Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 37

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$2.50 Liberty

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1763		1840 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 50. Nice golden toning. First year type coin. Should be called "The Little Prince". 1841 is called "The Little Princess" Mint States of the 1840 Quarter Eagle show up regularly due to release of a small hoard fifteen years ago, but in Proof the coin is another breed of cat! Evenly balanced mirror radiance grips the smooth and dynamic golden surfaces. What also sparks our interest is the varying hues of warm orange gold color that mingle effortless across the rich gold iridescence. An attractive Proof that shows off its bold strike proudly. About the only point of departure from 100% razor-sharpness might be the 6th star, the one above Liberty's coronet point, which was insufficiently punched onto the planchet by the die. (An alternate possibility is that this star was not impressed into the die as deeply as the others, which does occur on numerous other American gold coins.) Be that as it may, virtually every point on the obverse is crisply delineated. As far as the reverse goes, the eagle shows substantial detail in the wing feathers, though less so on the neck and the leg and claw holding the branch. Bold rims and full rim dentils on either side, without even a suggestion of rim breaks or nicks found in this key area. PCGS serial #06559500. For starters, the much talked-about 1841 Proof of this denomination has been called "The Little Princess" by generations of adoring collectors and numismatists. If that is the case, then it seems only fitting to call the even rarer 1840 Proof "The Little Prince" - a nickname we expect will, in time, be included in numismatic reference books similar to the grand old tome, Breen's complete encyclopedia. Pop 1: The only one graded; two known the other is in the Smithsonian. (PCGS # 7866) . First year of the new design. Even Christian Gobrecht probably never suspected that his version of the quarter-eagle design would outlive him by over 60 years, becoming one of the most familiar and unchanging national concepts since the Spanish Pillar Dollar. Ever since late 1834, first chief engraver William Kneass and then Gobrecht had been experimenting with designs of all U.S. coin denominations, trying to reach a version of each which would remain satisfactory for ensuing decades. The head Gobrecht adopted for eagles in 1839 was reduced and modified for half eagles and quarter eagles, in the latter requiring no noticeable changes. Not even the adoption of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST (1866) was to affect quarter eagles, which looked in 1907 very much as in 1840. The reverse may have been by Robert Ball Hughes. (Breen Proofs encyclopedia refers to three 1840 quarter eagles, one of which is permanently impounded in the nation museum: "Quarter Eagle. Only one variety in proofs. Small date as on the small silver, half cents, & c. (1) Smithsonian, from Mint (impaired). (2) T. L. Gaskill, NN 48:217, also impaired. (3) N.Y. Specialist."). Estimated Value $100,000 - 125,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1764		1840-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Boldly struck and nicely toned. A strong Condition Census rarity and a very impressive piece from any viewpoint. Sharply struck throughout, both sides are covered with rich "old gold" color in the forms of reddish-orange patina. Display also is bright underlying mint frost with a slightly flat stars except for a few at the top. The surfaces on each side are free of the usual numerous tiny abrasions that affect this issue, the only noticeable mark being one on the top bar of the second T of STATES; no others really stand out as worthy of individual mention. There is what appears to be a small mint-caused lamination defect at the rim above E of AMERICA. Only 12,822 coins minted. Pop 5; 4 finer; 1 in 62; 3 in 63. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1765		1840-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-53. Lovely golden toning with reflective surfaces. Somewhat lustrous on both sides. The 1840-D was minted to the extent of only 3,523 pieces. Its importance is parallel to that of the 1840-C issue, except that the 1840-D is typically found more worn and, as if that were not enough, is usually unsuccessfully struck. The present specimen is attractive for the issue and is about a match for some recently sold AU55 and AU58 examples. Pop 3; 4 finer; 1 in 55; 2 in 58; 1 in 61. (PCGS # 7719) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1766		1842-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Lightly toned. Among the finest known examples of this rare and at one time unappreciated Dahlonega quarter eagle, one of just 4,643 pieces produced and with a current population of perhaps only 50 to 60 coins. The surfaces are very overlaid with "antique gold" toning, through and through they display a wonderful appearance. Not uncommon for this elusive issue, the strike