Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 37

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Buffalo Nickels

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1382		1913 Buffalo Nickel. Type 1. NGC graded Proof 65. A two toned gem. While Mint State examples are occasionally available through the near-Gem level, Gem Proofs are surprisingly elusive. This is a smooth matte finish, lightly patinated survivor that is indicative of an even higher grade. 1,520 proofs minted. An immediate question that arose following the arrival of the first Proofs of the new nickel was the identity of the obverse model. Pressed for an answer, designer James Earle Fraser eventually felt compelled to respond: he revealed the names of Iron Tail, a Sioux, and Two Moons, a Cheyenne, as being among the three models engaged. His memory failed him on the identity of the third, but the most reliable evidence suggests that the third model was Big Tree, a Kiowa. (For a detailed account of this fascinating coin, see David W. Lange's The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 1383		1913 Buffalo Nickel. Type 1. PCGS graded MS-67. Well struck and attractively toned. A superb gem (PCGS # 3915) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 1384		1913 Buffalo Nickel. Type 1. PCGS graded MS-67. A superb well struck gem that exhibits natural delicate pastel toning. Pop 333; 8 finer by a point (PCGS # 3915) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 1385		1913 Buffalo Nickel. Type 1. NGC graded MS-67. Well struck and nicely toned. Estimated Value $700 - 750. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 1386		1913 Buffalo Nickel. Type 1. NGC graded MS-67. A richly toned example. Estimated Value $700 - 750. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $863
Lot 1387		1913 Buffalo Nickel. Type 1. NGC graded MS-67. A superb well struck gem that exhibits a natural blending of pale violet and light golden toning. Pop 191; 33 finer. Estimated Value $700 - 750. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 1388		1913 Buffalo Nickel. Type 2. NGC graded Proof 65. A brilliant untoned Matte Proof gem. Only 1514 proofs made. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,696
Lot 1389		1913 Buffalo Nickel. Type 2. NGC graded Proof 65. A fully brilliant white gem specimen. A total of 1514 matte proofs struck. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,610
Lot 1390		1914 Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 66. Delicately toned. A satiny gem with a wealth of underlying satiny luster on its medium champagne surfaces. Nicely struck in all areas with just outstanding detail at the lowest outline of the shoulder pelt on the reverse and the central hair braid on the Indian, two areas where the business strike coins fail to strike adequately. A lovely Proof coin. Only 1,275 proofs minted. Pop 102; 62 finer. (PCGS # 3991) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,013
Lot 1391		1914 Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 65. A delicately toned gem exhibiting hues of violet and gold. Only 1275 proofs struck (PCGS # 3991) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,725
Lot 1392		1914 Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded Proof 65. A well struck gem with just a hint of light golden toning. Only 1275 matte proofs struck. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 1393		1914-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-66. Well struck with original toning. Although pretty much brilliant, the smooth, satiny surfaces show a decided tinge of iridescent toning cast at certain angles. Unlike the general run of 1914-D nickels of this caliber, the strike is thoroughly convincing in all places, even where some weakness is usually found at the bridge of Liberty's nose and on the shoulder of the bison. Scarce in this outstanding grade.Pop 34; 4 finer in 67. (PCGS # 3925) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,990
Lot 1394		1915 Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded Proof 67. Untoned. An hard to believe array of luster supports bright vibrant highlights on this superb Proof. Nicely struck with the design razor-sharp, and comparable to the best preserved high-end specimens of this date. The reverse of James Earle Fraser's five-cent piece is memorable in its profile view of a bison bull. In recalling this particular work, Fraser spoke of its unique character: "My first objective was to produce a coin which was truly American, and that could not be confused with the currency of any other country. I made sure, therefore, to use none of the attributes that other nations had used in the past. And, in my search for symbols, I found no motif within the boundaries of the United States so distinctive as the American buffalo." 1,050 proofs minted. Pop 31; 6 finer. Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,900. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,990
Lot 1395		1915 Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded Proof 66. A gem, mostly untoned, matte proof example. Only 1050 proofs struck. Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,725
Lot 1396		1915 Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded Proof 65. Light greyish-violet toning. Only 1050 matte proofs struck. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 1397		1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-64. Boldly struck with nice lovely toning on both sides. Should be cracked out and submitted for a MS-65 grade. Important rarity. Due to the economy's almost insatiable need for small circulating coins during the final boom years of World War I, "The War to Make the World Safe for Democracy," the Engraving Department at the Philadelphia Mint was snowed under in the production of both 1917 and 1918-dated nickel dies in the final months of 1917. In order to produce as many working dies to the branch mint at Denver as quickly as possible for the facility's 1918 production, the Philadelphia Mint took a 1917-dated obverse die and, without realizing its mistake, gave it a second impression from a 1918-dated hub. The Denver Mint took this obverse die, paired it with a reverse die (that has a slightly left leaning D mintmark -- diagnostic), and produced an unknown but fairly small number of 1918/7-D Buffalo nickels. Most examples seen today grade Very Good or Fine, and it is likely that the overdate went unnoticed until years after its release. PCGS lists more than several dozen Mint State 1918/7-D nickels in its Population Report, several of which probably represent resubmissions. This near-Gem is bettered by only three Mint State 65 examples, but judging by aesthetic standards, its eye appeal alone earns its place in the Condition Census for this key overdate. Sharp and lustrous, extremely sharp, in fact; the surfaces are smooth enough to handle an even higher grade. Warm russet to orange colors put the last touches on this coin's long list of affirmative qualities. A highlight of the present sale, we think bidders will agree, and among the more beautifully toned 1918/7-D nickels our auction firm has handled in a long while. Pop 27; 3 in 65. (PCGS # 3939) . Estimated Value $75,000 - 95,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $115,000
Lot 1398		1918-S Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded MS-65. A splendid example and a much better strike than usually seen. The surfaces shimmer with satin-like luster with just a hint of natural pale rose tone visiual when titled toward a light source. NGC reports only 9 at this level with none higher. Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,950
Lot 1399		1918-S Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded MS-65. A spot-free gem. Lightly toned. Unstoppable luster erupts flamboyantly beneath the light nickel gray highlights, while gusts of faint toning form an aura at the edges of the design elements of this satiny gem. The strike is strong for 1918-S save for a limited area of lightness at the bison's shoulder. A key issue in this condition, since only a few have survived the rigors of time. Notice the low census: Pop 9; none finer. Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $15,238
Lot 1400		1918-S Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-64. A lustrous spot-free example exhibiting lovely original mint color throughout. PCGS reports 172 at this level with 27 in 65 and 1 in 66 (PCGS # 3940) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,520
Lot 1401		1919 Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-66. A splendid gem specimen with delicate rainbow toning (PCGS # 3941) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 1402		1920 Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-66. A light steel-blue gem. Pop 96; 8 in 67 (PCGS # 3944) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 1403		1920-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-64. A satiny gem and lightly toned. Among the more poorly defined issues in the series, this scintillating Denver Mint example breaks out of that mould and displays uncommon sharpness on all but the highest points of the design. Even the normal softness on the bison is nearly absent. Both sides are graced by beautiful toning. Pop 197; 47 finer. (PCGS # 3945) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,013
Lot 1404		1923 Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded MS-67. Lightly toned. A lock-solid frosty gem with superb primary luster and rich toned highlights on both sides. More than adequately struck for the date, indeed 100%, since this P-mint issue usually is, and we admire a coin that gets points where fullness of design is concerned. Pop 7; none finer. Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,800. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,220
Lot 1405		1923-S Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded MS-64. Toned on both sides. Lively luster plays host on the satiny surfaces to the nice blend of colors, likely "album toning" from the balanced measure of the color. Jumping right to the Lange reference, we note the author's observation that a collector may "await the few well struck coins that sometimes appear," meaning that these weren't carefully made as a rul. A collector could do far worse than the present lovely MS64 when you select a 1923-S Buffalo for your set! Pop 259; 25 finer; 22 in 65; 3 in 66. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1406		1923-S Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded MS-64. Medium uniform greyish-violet toning on both sides. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,438
Lot 1407		1926-S Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded MS-65 Star. Magnificent! Exquisite rainbow toning on both sides. An eye-poppingly beautiful, immaculately preserved, and lustrous Gem that has lovely mint bloom that seesaws with every angle. Where a collector might expect to see the usual deviation in the sharp relief (1926-S is typically soft), mainly in the centers of the coin where the design often failed to completely fill the dies, this standout MS65 takes the opposite road by being boldness personified! Watch the bidders take this on up as the tension mounts to the final "last call" of bidding! Only 970,000 coins minted. Pop 1; 1 finer in 66. Estimated Value $45,000 - 50,000. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $51,750
Lot 1408		1926-S Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-64. Light even toning. Smooth toned luster on very choice nickel-gray surfaces. A touch of weakness is seen at the bison's shoulder on the reverse, but here it is probably that the dies were spaced just far enough apart to prevent stronger metal flow in that area; the obverse details are generally better than average while there is a sharp head and horn on the bison. Light streaks of natural toning on the reverse. Key date in high uncirculated grade. Pop 116; 10 finer in 65. (PCGS # 3959) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 23,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1409		1926-S Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded EF-45. A nice full horn shows. Popular scarce date. Estimated Value $675 - 725. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 1410		1927-S Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded MS-64. Rainbow toning on both sides. Wonderful old "album toning" at the rim and especially across the reverse. Highly lustrous and largely glistening with warm toning highlights on both sides. Nearly fully struck, as well, with just the faintest touch of weakness at the curve of the bison's shoulder coat soft in addition to the head and horn. Scarce San Francisco Mint issue. Pop 114; 12 finer; 10 in 65; 1 in 65 Star; 1 in 66 Star. Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,140
