obverse and reverse show clash marks in the fields. As to the population, NGC has graded 4 this high, with just 1 coin graded higher as MS-62, similar at PCGS where they have graded 1 in each MS-61, 62 and the finest graded at MS-63. Certainly a highlight in this sale, and a date that is rare indeed. Estimated Value $12,500-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,375
Lot 3504		1854 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-65. The luster is especially bright on this early quarter eagle, and we note faint contact marks mostly in the fields. Liberty's face is clean and fresh, and the strike is absolutely sharp. Both the obverse and reverse show strong clash marks, with virtually all of Liberty's head outlined on the reverse, and significant portions of the eagle are seen on the obverse in the fields. NGC has graded 4 this high, with just one coin graded higher, and PCGS has graded 4 this high, with none higher. An important coin for the specialist. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,680
Lot 3505		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. A rare coin in mint state with just a dozen or so known that qualify at the lower end of the mint state curve. This particular one boasts strong stars while the centers show minor weakness below Liberty's ear and around the shield on the eagle. We note a tiny die crack from the rim up into the fraction bar. NGC has graded only 4 this high, with 6 graded higher, all MS-62. Similar at PCGS where they have graded one coin as MS-61, and one as MS-62, and we note that neither service has graded an example as MS-63 or higher of this scarce date. Estimated Value $11,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,925
Lot 3506		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. A great rarity in high grades, especially so in Mint State as seen here. Charlotte struck just 7,295 of these, virtually all of which circulated into much lower grades than seen here. We note the surfaces are a bright yellow gold color, and we see none of the haze or toning over the luster. As to the strike, this one really shines, noted expert Doug Winter wrote in his reference on the series that "Weak strikes are the rule for this date. The obverse is often blurry on the hair around Liberty's ear. The reverse is always weaker than the obverse; the center and eagle's claws are invariably very weak…." We note that the hair around Liberty's ear is fairly well struck, especially so given the date, and the reverse shows the expected softness on the eagle's thigh, claws and areas around the shield. In addition, we note a small die crack from the rim to the fraction bar on the reverse with minor collar cuds below on the extreme edge. The obverse die shows light clash marks from Liberty's nose and in front of her neck. Virtually no identifying marks on this one, there is a very short and shallow scratch left of the lower serif of the first S in STATES, and a minor tick on the post and lower serif of the F in OF, in NGC holder #289463-009. An American classic, NGC has graded only this coin as MS-60, with 4 above as MS-61, and 6 above that as MS-62, with none higher. PCGS has graded one in each MS-61 and 62, also with none higher. Rare and seldom offered in mint state grades. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,763
Lot 3507		1856-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. As always seen the planchet shows minor roughness in the fields. However, this particular coin is fairly sharp for the date, and displays only scant evidence of circulation on the high points of the design. Minor weakness can be seen on the eagle, as struck. NGC has graded 7 as AU-58, and just 2 above, both MS-60. No doubt in the top dozen of the date, and worth a strong bid. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,038
Lot 3508		1861 $2.50 Liberty. ANACS graded AU Details Net VF 30, Type 1, Repaired Whizzed. This one has some problems, we note minor surface marks in the fields and the tell tale signs of polishing. Estimated Value $125 - 175. View details	Unsold
Lot 3509		1873 $2.50 Liberty. Closed 3. Both were used as jewelry pieces, and are damaged. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $100 - 125. View details	Realized $127
Lot 3510		1877 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55. Hazy luster with a touch of coppery toning. A rare date, with a mintage of 1,652 only, few of which remain for date collectors. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,150
Lot 3511		1890 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 65. A gorgeous proof that boasts well frosted devices which show strong contrast with the orange peel mirror fields. Not only was this proof quite well made and struck, but it also is very well preserved. Superb surfaces throughout, with no bothersome handling marks or hairlines. PCGS agrees, and gave this one of its top grades. In their Population Report we note 10 graded this high, with 4 graded higher, all PR-66 from the original mintage of 93 pieces. In an old green insert PCGS holder, #4320632. During this period, the Philadelphia Mint really excelled in creating some of the most gorgeous proof coinage ever seen, on gold coins the fields possess a peculiar orange peel surface, which is both reflective and textured, and the lettering and devices are well frosted by the dies. Creating these proofs was a many step process, first the dies were dipped in either a weak acid or lightly sandblasted. This process creates the "frosted" devices seen, next the fields are polished to a fine mirror like finish, which gives the coins their unique reflectivity in the fields and contrast with the frosted devices. Only a few were struck, and often the dies were later used for normal business strike coinage. Exactly how the orange peel surface was created is not known, and it is likely a secret. Estimated Value $9,000 - 11,000. From the Michael Riordan collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $13,800
Lot 3512		1897 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Bright and frosty with bold devices and well preserved surfaces. Nearly a gem, and worth a good bid from a date or type collector. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 3513		1901 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-65. A truly lovely example of this date and grade, strong luster and a bold strike, and we note problem free surfaces. The last 1 shows recutting at the base, and a small die crack is seen through the A of STATES. Perfect for the type collector. Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,150
Lot 3514		1901 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-65. Sharp stars and nice luster, but we note the central obverse curl shows minor weakness. Well balanced for the grade, with traces of hairlines and no handling marks or nicks worth noting. Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,150
Lot 3515		1901 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. Boldly struck and well preserved. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details	Realized $575