is relatively robust, with the only evidence of soft striking found on the eagle's neck and leg feathers. Some of the original luster is intact under the toning and blushes of coppery color are seen here and there over each side. A coin that the next owner will respect very highly. Pop 7; 14 finer; 9 in 58; 4 in 61; 1 in 62. Estimated Value $10,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1767		1842-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-50. A nicely preserved light golden color specimen with faint orange zephyr-like wisps of toning and luster on both sides. Nicely struck for the date, an early D-mint rarity, certainly much finer than the few seen for sale in recent decades. Only 4,643 pieces were struck, with fewer than 100 examples known today. This date is most often seen in the Very Fine or Extremely Fine grade range, and it is unlikely that more than a dozen or so exist in AU. As we've pointed out, the strike is far above average for the issue and may be considered among the best on any 1842-D. The obverse is almost completely struck up; the reverse has average central details, which is very better for an issue that is generally seen with a sunken, incomplete appearance. A key opportunity that the gold specialist should not neglect. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1768		1842-O $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Lightly toned. A well struck example featuring broad, square rims on either side. Sharp centers as well, with pleasing "old gold" surfaces. A rarity. Only 19,800 struck. Pop 20; 13 finer. Estimated Value $4,700 - 5,000. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,635
Lot 1769		1843-C $2.50 Liberty. Small date, crosslet 4. NGC graded MS-61. Untoned and a nice strike. Some luster still evident. 2,988 minted. Pop 3; 2 finer in 62. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1770		1843-C $2.50 Liberty. Small date, crosslet 4. SEGS graded MS-63 Prooflike. Lightly cleaned but all the same a desirable addition to any branch mint collection of early C and D mint gold quarter eagles. Our grade MS-60. Estimated Value $16,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1771		1843-C $2.50 Liberty. Small date, crosslet 4. NGC graded AU-58. A hint of light toning. The dates on these attractive Coronet Head design (1840-1907) quarter eagles were small in the years 1840-1843; later that latter year the mint changed to a larger size. The 1843-C Small Date, with its minuscule mintage, is by far the rarer of the two 1843 Charlotte varieties, the Large Date mintage being 23,076 pieces. Southern mint gold expert Douglas Winter believes that just 50 to 60 examples of the Small Date variety have survived in all grades. The present Small Date example exhibits warm yellow-gold patination with "antique" orange overtones, and glinting luster at the devices. The design elements are well detailed, save for softness in Liberty's hair over the forehead, in the feathers on the eagle's neck and legs, and on the right claw. Virtually nothing in the way of marks are noted, nor are there bothersome rim nicks. A simply gorgeous, eye appealing quarter eagle. Only 2,988 coins minted. Pop 13; 6 finer; 1 in 60; 3 in 61; 2 in 62. Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1772		1843-O $2.50 Liberty. Large date, plain 4. NGC graded AU-55. Rarely seen better. This handsome lightly circulated example has luster around the devices plus original toning. The broad rims are a hallmark of New Orleans coinage of the early 1840s. 76,000 minted. Pop 13; 39 finer. Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,600. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 1773		1844-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. A hint of light toning. The 1844-C is one of the most elusive Charlotte quarter eagles, and a trouble to find in high levels of preservation, just ask around. A fire at the North Carolina Mint on July 28, 1844 forced a shut down until early 1846. A classic rarity in all Uncirculated grades, the present specimen displays naturally toned greenish to yellow-gold surfaces and a decided lovely look of "old gold." The clean appearance seems to account for the beauty of the piece, and its Mint State assessment solid, without questions. Bidders should avail themselves of this fleeting opportunity, for this numismatic treasure deserves a carefully considered bid. Only 11,622 coins minted. Pop 4; 5 finer in 62. Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1774		1844-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck. Light golden toning. Mint luster evident. It seems that most examples of this date are well struck, this piece shows noticeable boldness in the strike at the centers, which counts for a lot in today's quality-demanding marketplace. Moreover, this is such a fresh and beautiful coin that any diminishment in the luster or color could be overlooked. The fact is, there IS no diminishment at all. The coin is outstanding. Both sides have beautiful, original yellow-gold color that deepens to pale orange-gold in places. Scuffs and marks are absent. Eye-appeal is in the ascendancy. And while the 1844-D is the second most common Dahlonega quarter eagle in high grades, it is very rare in Mint State. Perhaps 30 are known and graded by third party graders, with obvious duplication from resubmitting the same coin to several services. The finest graded by NGC are in Mint State 63. Only 17,332 coins minted. Pop 7; 13 finer; 7 in 62; 6 in 63. Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,763
