Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 37

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$10 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2183		1797 $10 Capped Bust. Large eagle. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck and untoned a handsome example of this late-18th century strike. This example, illustrative of the fresh quality seen in coins from this extensive consignment of early gold, has iridescent gold surfaces and original toning. Furthermore, it is ust as fully struck, as attractive, as a collector could ask for, with complete detail at the eagle. Three varieties of 1797 Heraldic Eagle ten-dollar gold coins are known, all from a single obverse die. Emission sequence of these varieties, therefore, is based on die states of the obverse. In addition, one of the three reverse dies was also used with 1798/7 obverse dies, thus extending this die linked group. These coins exhibit an interesting contradiction, with 16 obverse stars and just 13 reverse stars. Approximately 125 examples of this die marriage are known, with a small number being Mint-State examples. On T-8, there is a star beneath the eagle's lower beak and a crack from rim through final date numeral to bust, heavier near rim and doubled inside 7. 10,940 coins minted. Pop 52; 48 finer. Estimated Value $30,000 - 33,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $36,800
Lot 2184		1797. Large eagle. T-12, R-4. PCGS graded AU-55. Well struck. Mostly untoned with some light adjustment marks IN THE HAIR AND CAP. A few other residual marks on the portrait; an impressive lustrous coin with brilliant frost around the main devices, plus lively warm golden toning highlights. Broad rim dentils. Representative strike for the date, this year's coinage showing objectively better quality than most, with the Liberty and eagle carefully struck by the dies so that all of the main detail shows completely. A genuinely choice pleasing example for the connoisseur of early U.S. gold. 10,940 coins struck. Pop 33; 58 finer. (PCGS # 8559) . Estimated Value $22,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $31,050
Lot 2185		1799 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. Lovely toning. Semi reflective. The so-called Irregular Date layout. The distance between the bust and final 9 is much less than the distance between the hair curl and 1. All other 1799 obverse dies have the opposite layout, with the digit 1 much closer. This choice Mint-State example from an old time collection represents one of just two relatively plentiful varieties among 1799 eagles and is the third most common variety among all early ten-dollar gold coins from 1795 to 1804. The obverse shows thirteen stars divided 8 left and 5 right. Denticles crumbled below stars 1 and 2. Bright orange-gold patina in the fields. Both the peripheries and the central reverse are impressive for their sharpness of strike, and the frosty textured surfaces are quite choice, the reverse deserving a point or two choicer than the obverse because of the protecting design. Pop 44; 144 finer. Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $34,500
Lot 2186		1799 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. Nice strike. The frosty golden-fresh surfaces are smooth from rim to rim with no carbon to report. Sharply struck and agreeably lustrous, both sides possess eye appeal to spare. Mathematically exact standards are often seen in 1799 eagles, a generally well made date, and the sharp centers of this specimen make this coin noteworthy since "average" detail in the key high points, would lessen the beauty and overall numerical quality assigned by the graders. In this period in our Mint's history, the problem of early die breakage became acute. Often the original hubs and dies for gold eagles broke during the hardening process or the working dies cracked after taking only a few impressions. That is why there are several die combinations used to strike the 44,000+ eagles of 1799. Today, a single die pair made of modern high-quality steel would be robust enough for the task. Pop 44; 144 finer. Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2187		1799. Irregular Date. T-19, R-3. . T-9, Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-61. Scarce Variety. A frosty overdate with eruptions of bright gold, pale orange, and shimmering originality on both sides. Nearly fully struck, however just a hint of limitation in the detail at the central hair behind Liberty's ear; the eagle, as is most fortunate on these 1802-dated coins, is very bold from a firm strike by the dies, showing clarity that the collector will appreciate. No sooner will the door close behind this coin's sale then it will be off the market again, possibly for years and years. A serious buyer will want to pause to take a long look and then establish a worthwhile bid. Pop 11; 30 finer. (PCGS # 98562) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $33,350
