Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 17

Coin Auction

U.S. Gold $5 (1796-1838)

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1990		$5 Capped Bust. 1796, 6 over 5. Small eagle, B-9I, M-16, R-4. NGC graded MS-62. Always in strong demand as a date and type coin, and very difficult to locate in full mint state grades. The surfaces show the expected light handling marks, but they are not too distracting. Fairly well struck, but we note the upper device points are not quite full although the stars are all sharp. Bright and untoned, with luster in the protected areas. NGC has graded 4 this high, with 5 graded higher (best MS-65), and PCGS has graded 2 as MS-62 with just one higher as MS-63. A delightful coin for the specialist. Estimated Value $50,000 - 65,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1991		$5 Capped Bust. 1798. Large eagle, large 8, 13 star reverse, Breen 1-B, Miller-25, Rarity-4+. EF-40. Reported to be quite common by Walter Breen, who gave this variety only a Rarity-3 rating, subsequent research has shown it to be scarcer, and this die pairing is now regarded as a high Rarity-4 by the research conducted by Harry Bass and the staff at Bowers and Merena. In particular, this coin shows minor hairlines and handling ticks from brief circulation, and the surfaces have a hazy appearance. Traces of adjustment marks above the date, but these are very faint at best. Surprisingly well struck considering the shattered state of both the obverse and reverse die, with no signs of weakness on the devices. One of the most peculiar features of this coin is the strong die line below the date. Breen stated that it was his belief that this was a guide line cut into the die by the ailing Mint Engraver Robert Scot, the guide lines purpose was to help locate the base of the date punches while the die was being engraved. Several additional traces of this guide line can be seen on the obverse near the dentils on the left side, and traces continue above RT of LIBERTY, perhaps as a guide for the placement of the lettering there as well. We tend to agree with Breen that this broken line is a guide line cut into the die for layout purposes instead of calling these lines die cracks as others have done. In the superb Harry Bass Foundation notes (harrybassfoundation.org) this particular variety Breen 1-B is seen and these lines are described as die cracks in the detail notes posted on their web page. The obverse die shows cracks, two to the first star, one of which continues up into the left field, and another branch up the back of her curls just touching her cap where it takes a right turn for a few millimeters, and then extends vertically again up through the top of Liberty's cap to the rim above. Rim crumbling is seen above star four and eight. The reverse die displays even more cracks, one from the rim to the left wing, third feather down towards the center, another down from the rim through the second S of STATES to the eagle's eye and below, another through the top feather of the right wing, above the wing through the two stars behind the eagle's head, his neck, and seems to stop as it touches the left side of the ribbon, and another crack from the lower rim up through the end of the branch stem, up through the shield into the eagle's neck. Most of these cracks seem to join up on or near the eagle's neck. One less developed crack extends from one arrow point up into the shield to the B of PLURIBUS, and faintly towards the N of UNITED. Rim crumbling below the left two feathers of the eagle's tail. Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,700. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on May 29, 1944 for $40.00 as "uncirculated". View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,200
Lot 1992		$5 Capped Bust. 1800. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck in natural greenish-color gold and free from adjustment marks or other deterrents worthy of note. Plenty of frosty mint luster resides on the surfaces of both sides. A very choice example of the popular Capped Bust to Right design (PCGS # 8082) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,650
Lot 1993		$5 Capped Bust. 1802, 2 over 1, B-2I, M-54, R-4. NGC graded MS-64. This is a very attractive example of this overdate. The surfaces are fully brilliant and the strike is fairly sharp on all but the tiny claw on the eagle which holds the arrows. There is some minor planchet roughness on the lower reverse, and this was caused during the casting and rolling of the original sheet of gold from which the planchets were cut. Bright yellow gold in color. We note some light clash marks near the first few stars by Liberty's lower curls and a thin die crack through UNI. Tied with several others in the condition census for this date, the combined NGC and PCGS population reports show 29 graded as MS-64, and only 1 coin graded higher at MS-66. An important offering as such, and very difficult to improve upon. Estimated Value $17,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $19,550
Lot 1994		$5 Capped Bust. 1802, 2 over 1. PCGS graded MS-63. A very boldly struck specimen with full hair and star detail and completely free from adjustment marks. We note a small mint caused stratch from the R in AMERICA to the eagle's wing feather, and a couple of similar marks on the reverse in the area around the stars. This coin is ablaze with frosty mint lustre and as such should be well contested (PCGS # 8083) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,075