Lot 1775		1845-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. A nice strike and untoned. A prize specimen, which puts it among the "finest known" since NGC reports only 2 finer. The coin is a far above average strike, and is of bright greenish yellow gold. The possibility of a finer grade for it always hovers in the background, plus the sharpness of strike, plus the general rarity of the issue combines to make this a landmark opportunity for the Dahlonega Mint specialist. On the 1845-D, the obverse date logotype is extremely close to the neck truncation on Liberty. In addition, the logotype punched more deeply into the die at the first part of the date (18) than toward the end, no doubt reflective of hand processes in die making in the mid-19th century. 19,460 coins minted. Pop 4; 2 finer; 1 in 62; 1 in 63. Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1776		1845-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. Nicely toned. Production of quarter eagles at Dahlonega remained steady middle years of this decade. Slightly fewer than 20,000 1845-D quarter eagles were minted, of which around 200 pieces are traced today. This presentable AU58 piece is characterized by warm orange-gold color atop clean, semi-lustrous surfaces. It shows a typical strike for the date, with only minor weakness at the centers; the borders are fully detailed. The surfaces show no marks of significance. 19,460 coins minted. Pop 15; 4 finer; 1 in 61; 2 in 62; 1 in 63. (PCGS # 7738) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1777		1846 $2.50 Liberty. SEGS graded MS-61. With some light scratches. Our grade AU-58. The scratches are really minor in the overall appearance which has bold relief, much luster, choice rims, among other primary qualities. Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,783
Lot 1778		1846-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. A hint of light toning with luster. 4,808 coins minted. A few flat stars on the obverse; centers sharper than average though by no means complete on the eagle; Liberty's hair is complete, however, with full raised detail including the beaded hair cord, the "bun", and the lovelock which dangles below the ear. There is a thin line between the 11th and 12th stars that can be used for identification. Very scarce in all grades due to the low mintage; scarcer still to the point of great rarity at the Mint State level. Even though it successfully reopened after the July 28, 1844 fire, the Charlotte mint managed to strike only 4,808 quarter eagles in 1846. The average collector will never own one of these. The advanced collector, no matter how in earnest, may wait months, even years, to acquire an acceptable high-grade example. This prized, condition rarity belongs in a first class collection of Charlotte gold coinage. Pop 2; 1 in 63. Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1779		1846-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-50. Yellow green color. Extremely well made with full detail on the obverse and reverse and just a carefully preserved by its former owners, true numismatists all. Both sides have a natural toned type of color that is definitely "old gold" in hue and originality when the coin is tilted toward a light source or when looked at straight-on. A very important date and mint of origin, and certainly one of the scarcer pieces in this nice date selection of Charlotte quarter eagles. Only 4,808 coins minted. Pop 11; 15 finer. (PCGS # 7741) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1780		1846-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-61. Well struck. Nicely toned and semi reflective surfaces. A lustrous honey gold specimen with plenty of brilliance of the coppery orange type present on both sides. Well struck. A popular date from Georgia's famous mint, as long time numismatists will tell you. About as nice as the advanced collector can reasonably expect to acquire for an 1846-D, combining a generous measure of eye appeal with the high grade, certainly among the top rank of Condition Census pieces. In fact, in terms of aesthetic satisfaction, quite possibly finer than some graded higher. Only 19,303 coins minted. Pop 3; 1 finer in 63. (PCGS # 7742) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1781		1847-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Lightly toned. Lustrous orange-gold toning which makes this a highly attractive coin for the grade. As noted elsewhere, the 1847-C is among the more available Charlotte issues, a variety that is seen with some frequency at the AU level and even in Mint State, hence the fair number listed in the NGC census. Accordingly, the present piece offers a good prospect to the methodical collector of Charlotte coins as well as someone who might enjoy having a C mintmark quarter eagle in a gold type set. The obverse is from a standard four-digit date logotype used on the quarter eagle, with central numerals leaning right and the date placed high in the die, with the 1 and 7 piercing the outline of the neck truncation, both numerals being free of the dentils below. The C mintmark is high, embedded in the branch and arrow feathers. Only 23,226 coins minted. Pop 13; 6 finer; 3 in 63; 3 in 64. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,475
