Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 37

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$5 Gold/Capped Draped Bust

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1939		1807 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Bust left. NGC graded MS-62 Breen-5D. Resplendent surfaces that are thoroughly frosted with keen-edged, gold luster spiraling outward from the centers. Devices were struck with the primary energy required to impart the design to the outer areas as well as enough vigor by the dies to impart clear-cut centers, putting this squarely at the high end of its conservative grade. This is a not well-known trait of Mint States and should be viewed favorably when estimating what to bid. Only 51,605 coins minted. Pop 45; 50 finer. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,650
Lot 1940		1807 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Bust left. PCGS graded AU-55 Breen-5D. Mostly untoned. Changeable original luster still makes its presence felt in the form of satiny and dynamic golden surfaces on this early half eagle. What also piques our interest is the varying hues of gold that mingle broadly with rich gold iridescence. An attractive high-end About Uncirculated half eagle that shows off its bold originality proudly.51,605 coins minted. Pop 30;163 finer. (PCGS # 8101) . Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,475
Lot 1941		1807 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Bust left. PCGS graded AU-53. Well struck with nice golden toning. 51,605 coins minted. A satiny light golden colored example of the finest order for its grade. Extensive cartwheel luster still graces the faint yellowish surfaces. Sharply struck for the date, including stars and more importantly, including the eagle's neck, leg, and wing feathers: easily finer in sharpness than some higher graded pieces we've seen. 1807 marks a transition year within the half eagle series, the mint adopting a left-facing more mature head of Liberty whose cap is inscribed LIBERTY on a ribbon, while the lower part of the bust is draped and tied with a clasp (PCGS # 8101) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,360
Lot 1942		1807 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Bust left. PCGS graded AU-50. Old green holder. Untoned. There are two reported die varieties for the 1807 capped bust left half eagle, both use the identical obverse. This piece has the large 5 in the date placed to the left and away from the feather ends, while B-5E has the feather end over the middle of the bar of the 5. Some reverse spotting, but otherwise well struck and lustrous for this date, a coin that features choice rims, full legends, and a pleasant aspect to both sides. There are two tiny spots at star 7, and a small nick in the dentils above the cap, but that is all, and barely deserves mentioning, with no further need to play coin detective. A choice example for the collector of early U.S. gold. 51,605 coins minted. Pop 20; 208 finer. (PCGS # 8101) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,188
Lot 1943		1808 $5 Capped Draped Bust. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck and very frosty. An outstanding example of this date, sharply impressed by the dies with every nuance of the design elements crisp and full. The color ranges from pale apricot-gold to the familiar yellowish-green hues often seen on these early pieces. As to the luster, it is full and complete, soft and luxurient, with a glow that beguiles the eye. Close examination with a glass will note a few trivial contact marks, nothing worthy of note though. Identifiable by a copper toning spot on the lower left serif of the I of UNITED. The PCGS Population Report notes that only 8 have been so graded placing this firmly in the Condition Census for the date. The final star (just right of the date) has the familiar notch on the arm of the outer point. This notch is thought to be the signature of John Reich, the coin's designer. On several dies this small notch is noted in the same location on the last star, and occasionally on every one of the thirteen outer star points. Another curiosity is the small mark located at the base of each T on the reverse, perhaps the T punch was damaged, and this strange mark is present on both half eagles and quarters (apparently the Mint used the same letter punches on each) of the period. PCGS #07796701. Pop 8; 1 finer in 65. (PCGS # 8102) . Estimated Value $45,000 - 50,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $51,750
Lot 1944		1808 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. Untoned and well struck. An lustrous, spinning-bright 1808 half eagle, the surfaces spread light with vivid golden color over both sides. It is easy to see this piece was delivered a full, sharp blow by the dies also, including the stars. Pop 28; 60 finer. In 1807, following the release of some of the old-style pieces, John Reich modified the half eagle. The new style is the precursor of that adopted a year later for the quarter eagle. The obverse depicts Liberty facing left, wearing a cloth cap sometimes described as a "mob cap" inscribed LIBERTY, with seven stars to the left and six to the right. (The headgear was a popular ladies' fashion statement of the day.). Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,500
Lot 1945		1808 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. Frosty and untoned. A solid example of a greenish-yellow tinted gold coin, nicely bright and lustrous, with minimal abrasions or marks. Only a few stray hairlines at the cap. Choice rims. (Some die clash marks from the bust show around the eagle. These are often an integral part of early capped bust left gold coins.) Fully struck in all areas with pinpoint detailing on the tops of the hair curls and eagle's feathers. You can hardly move your loupe in any direction without bumping into the fine detail of this sharp coin. Pop 28; 60 finer. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,500