Lot 1995		$5 Capped Bust. 1802, 2 over 1. PCGS graded AU-58. Well struck and very sharp throughout. We note some fine scratches before the face of Liberty in the unprotected field and below BE in LIBERTY (PCGS # 8083) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 1996		$5 Capped Bust. 1803, 3 over 2, Breen 1-C, Miller-56, Rarity-4. PCGS graded AU-58. Appealing coppery gold toning over the lustrous fields, the strike shows minor weakness on Liberty's forecurl and on the lower left claw and shield above, partially due to minor adjustment marks in the shield. Clean surfaces on the obverse, the reverse with one short mark in the shield, and another extending through the tail both directions. The reverse has a light die crack through the top third of TED. From a collecting standpoint, this one boasts nearly mint state surfaces and appeal for a discounted price because of the minor wear from what an uncirculated coin would command (PCGS # 8084) . Estimated Value $3,700 - 4,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on May 8, 1944 for $22.50. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,038
Lot 1997		$5 Capped Bust. 1804. Small 8. PCGS graded AU-58. Well struck with good central details and free from noticable problems. A late die state with a bisecting crack from the 0 in the date thru 12 o'clock. Plenty of mint luster remains on both sides (PCGS # 8085) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900
Lot 1998		$5 Capped Bust. 1804. Small 8 over large 8, Breen 1-A, Miller-59, R-6. PCGS graded MS-63. Satiny luster on both sides and fairly well struck. We note some light adjustment marks on the lower reverse rim. A perfect type coin for the collector. The 8 over 8 feature is quite bold, and we also note that the 1 and the 0 in the date are recut. On the reverse, the die shows several cracks, one through the U to the rim at the right wing tip, another from the D to the wing, and yet another from the rim to the A of STATES. The reverse die also shows clash marks. A very pleasing coin in every way (PCGS # 8086) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1999		$5 Capped Bust. 1804. Small 8 over large 8. PCGS graded AU-58. A most attractive example, boldly struck throughout with natural orange color overtones. A very desiarable example of the so-called "blundered date"obverse (PCGS # 8086) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,635
Lot 2000		$5 Capped Bust. 1805. PCGS graded AU-58. Boldly struck throughout the central portions of the obverse although a bit soft about the outside borders. Very lustrous pale golden surfaces with a touch of russet overtones (PCGS # 8088) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 2001		$5 Capped Bust. 1806. Pointed 6, 8X5 Stars, B 1-A. Miller-75, High Rarity-4. PCGS graded MS-64. Satiny luster throughout with just a touch of light toning starting to form in the fields. The obverse is fairly well struck, with sharp stars and most of the curls on Liberty full save for a few at the center. On the reverse, we note light adjustment marks which are visible at the center. As expected, the surfaces are clean, with scattered ticks from careful handling over the decades. Perfect for the type collector who needs this difficult early half eagle (PCGS # 8090) . Estimated Value $30,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $31,050
Lot 2002		$5 Capped Bust. 1806. Pointed 6. PCGS graded AU-58. 8 x 5 Stars. The obverse is nice and bold and we note some softness in the central portion of the reverse. The surfaces are nice and lustrous, suggestive in fact of an even higher grade. Struck in greenish color gold with some tone in the protected areas about the devices (PCGS # 8090) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,475
Lot 2003		$5 Capped Bust. 1806. Round 6, 7X6 stars. PCGS graded MS-62. Light yellow gold in color and with minimal marks considering the moderate grade assigned. A nice type coin for the collector, with problem free surfaces and no real distractions (PCGS # 8089) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,188
Lot 2004		$5 Capped Bust. 1806. Round 6. PCGS graded AU-58. 7 x 6 Stars. A far better than average strike for this issue as the centers always appear weak. This example is loaded with frosty mint luster and is free from any serious marks or other detractions. Worthy of a premium bid for the grade (PCGS # 8089) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 2005		$5 Capped Bust. 1807. Bust right. PCGS graded AU-58. Ablaze with enough mint luster as to be suggestive of a full mint state grade. We note some fine adjustment marks thru the central portions of the obverse noticeable only with the aid of magnification. Attractive greenish-golden color with some orange overtones on the reverse (PCGS # 8092) . Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,520
Lot 2006		$5 Capped Draped Bust. 1807. Bust left. PCGS graded MS-64. Gorgeous coppery toning around the periphery and with abundant luster in the fields. Sharply struck as well, with no signs of weakness or adjustment marks on either side. Handling marks are at a minimum here and this one deserves its lofty grade. First year of the new John Reich design, and lovingly cared for since the day it was struck (PCGS # 8101) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $21,850