Lot 1782		1847-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. A nice bold strike. Vivid greenish yellow gold. Somewhat prooflike in areas. Exceedingly sharply struck. This is what it means to be a stunning specimen of a rare Dahlonega Mint quarter eagle. At this grade level it ranks at the starting end of the coveted Condition Census From the original mintage of 15,784 pieces, several hundred examples are believed to exist, nearly all of which are circulated. For the 1847-D, the obverse has its date logotype high, with 1 and 7 piercing the neck truncations and both free from the dentils below. Many raised die finish lines are evident on these, though visible only on the higher grade coins retaining their luster. On the reverse, the D is placed high, with the interior half filled with the arrow feathers. Again, some prominent raised finish lines are seen. Because this specimen is so bold, it may be an early strike. Pop 1; 4 finer; 1 in 64; 3 in 65. Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. Ex: Ashland City. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1783		1848-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Untoned and well struck. This conditionally rare 1848-C contribution to the sale is brilliant with rich frosty gold surfaces. Impressive too is the strike, which we find is free of censure, being sharp in all areas. A great deal of discussion also surrounds a coin's strike, particularly the often uneven detail seen on C and D mint gold. This has excellent detail with no sign of weakness to the centers, plus excellent clarity in the stars and outer areas of the design. A few light curlicue hairlines in the reverse field above the eagle. Only 16,788 minted. Pop 7; 5 in 62. Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1784		1848-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Mostly untoned. Sleek yellow gold with pale olive accents. Semi-prooflike in appearance, with frosty highlights surrounded by reflective fields. Moreover, it is an above average strike, with just a hint of lightness here and there on the lower section of the eagle. All told, this is an rare full-fledged Mint State 1848-C! As a parting aside, we note that Douglas Winter observed that the 1848-C is "Characterized by an uneven strike. Many pieces are particularly soft at the center or the stars, and often on the hair above Liberty's forehead." The present coin is a nice exception; the exact reason why our consignor added it to his collection. (From the reverse die used in 1846 and 1847, with rust noted near the fraction on the reverse.) Only 16,788 coins minted. Pop 3; 12 finer; 7 in 61; 5 in 62. Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1785		1849-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. This is a full Mint State example with partially prooflike fields and greenish yellow gold luster with a blush of orange gold around the periphery. It is tied for the finest certified by NGC, with one other specimen. Very sharply struck for a date that tends not to be carefully made. Exceptional detail is visible including minute traces of die finishing lines in the fields. Only 10,220 quarter eagles were minted in Charlotte during the course of the year, much of the gold mined locally, but within a year or so, deposits would be added to the mix from California gold rush gold returning with the miners. The California gold rush was well under way at the time this 1849-C quarter eagle was minted, with hopefuls traveling west to pursue their golden rainbow. (Western gold was shipped back to Philadelphia for coinage, most of which was minted into $20 gold pieces after 1850). Pop 2; none finer. Estimated Value $20,000 - 23,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1786		1849-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-53. A hint oflight golden toning. A choice and still lustrous specimen with plenty of pizzazz to attract bids from near and far. The 1849-C is an underappreciated rarity, a date that is considerably more elusive in About Uncirculated than its mintage of 10,220 pieces indicates. Only 10,220 coins minted. Pop 6; 19 finer. (PCGS # 7753) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1787		1849-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Well struck and intensely lustrous with golden orange semi-reflective surfaces. The 1849-D is easily the scarcest of the late 1840s quarter eagles from this mint. Perhaps 125-150 are believed to exist today. This piece shows excellent strike for the date, with clear stars and sharp hair on the forehead of Liberty; the reverse is sharp overall, as well, and does the coin justice, with good detail on the legs and wings. The surfaces are choice, lustrous and few of the usual light ticks and hairlines seen on lesser coins. Overall, a pleasing coin for the grade, and an example with much better eye appeal than usually seen on this underrated date. 10,945 minted. Pop 7; none finer. Estimated Value $17,000 - 19,000. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $18,400