Lot 1411		1928 Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded MS-67. A fully struck satiny mint example. This untoned beauty is platinum grey in color and is absolutely superb in all regards. NGC reports only 5 at this level with none finer. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,760
Lot 1412		1928-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-65. A gorgeous golden gem. Pop 265; 28 in 66 (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $719
Lot 1413		1928-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-65. A golden gem specimen (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $719
Lot 1414		1928-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-65. Another golden gem example (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $748
Lot 1415		1928-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-65. Another gorgeous golden gem (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $730
Lot 1416		1928-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-65. Rich golden mint luster (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $730
Lot 1417		1928-D. PCGS graded MS-65. Nice original gold toning. Pop 265; 28 in 66 (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $742
Lot 1418		1928-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-65. Light golden toning (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $730
Lot 1419		1928-D (5). PCGS graded each MS-65. A matched group of 5 golden gems, all spot-free. Lot of 5 coins (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,565
Lot 1420		1928-D (4). PCGS graded all MS-65. Each is a spot-free golden mint gem. PCGS reports 267 with 28 finer by a point. Lot of 4 coins (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,600. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,933
Lot 1421		1928-D (3). PCGS graded each MS-65. Each is a golden spot-free gem. Lot of 3 coins (PCGS # 3964) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,185
Lot 1422		1929-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-65. A beauty exhibiting delicate pastel toning (PCGS # 3967) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1423		1936 Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded Brilliant Proof 67. A splendid delicately toned gem! Virtually ice-white fields spread light in every direction from the shimmering mirror reflection. Sometimes on this issue, the devices that were left by the dies are short of the required watery mirror precision due to weak die pressure or careless polishing of the dies, but we find the opposite to be the case here, everything is glowing, including the centers. 4,420 proofs minted. Pop 75; 14 finer. Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,100. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 1424		1936 Buffalo Nickel. Type 1. PCGS graded Proof 67. Delicately toned. A fresh gem that spares no compromises with its rich iridescence on both sides. Strike is much sharper than average for the issue, this being one of the early Satin Proofs described as Type or Variety #1. Bidders who are patrolling the auction circuit or Ebay listings are sure to come across it and toss in a firm bid. 4,420 proofs minted. Pop 210; 26 finer. (PCGS # 3994) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,100. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,128
Lot 1425		1936. Type 1. Satin. PCGS graded Proof 66. Satin Proof finish. Attractive light multi-color toning on both sides (PCGS # 3994) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 1426		1936 Buffalo Nickel. Type 2. NGC graded Proof 66. Type 2 Brilliant finish. A hint of delicate pale blue toning adds to its appeal. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 1427		1936. Type 1. Satin. PCGS graded Proof 66. The Type 1 Satin proof finish. A lightly toned gem (PCGS # 3994) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 1428		1937 Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded Proof 68. Untoned. 5,769 proofs minted.Wonderful lustrous surfaces are flourishing with rich nickel-silver brilliance. Well struck for the date, of course, with razor-sharpness on the reverse as well as the Indian's portrait. Bright Proof 68 examples of this date are rare: Pop 30; 2 finer in 68 Star. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,025
Lot 1429		1937 Buffalo Nickel. NGC graded Proof 67. Lovely rainbow toning on both sides. A superb gem specimen. Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,070
Lot 1430		1937 Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 67. Untoned. Full mint brilliance. A vibrant gem. Nothing subtle about the underlying luster here. Everything is enveloped in bright nickel-white iridescence. A pleasing example of the final Proof date, not often available, but with sufficient resources, a collector can acquire a nice one with a little patience. It appears that even the artist who designed this piece, James Earle Fraser, preferred the familiar term "buffalo" to the more zoologically correct bison. Semantics aside, the model for the nickel's reverse is known to have been a bull named Black Diamond (PCGS # 3996) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,530
Lot 1431		1937 Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 66. Beautiful toning with some light obverse colors. For the date, a purely original, fantastically toned gem with deep reflective luster on both sides forcefully showing through. Attractively struck as well, without the least hint of softness at the buffalo's hide, head, or tail. A gem! 5,769 coins struck (PCGS # 3996) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645

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