Lot 3516		1902 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Fully struck by the dies and boasting ample mint bloom and luster. Perfect for the type collector who demands quality, a full strike and clean surfaces. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 3517		1902 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Hazy luster and well struck. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details	Realized $518
Lot 3518		1902 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Bright luster and a few minor hairlines which account for the grade. Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details	Realized $334
Lot 3519		1903 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-65. Boldly struck throughout, with excellent mint color and very clean surfaces. A gem by any standards. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,093
Lot 3520		1903 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. Bright and lustrous, with decent surfaces and we note a couple of very small specks on the reverse, both on or near the eagle. Well struck and preserved, with minimal handling marks. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 3521		1903 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. Problem free surfaces and well struck by the dies. Estimated Value $525 - 575. View details	Realized $575
Lot 3522		1903 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Sharply struck by the dies, and overlayed with a coppery gold hue. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details	Realized $460
Lot 3523		1903 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Decent surfaces for this choice grade. Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details	Realized $506
Lot 3524		1903 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Good luster and color, but we see a few tiny ticks on Liberty's face which probably account for the moderate grade. Estimated Value $275 - 300. View details	Realized $311
Lot 3525		1904 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Lovely color and luster on both the obverse and reverse. A pristine example. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $633
Lot 3526		1904 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Bright luster and sharp, but we see some hairlines. Estimated Value $200 - 225. View details	Realized $207
Lot 3527		1905 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 67. Ultimate quality for this date, there are only a few graded this high with none higher by either PCGS or NGC. We note that PCGS in their Population Report shows 3 graded as PR-67, and similar at NGC where their Population Report shows 3 graded as PF-67, out of the original mintage of 144. It is very likely that the combined population is lower than the reported 6 coins, as the two services are reporting over 200 proof coins graded from the original mintage of 144, this caused by multiple submissions of coins between the services. Struck in the all mirror finish which makes both the fields and the devices reflective. Essentially perfect surfaces, aside from some very microscopic planchet flakes, and identifiable by a tiny one just above the eagle's beak between his nostrils and eye in the field. If you demand perfection and ultimate quality, then take a look at this. In PCGS holder number 6589904. Estimated Value $15,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 3528		1905 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-65. This coin is the definition of a gem, lovely coppery color, blazing luster and totally sharp throughout. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,265
Lot 3529		1905 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. Good color and strike, with just a few ticks from gem. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 3530		1905 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. In an old green insert PCGS holder, this one has light haze and a trace of hairlines, but nice eye appeal on luster. A sharp strike, and one for the type collector or investor. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 3531		1905 $2.50 Liberty. MS-63 or better. Glowing luster and well struck, with no surface problems and virtually no signs of contact. Certain to be graded soon after this sale. Estimated Value $450 - 550. View details	Unsold
Lot 3532		1906 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 66 Cameo. Absolutely gorgeous mint color and surfaces here. Rich orange gold mirror fields polished to perfection by the dies, and maintained with loving care ever since. The devices too, are well frosted by the dies, including the stars and date as well as the lettering, enough so to earn the coveted "cameo" designation from NGC. Of course the strike is perfect, with no weak areas whatsoever. Proof mintage for the year was 160 coins, not many considering a few have been spent or lost over the years, or otherwise mishandled, chipping away at those available for collectors. Here is a high end gem for the specialist. NGC has graded 15 this high, with just 3 graded higher of the date, and in NGC holder #626602-001. Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3533		1906 $2.50 Liberty. Proof 64. A rare coin in proof, only 160 were struck and this one has been lightly cleaned. We note some residue on Liberty's head mostly around her headband and on the reverse arrows, and this could probably be removed by someone expert in those matters. All proof gold is very rare, and this sale offers a good selection for the collector. This one probably won't bring a king's ransom, but still retains the proof gold allure. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3534		1906 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Orange gold with a trace of haze over luster. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details	Realized $575
Lot 3535		1906 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Fully struck by the dies, with a delicate copper tone in the fields over the luster. Appealing for the grade. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details	Realized $506
Lot 3536		1907 $2.50 Liberty. Proof 62. Minor hairlines from a higher grade, and this one boasts plenty of eye appeal for the collector. From an old collection which has been off the market for many years. Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,990
Lot 3537		1907 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-66. Outstanding color and surfaces for this date, with blazing luster. In an older green insert PCGS holder, with a light layer of haze. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 3538		1907 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-65. Coppery gold toning over mint-fresh luster. Another well struck example of the Coronet quarter eagle series. Super clean fields and surfaces, keeping this one high in the gem class. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,380

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