Lot 1788		1849-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Untoned. Lustrous medium greenish gold with some olive undertones. Nicely struck, with fairly full details present in all places except the reverse dentils at 3:00 to 6:00. A scarce date with a modest mintage of 10,945 pieces and comparable to the 1849-C in overall rarity in lower grades. The obverse of the 1849-D has a, tightly spaced high date, with the 1 much closer to bust than dentils. There are some logotype artifacts around 49 in date, as is common, some in the past mistaking these for an overdate. Date slopes progressively downward from left to right. D mintmark high and touching branch, inner loop of D about half filled with feather details. Tip of fraction bar under right inside upright of D. Only 10,945 coins minted. Pop 4; 9 finer; 2 in 61; 7 in 62. Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1789		1850-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Untoned with some luster evident. 9,148 coins minted. Pop 2; 1 finer in 63. Estimated Value $19,000 - 21,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1790		1850-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Has one faint hairline in the field before the face. A thrilling example of this always-popular Charlotte mint rarity. This exception coin is nicely toned and very nicely struck, for the time frame in which it was issued, including nice stars, acceptable central hair definition on Liberty. The eagle, as is often found, shows moderate softening in some of the feathers and talon detail. But overall the coin has outstanding aesthetic appeal. NGC #12934490-030. Only 9,148 coins minted. Pop 11; 3 finer; 2 in 62; 1 in 63. Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1791		1850-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Mostly untoned. Some make a case that the 1850-C is the second most common C-mint Quarter Eagle from the 1850s; yet the fact is, this issue becomes all the time more scarce in the higher circulated grades and only a handful of Mint State examples are recorded. The secondary details of this uncommonly beautiful About Uncirculated example are strongly struck (including stars) while the interior main devices feature weakness, particularly the eagle's feathers and talons. The light green-gold surfaces are very lightly abraded for the assigned grade, with natural toning prevailing on both sides. 9,148 coins minted. Pop 17; 17 finer. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1792		1850-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Nice golden toning. A spectacular coin to accompany the 1850-C in this high grade, and a similarly pleasing example of Southern branch mint preservation. Bright gold color erupts from original surfaces untouched by tarnish and bathed in warm orange hues. A strong strike as well, with appreciably more detail visible than on the C-mint strike of this year, making this an advantageous coin for the focused collector. Some will argue that the two Southern branches of the main mint, those at Dahlonega, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina, were cheated out of high-grade minting equipment. They point to the often weak or uneven strikes as the reason. However, mint records from the time contradict this assertion. Both mints received the latest equipment and tools to do their job. Mint Director Peale provided on-site instruction in setting up the facilities. The major difficult facing both was a lack of talented workmen to operate the equipment, since they had to draw their staff from the regions nearby, typically small towns or rural settings where there were few experienced men and women who could run a complex operation like a federal mint. Only 12,148 coins minted. Pop 16; 1 finer in 63. Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1793		1851 $2.50 Liberty. ICG graded MS-63. Struck in greenish color gold. We note some marks in the right obverse field. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $857