Lot 1946		1808 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded AU-50. Untoned with even wear. Scarce variety. No need to remind bidders that a weak impression was left by the rebound of the (often dilapidated) dies that usually struck this Type; however, in the present 1808 half eagle, the opposite is true, the coin shows nice detail from a clear, bold strike. Some luster remains. Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,188
Lot 1947		1808/7 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded AU-58. Untoned and well struck with a few wispy adjustment lines on Liberty's cheek. Bold strike plus ample mint frostiness over both sides. Pop 10; 26 finer. The reverse on this short-lived Type shows an eagle clutching an olive branch while holding three arrows, with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on a ribbon or band above. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 5 D. surrounds, the first time that the denomination appears on a U.S. gold coin, however abbrievated. Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1948		1808/7 $5 Capped Draped Bust. PCGS graded AU-53. Nicely toned. Deep warm golden orange to coppery patina over semi-lustrous fields and devices. Highly attractive and completely original with the toning highlights on both sides. All but fully struck, with just a insubstantial trace of weakness at the highest neck and wing feathers of the eagle. The rims are outstanding. The overdate isn't as bold as on some (1802/1, 1803/2) but the underlying 7 is visible at the base of the second 8 as well as at the upper left curve. Die crack extends from the rim through the right side of the first 8 well up across Liberty's hair and through the cap on this unusual die variety! Pop 3; 28 finer. (PCGS # 8103) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,188
Lot 1949		1810 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Small date, large 5. NGC graded MS-61. Fresh yellow gold luster with only a few very faint hairlines and marks in the otherwise choice surface. Sharply struck on the main devices. When Walter Breen compiled his Complete Encyclopedia, he identified six different varieties of 1810 half eagles including three of this Small Date, Tall 5 combination. It is now believed that only four or five varieties exist. This is the second most plentiful of 1810 varieties, but remains quite scarce. Pop 11; 21 finer. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,350
Lot 1950		1810 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Small date, large 5. NGC graded MS-61. The surfaces are highly lustrous and each side has a light coating of golden-orange patina that swirls and alternates between lighter and darker hues. Need we remind bidders that a weak impression was sometimes left by the rebound of the (often dilapidated) dies that usually struck this 1807-1812; however, in the present case, the opposite is true, the coin shows outstanding detail and a clear, bold strike. If bidders have the wherewithal and the compunction to bid, and do not object to being possibly turned out into the night by more aggressive bidding from competitors, then enjoy yourself by adding this attractive 1810 half eagle to your coin collection! Pop 11; 21 finer. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,075
Lot 1951		1810 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Large date, large 5. NGC graded MS-61. We are indeed privileged to be able to offer a wide assortment of high-grade early capped bust left half eagles in this sale, courtesy of several astute consignors. The present example displays the same frosty gold luster that is typical of other 1810-dated half eagles in Mint quality, with light yellow gold color having a slight amount of green tint in the alloy. The surfaces are choice while all the main design features were well executed by the mint staff. 1810 half eagles tend to be well made, though scarcely can it be said that they are "commonly found" in such attractive state of preservation. Pop 37; 101 finer. Four major varieties are recorded in the Guide Book for this coinage date. This variety, with Large Date obverse and Large 5 in the denomination on the reverse, is clearly the most affordable of all four varieties and ranks as one of the most plentiful of all varieties of this design. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,638
Lot 1952		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Small 5. PCGS graded MS-64 P.Q. Nice yellow toning. Well struck and frosty. This attractive MS64 example of the Small 5 variety is among the most original, frosty examples of the date currently known, regardless of the grading holder it is in. The coin is very carefully made and crisply struck with full luster even on the high points. Best of all, only a few minor abrasions appear in the fields. Warm greenish yellow gold appearance with a hint of orange patina. An forthright example of this variety that meets all the criteria for the grade, and more. Just two die varieties are known among the 1811 half eagles. These are easily told by a glance at the reverse. This Small 5 reverse die has the digit 5 filling free from the lower rim and just nudging the feather tip of one of the arrows. The Small 5 variety is scarcer than the Tall 5, although either coin in Mint State 64 condition would make a welcome addition to a collection of rare early U.S. gold pieces. Pop 13; none finer. (PCGS # 8109) . Estimated Value $28,000 - 32,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $39,100
Lot 1953		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Small 5. NGC graded MS-61. This lovely example from an extensive consignment of early half eagles has a Small 5 in the denomination, with this font continued in use for the 1812 half eagles. The reverse die of this variety, however, appears to be only one of its kind in this single variety and not used in later years. The reverse has a recut C in AMERICA. A full-blown lustrous Mint State example may qualify as one of the finer known of this die marriage. This Small 5 reverse is the same general style as reverse B of 1810, however, is not the same die. Pop 33; 68 finer. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,925