Lot 2007		$5 Capped Draped Bust. 1807. Bust left, Breen 5-D, Miller-101, R-3. PCGS graded AU-53. Hazy gold surfaces over traces of luster near the lettering and devices. Well struck for this new type issue, and problem free throughout. We note the curious signature star that was probably used by John Reich to "sign" his die handiwork, which is the notched star on the lower right obverse by Liberty's lowest curl. The outer point is notched on several varieties, and these are attributed to the designer Reich. Another great collector coin (PCGS # 8101) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on May 8, 1944 for $22.50. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,910
Lot 2008		$5 Capped Draped Bust. 1808. NGC graded MS-60. Coppery toning over luster and appealing. Minor peripheral adjustment marks on the reverse, and more appealing than the moderate grade would imply. Estimated Value $3,750 - 4,250. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,830
Lot 2009		$5 Capped Draped Bust. 1810. Small date, large 5, Breen 2-d, Miller-113, R-4. PCGS graded MS-64. A well struck example of this popular variety. The surfaces show areas of light of coppery gold toning, especially on the reverse. We note that the obverse is sharply struck as expected, and all the stars show full central points and all of Liberty's curls are complete. On the reverse we note adjustment marks going different directions, mostly at the rims and all fairly faint. One small die crack from A2 through the wing to the top of the scroll is noted, and on the obverse from stars three to six is another minor die crack. PCGS has graded 7 this high, with just a single coin graded higher of this major and important variety (PCGS # 8106) . Estimated Value $30,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $28,750
Lot 2010		$5 Capped Head. 1813. PCGS graded MS-61. A most eye-appealing coin for the grade due to its rich golden-orange mint color. The strike is nice and full and the frosty mint surfaces exhibit only the most trivial of contact marks. This beauty is worthy of a premium bid (PCGS # 8116) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,613
Lot 2011		$5 Capped Head. 1813. Breen 1-A, Miller-119, Rarity-5. Sharpness of EF-40 but the obverse is scratched. There are some unfortunate light pin scratches in the right obverse field, and a small dig above the fifth star near the edge. Well struck and still appealing despite its problems. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed's auction of December 2, 1944 as lot 1078 for $38.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 2012		$5 Capped Head. 1831. Small 5 D. Breen 1, Miller-160, Rarity-6. Sharpness of Fine-15 but solder on the edge and scratches. There are traces of a mount on the edge on the upper left of the obverse, and several additional marks on the surfaces can be seen with a glass. A couple of rim marks on the lower obverse edge, and a long low area in the left obverse field where something may have been removed. On the reverse, there are some scratches below the right wing of the eagle. Copper toning and one for the album collector. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400. From the Benson collection and purchased from "Green" on September 26, 1946 for $100.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,060
Lot 2013		$5 Classic Head. 1834. Plain 4. PCGS graded MS-63. Rich coppery gold toning around the periphery and very lustrous. This one has a decent strike, including all but the most central raised devices. PCGS has graded 35 this high, with 39 a notch above, and just 3 above that grade. A scarce type coin (PCGS # 8171) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,038
Lot 2014		$5 Classic Head. 1836. AU-53. Great color and surfaces for the grade, and this one must have been put away for many years. Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $891
Lot 2015		$5 Classic Head. 1838. PCGS graded AU-50. This is the large arrows variety. Normal surfaces for the grade, with excellent details on Liberty and traces of luster in the fields. We note an interesting centering dot located within Liberty's ear. Fully struck and problem free, and a coin which hasn't left the bank vault in nearly 59 years! As original as possible (PCGS # 8176) . Estimated Value $500 - 600. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed as VF+ in April, 1944 for $12.50. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $863
Lot 2016		$5 Classic Head. 1838. ANACS graded EF-45. A nice coin for the grade with minimal circulation marks and some luster. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details	Realized $460
Lot 2017		$5 Classic Head. 1838-C. PCGS graded AU-50. A rare date in this grade, and especially so well preserved. The obverse Mintmark is always popular, and the Kneass design is difficult to locate from this Mint. Typical surfaces for the grade, with glowing reflective fields and a good strike on Liberty and the eagle. In an older green insert PCGS holder (PCGS # 8177) . Estimated Value $7,500 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,488