Lot 1794		1851-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. A hint of light orange toning. A crisp strike. Slightly prooflike obverse. One of the very few Mint States reported. In the overall landscape of Charlotte and Dahlonega Mint gold rarities, par for the course is apt to be Very Fine or the occasional Extremely Fine piece. When truly great collections are formed, then About Uncirculated examples come onto the market, plus the very occasional Mint State. With this sale we are pleased to observe that all conventional "standards" are thrown out the window since pieces representing several decades of connoisseurship are being brought to the market. This lovely 1851-C is a prime example. A connoisseur's dream come true! Walter Breen, an authority on the series, reported that of three pairs of dies made available for the coinage this year, just one pair is known to have been used. The date logotype is lightly impressed into die and placed far left, with tip of 1 overlapping the neck truncation. The reverse has the C mintmark high and overlapping the claw (mintmarks were added to the dies after the main device was completed). A feather vein touches lower right of C, below the opening, indicating a particularly high position. Only 14,923 coins minted. Pop 8; 2 finer in 62. Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1795		1851-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Untoned. Several planchet streaks through the portrait. Strikingly brilliant throughout with no heavy abrasions present to sidetrack your enjoyment of the smooth details and bold relief. The rims, too, are free of problems. In judging the range of Charlotte and Dahlonega Mint coins, a typical grade is apt to be Very Fine or Extremely Fine. And often these are cleaned. When truly great assemblages of "C" and "D" mint gold are formed, however, then About Uncirculated pieces come into play, plus the very rare Mint State like the present 1851-C offering. Only 14,923 coins minted. Pop 8; 2 finer in 62. Estimated Value $11,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1796		1851-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Nice strike and untoned. Traces of earlier prooflike surface. One of the very attractive About Uncirculated specimens available in terms of sharp detail, lustrous condition, originality, and best of all, visual impact on the numismatist familiar with these very difficult $2.50 gold pieces struck at the smaller branch mints. In the overall panorama of Charlotte and Dahlonega Mint coins, par for the course is apt to be Very Fine or Extremely Fine. Pop 16; 12 finer. Estimated Value $5,800 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,038
Lot 1797		1852-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck with light golden toning. Brilliant fresh gold surfaces with a tinge of rose. A splendid MS61 example, few finer seen by the grading services. Douglas Winter's reference on Charlotte gold coins, whose data was compiled only a few years ago, lists just a single piece at the Mint State level, so the coin has always been rare in Mint condition. Once again, bidders have before them a coin which unites rarity, celebrity, and exceedingly high grade, the type of coin that only appears on the market once a decade, if indeed that often. Diagnostics for 1852-C, pulled from the Harry Bass Foundation database, a priceless online source of information: "Date logotype small, assuring a comfortable fit on the die if properly placed. In the present instance the date is somewhat left, and slightly closer to the neck truncation than to a dentil. The first two digits are repunched at the bottom, the third digit less so. Striation marks indicate that this may have been a very early striking from the dies." 9,712 coins minted. Pop 5; 2 finer in 62. Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1798		1852-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Reflective surfaces. Untoned. Lustrous, light greenish gold surfaces. Taking a closer look at the detail, we see that the obverse is fairly well struck, considerably better than typically seen on a quarter eagle of this era. The stars are very sharp without exception, and nicely three-dimensional as well. The date 1852 is punched midway between the rim and the neck truncation on the die, with the tip of the 1 away from the curve of the neck truncation. The reverse has typical (but only slight) softness of the design features on the middle part of the eagle, including the shield's outline, but all in all this is a highly presentable, and definitely high grade, example of the elusive 1852-C issue. Only 9,772 coins minted. Pop 3; 7 finer; 5 in 61; 2 in 62. Estimated Value $13,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1799		1852-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. Mostly untoned. One fine toning line through Liberty. A satiny golden example with a vivid display of luster evident on both sides. It is recorded that three pairs of dies were sent from Philadelphia to Charlotte for this year's coinage, but apparently only one die pair actually saw use. Travel to Charlotte had its complications, and it was easier to send multiple dies for possible use, even if some would remain unused, than it was to send just one pair of dies, and then have the Mint stop coining a denomination while other dies were requested if needed. As it was, only 9,772 coins were minted in Charlotte in 1852. Pop 7; 2 finer; 1 in 61; 1 in 63. (PCGS # 7764) . Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,188