Lot 1954		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Tall 5. NGC graded MS-62. Frosty and lightly toned. Strikingly brilliant throughout with no heavy abrasions present to sidetrack your enjoyment of the smooth 62-quality surface and carefully preserved relief. Unlike most which are not quite fully struck, this marvel of precision minting shows all regions crisply detailed including the centers and throughout the horizontal and vertical lines in the shield. The rims complete the picture of choiceness by being free of nicks. Pop 35; 33 finer. Light die clash marks below the bust. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $13,225
Lot 1955		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Tall 5. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck and lightly toned. Another exciting opportunity for the specialized collector, one who, over the years, got experience with earlier United States gold pieces but now wants the bigger challenge of acquiring these elusive early "classic period" pieces. Two varieties have been identified from the 1811 half eagle mintage of 99,851 coins. These have a common obverse die mated with two distinctly different reverse dies. These reverses are quickly identified by the denomination, which is either tall and wide as displayed here, or short and close. Neither variety is rare, per se, although this Tall 5 variety is considerably scarcer. This variety shares the same reverse as the 1810 Small Date, Tall 5 variety. Pop 10; 10 finer; 4 in 62; 2 in 63; 3 in 64; 1 in 65. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,925
Lot 1956		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Tall 5. NGC graded MS-60. Well struck and frosty. There are a few marks above the eagle. Otherwise, clean as a whistle for the modest grade, as one would look forward to in a coin fresh from this gentleman's consigned group of early $5 gold pieces. However, what really makes this break free from others is its frosty luster that rolls around each side. Broadly and well struck on the legends and main device, which is unusual, with a bold of detail at the centers. The Tall 5 in the denomination virtually touches the rim dentils and pretty much fills the space provided below the arrow's feather. Pop 9; 101 finer. Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,488
Lot 1957		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Tall 5. PCGS graded AU-58. Nice strike and untoned. A frosty, satiny pale yellow golden half eagle with some orange-tinted luster on both sides. Nicely struck as well, with exceptionally sharp detail at the eagle's wings, legs, and neck feathers (areas of the design where 1811 half eagles often come up short of detail). It is evident here that the consignor took great pains to acquire an above-average example of the Type. The courage to bid on this handsome piece will be amply rewarded with hours of study and enjoyment, never forgetting either the panorama of American monetary history that is this coin's underpinning. Pop 7; 30 finer. (PCGS # 8110) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,200
Lot 1958		1812 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded MS-62. Frosty and well struck, with sharp obverse relief that includes eye-catching bold stars and hair curls. Attractive warm "antique" golden color. A beauty! 58,087 coins minted. Pop 48; 66 finer. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,650
Lot 1959		1812 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded MS-62. Nicely toned. A worldly measure of pouring cartwheel luster livens up the wide expanse of frosted golden surface. The fields are for all intents and purposes choicer than this modest grade suggests, and the strike is intrepid enough to call for special mention. The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and Great Britain from June 1812, the year of this half eagle, to the spring of 1815, although the peace treaty ending the war was signed in Europe in December 1814. The mainland fighting of the war occurred along the Canadian border, in the Chesapeake Bay region, and along the Gulf of Mexico; extensive action also took place at sea. Due to heavy imports of war materiel (the New England states were trading with the enemy throughout the conflict!), vast numbers of gold half eagles of the period were exported. 58,087 coins minted. Pop 48; 66 finer. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $13,225
Lot 1960		1812 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. Frosty and well struck. Luster swirls around the coin like greased lightning, if we may borrow a phrase from Chaucer, the frostiness of this handsome 1812 coin greets the eye on first viewing and leaves its impression thereafter. Normal detail on all devices, with just a narrow region of weakness found on the PLU of PLURIBUS and the neck feathers and left wing of the eagle. A well preserved coin. One with endless possibilities as the numismatist spends hours studying its finer qualities. 58,087 coins minted. Pop 29; 114 finer. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,650
Lot 1961		1812 $5 Capped Draped Bust. PCGS graded AU-55. Lightly toned. An wonderful array choice attributes here: the abundant greenish-gold hued luster supports boldly struck highlights. Nicely struck, indeed, remarkably so when it is remembered that this gold piece was struck on an old-fashioned hand-operated press using sheer muscle power by a sweating (well, presumably sweating) athlete of a pressman. The coin has all the charm and distinctive "aura" of the Classic period in American numismatics and should find many ready, willing bidders in attendance. In Breen-1B, the final S in STATES is over the U of PLURIBUS (while in the only other variety this year, it is positioned above the S in PLURIBUS). 58,087 coins minted. Pop 24; 153 finer. (PCGS # 8112) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,050