Lot 1800		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Some mint luster visable. Untoned. Winter 15-I. One of the more appealing of several Mint State '54-C Quarter Eagles that we have sold over the past few years, being far less abraded than the typical high grade survivor. A short scratch that comes off the right foot of the final A in AMERICA should serve as an adequate pedigree marker, and there are patchy areas of muted luster in the open fields. While the strike is typically soft, especially on the reverse, the honey-gold surfaces reveal all major design elements. One of only 7,295 pieces produced and a solid Condition Census representative, no examples being certified higher by either major service. Pop 7; none finer. Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. Ex: Ashland City. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $20,988
Lot 1801		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. A strikingly fresh, lustrous bright yellow gold example. A decent strike, with some reverse weakness at centers, but overall quite detailed. This particular date is usually seen in a much less satisfactory condition, the obverse often blurry on the hair around Liberty's ear. The reverse is always weaker than the obverse. All known 1854-C quarter eagles are from a single die pair, with the date logotype high, and the peak of the 1 piercing the neck truncation. 7,295 coins struck. Pop 5; 12 finer. 5 in 61; 7 in 62. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1802		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Lovely orange gold surfaces. Struck with scientific exactness throughout the obverse, including stars. Mostly well struck on the legends and main device of the eagle, with just a touch of weakness at the feathers of the legs and around the periphery of the central shield, as commonly found. Bold large C mintmark is tucked in tightly above the denomination where it touches the top of the fraction bar and embeds itself into the lower arrow feather. The rims are in exceptional condition. In fact, "exceptional" is the correct word to describe this handsome quarter eagle. All known 1854-C quarter eagles are from a single die pair where the date logotype is high, with the peak of the 1 piercing the neck truncation. Some slight evidence of clashing is often seen in front of Liberty's nose and neck. Only 7,295 coins minted. Pop 5; 12 finer; 5 in 61; 7 in 62. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1803		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Mostly untoned. A frosty golden example with some underlying luster that supports the light greenish gold glow on both sides. More than adequately struck for the date, perhaps not fully so, but certainly a coin that gets the viewer's attention. Let this coin show you the way out of your dilemma of choosing which 1854-C quarter eagle to acquire as a representative of the Charlotte, North Carolina Mint. Only 7,295 struck. Pop 18; 17 finer. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,900
Lot 1804		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Untoned. A strikingly attractive lustrous gold example. The coin offers some positive features that should be noted, including a decent strike, with some reverse weakness as usual, but overall quite bold. The coin also boasts good eye appeal, another major plus, with high quality rims and no digs or heavy marks. All known 1854-C quarter eagles are from a single die pair that produced 7,295 coins. The date logotype is high, with the peak of the 1 piercing the neck truncation. Some slight evidence of clashing is often seen in front of Liberty's nose and neck. Pop 18; 17 finer. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1805		1854-D $2.50 Liberty. Sharpness of EF-45. Although cleaned and burnished, this is a nice bold example as most of this isssue was poorly produced. Among the rarest Dahlonega mint issues as only 1760 were coined (PCGS # 7771) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,600. The Greenhill Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,795
Lot 1806		1855-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Mostly untoned. A still lustrous coin with richly imbued reddish golden color that graces the frosty surfaces. Nicely struck for the date which tends to be extremely weak at the centers; indeed, about as fine as this date is ever found with only minor soft detail in the hair braid below the coronet as well as the usual rounded form of the eagle's legs and claws on the reverse. Charlotte Mint, after much huffing and puffing, produced only 3,677 coins this year, a tiny number. Pop 13; 10 finer. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1807		1855-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55. Nice orange toning. A nice orange gold toned piece with notable luster throughout. It is easy to see this piece was delivered a insufficient blow by the dies, or as some researchers believe, the dies were used past their normal termination, which imparted their worn condition to the struck planchet. Stars are mainly flat, though much of Liberty's hair and hair bun shows clear detail. The eagle with typical strike weakness only on the lower half of the body affecting the legs, talons, and top feather of the arrows. Low mintage: only 3,677 coins minted. Pop 13; 11 finer; 7 in 58; 2 in 61; 2 in 62. (PCGS # 7775) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,475
Lot 1808		1856-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck and untoned. Creamy luster and light yellow to greenish gold color and free from the usual tiny alloy spots in the surface. A blunt impression was left by the recoil of the dies that struck this 1856-C, leaving in their wake some granularity in LIBERTY and the hair at the back of the head. The eagle is very acceptable, and overall, given the full distribution of luster over both surfaces, a high-end example of a scarce issue. 7,913 coins minted. Pop 4; 3 finer; 1 in 62; 1 in 63; 1 in 64. Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1809		1856-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Mostly untoned. Light yellow gold with tinges of orange. Somewhat irregular surfaces, as characteristic and as made. A tiny nick close to the tip of the left wing, and several equally minuscule marks below the hair bun on the obverse. Choice rims; much luster remains. Given the typical conditions found with Charlotte mint gold in the 1850s, this is decently struck for the issue. In the context of 1856-C quarter eagles the present piece is remarkably fine. Douglas Winter's book, Charlotte Mint Gold Coins, reinforces by implication our sentiment: "The 1856-C has the dubious honor being among the most poorly struck of all Charlotte quarter eagles. The obverse is especially weak and, sometimes, the ERT in LIBERTY is almost illegible. Most specimens have mint-made depressions (caused by die rust) before the first and between the second and third stars. Another depression, above the eagle's head, is also commonly seen. Others are found struck on granular planchets. The 1856-C is, in high grades, rarer than the more celebrated 1855-C, despite popular belief to the contrary." For the numismatist the present piece is quite exceptional. The word LIBERTY is fully and completely defined, and other aspects are equally desirable. We expect much bidding competition when this crosses the block. For the record: The date logotype slightly low and to the left, but comfortably situated due to the small height of the numerals. Some die rust (per Winter) or irregularities, as always, on reverse, but no cracks in evidence. NGC #1724046-001. Only 7,913 coins minted. Pop 13; 29 finer. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,888
Lot 1810		1856-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-53. Lightly toned. Fully original despite the spongy appearance of Liberty's profile, as befits a coin in which the surfaces are still awash in rich reddish-gold luster. Smooth-edged devices throughout would the ideal on an 1856-C quarter eagle, but we will settle for the fact that the reverse is quite sharp, in opposition to most reverses found on the gold struck at this North Carolina Mint. Including centers and the shield, the eagle side is much, much better than average, though by no means a keen, knife-edge strike. A scarce date with only 7,913 coins minted. Pop 8; 42 finer. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,910
Lot 1811		1858-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Mostly untoned. Light yellow gold with tinges of pale coppery toning. Delicately prooflike on both sides. A high quality specimen, far finer than the usual 1858-C quarter eagles offered in recent years. On an absolute basis the 1858-C at this level is a significant rarity, a numismatic treasure, another prime catch for the specialist. Diagnostics of the dies: Date logotype very deeply punched into the die, slightly closer to the dentils than to the neck truncation, and somewhat to the left. Reverse with upper right of C mintmark embedded in arrow feather. Only 9,056 coins minted. Pop 12; 10 finer; 9 in 62; 1 in 63. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1812		1859-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Nice brilliant coin and well struck. An exceptional specimen, a Condition Census piece with many fine attributes. First of all, the grade is elegant, MS61, which ranks it in the second to the highest tier, as only three finer are reported at NGC. Further, and perhaps just as important, the coin has far above average detail. Specialists who have made special studies of the quarter eagle series note that the various C and D branch mint quarter eagles reiterate their typically uneven strikes. This 1859-D being different than the typical coin, it has boldness uncommon for the issue, and in addition, the piece has a beautiful overall aesthetic appeal: a splendid specimen. Only, 2,244 were struck, and of this number possibly no more than 100 to 200 survive. Obverse die notably basined. Logotype quite low. On the reverse the D mintmark is deeply impressed into the die and high, with the feather details occupying the upper left 50% of the center. The master die is boldly impressed into the working die, giving the letters and other features special prominence. Pop 5; 3 finer in 62. Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $22,138

Page 1 of 2

1 | 2