Lot 2188		1799. Irregular Date. T-20, R-5. PCGS graded MS-61. Well struck. Nice rich golden toning. A frosty, satiny pale golden early eagle with dancing coppery orange patina within, around, and in places on top of the devices, pleasing throughout with ample remaining somewhat "cartwheel luster" on both sides. Nicely struck as well, with just a hint of weakness at hair immediately below the cap. Pop 12; 32 finer. (PCGS # 98562) . This is the same Irregular Date obverse die used on T-19. In combination with this reverse, however, the die marriage is quite scarce. Possibly 50 to 60 examples survive from this die marriage. Scholars who have studied the early eagle series believe that this was a short-lived reverse die, only known to exist in this single die marriage, Taraszka-20. There is no simple explanation for the life of individual dies. Some dies are known in several marriages with many hundred coins surviving. Others such as this were only used for a single combination. Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $36,800
Lot 2189		1799. Irregular Date. T-19, R-3. PCGS graded AU-58. Lightly toned. A hard to fathom array of rich golden orange hues improve the surfaces of this already very handsome early $10 gold piece from the so-called "classic" period of the First Philadelphia Mint. A small region of striking weakness is seen at the central hair on Liberty on the obverse, and a short nick in the center of the shield on the reverse, but the present prize is still extraordinarily beautiful and well up in its grade classification. With such excellent recommendations as this, why be shy about bidding. Pop 17; 46 finer. (PCGS # 98562) . This obverse die of Taraszka-19 has an unusual date layout dubbed the Irregular Date by Walter Breen. The distance between the bust and final 9 is much less than the distance between the hair curl and 1. All other 1799 obverse dies have the reverse layout, with the digit 1 much closer. Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $23,575
Lot 2190		1799 $10 Capped Bust. Large obverse stars. ANACS graded MS-62. A lovely untoned example which is boldly struck. The reverse shield shows some roughness perhaps a striking problem. Avery pretty coin. Production increased to 37,449 coins for 1799, giving this issue of capped bust eagle the second highest mintage for the series. While all of the obverse dies bear 13 stars arranged eight and five, two different star punch sizes were used; the resulting varieties are called Small Stars and Large Stars. The numerals in the date are spaced variously: Some coins have a Close Date, some a Wide Date, and others an Irregular Date. Ten die varieties are known for 1799, representing the combinations of five obverse dies and seven reverse dies (PCGS # 8562) . Estimated Value $27,000 - 29,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2191		1799 $10 Capped Bust. Large obverse stars. PCGS graded AU-55. A frosty overdate with eruptions of bright gold, pale orange, and shimmering originality on both sides. Nearly fully struck, however just a hint of limitation in the detail at the central hair behind Liberty's ear; the eagle, as is most fortunate on these 1802-dated coins, is very bold from a firm strike by the dies, showing clarity that the collector will appreciate. No sooner will the door close behind this coin's sale then it will be off the market again, possibly for years and years. A serious buyer will want to pause to take a long look and then establish a worthwhile bid. Pop 67. (PCGS # 8562) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2192		1801 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck. Reflective surfaces. This is the single most available early ten-dollar gold coin minted from 1795 to 1804, with literally dozens of Mint State examples known today, including this one, making the issue affordable for the serious numismatist. Lustrous medium yellow gold with coppery accents at the peripheries. Well struck and very choice in terms of quality and eye appeal. A few faint hairlines do nothing to detract from this fine specimen. Taraszka-25 has the obverse thirteen stars divided 8 left and 5 right. Star 8 is close to cap and star 13 is very close to tip of bust. Stars 10 through 12 crowded. L of LIBERTY distant from cap. Date large and left with first date numeral close to but not touching lowest curl. Reverse with STATES OF very wide. Three stars touch clouds and bottommost star on left touches ribbon and very nearly touches beak. First A of AMERICA touches wing at bottom of left bottom serif. Die clash marks (from the shield) are present on this specimen within the folds of Liberty's caps. 44,344 coins minted. Pop 56; 114 finer. Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2193		1801 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. Lightly toned. Semi reflective. A lustrous example that has shimmering golden toned surfaces. Well struck devices. 44,344 coins minted. Pop 56; 114 finer. Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2194		1801 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-61 T-25. Lightly toned with cascading luster throughout. A few minor areas of weakness in some of the stars on the obverse. Choice rims with relatively few contact marks in the fields. 44,344 coins minted. Pop 56; 114 finer. Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2195		1801 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck and untoned. Tremendous luster from a very positive impression, which collectors like better to see than wishy-washy mint bloom; furthermore, the surfaces show sleek golden hues. No need to worry about an unsuccessful strike left after the rebound of the dies that coined this, since even a brief check of the piece lays bare the nice clarity of detail, including the centers. Pop 57; 116 finer. Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $31,050
Lot 2196		1801 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. 44,344 coins minted. A radiant example, fully struck with gold color that rises and falls in an almost rhythmic display. Although not in extremely choice condition, the surface is fresh enough, and aesthetically pleasing, that the grading service probably had no qualms about assigning the grade it did. Since our observation is that this date is usually fully struck, then this sharp coin has every suggestion of precision manufacture as seen in the hair and cap, stars and date, eagle, eagle's breast, shield and claws. "To the Shores of Tripoli": 1801. The first undeclared U. S. war. Conflict with the North African port city of Tripoli began when the Pasha of Tripolitania cut down the flagpole at the U. S. Consulate, after the U. S. refused to pay tribute to pirates along the Barbary Coast. Later, on the night of February 16, 1804, Lieut. Stephen Decatur and his daredevil crew slipped aboard the captured American ship Philadelphia as it lay docked in Tripoli harbor, knifed the guards, set the ship afire by using gunpowder, and rowed safely away. Finally, in 1805, the U. S. consul in Tunis, William Eaton, collected a rabble army in Egypt-consisting of 38 Greeks, 300 Arabs, a dethroned pasha, and 7 marines under Lieut. Preston N. O'Bannon-and marched 600 mi. across the desert to attack Tripoli from the rear. The phrase "To the shores of Tripoli" in the U. S. Marines' hymn refers to this incident. Pop 57; 116 finer. Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $31,625
Lot 2197		1801 $10 Capped Bust. PCGS graded MS-61. Mostly untoned and well struck. Velvety to satin-like fields almost stagger under the weight of its warm, luminous gold color. A diminished impression is again the usual outlook for a coin of this year, generally so on the obverse stars; but in happy contrast, this piece was left very smartly detailed by the stamp of the sharp dies; a fortunate occurrence. Liberty's profile shows full eye socket, nose fold, and lips. A very attractive Mint State coin. Pop 34. (PCGS # 8564) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $31,050
Lot 2198		1801 $10 Capped Bust. PCGS graded MS-61. Lovely golden toning with reflective surfaces. Well struck. A velvety smooth and lustrous gem with a gradation of faint champagne orange on both sides contributing to the vibrant golden color. The contact from the dies is virtually complete, although perhaps a hint of weakness is seen at the second star (counting from the bottom left), where it meets the overlaps a high point in the design on the side with the eagle. A decidedly prestigious early gold piece, this, one with eye-appeal, uncommon choiceness, and the consistent interest from numismatists to keep in the front ranks (PCGS # 8564) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $33,350
Lot 2199		1801 $10 Capped Bust. PCGS graded MS-60. A nice bold strike with lovely golden toning. What is most in full view when we examine this coin is its thick, golden mint luster -- it swirls over each side unhindered by anything but the tiniest abrasions and free of even a trace of tarnish or spots. A coin with outward charm that will delight the serious collector of $10 capped bust style gold. What gladdens us most is to see a crisp rather than a imperfect, smooth effect was left by the pressure of the dies that struck this sharp 1801 eagle. This is the single most affordable $10 capped bust date and variety in the series. The obverse has thirteen stars divided 8 left and 5 right. Star 8 is close to cap and star 13 is very close to tip of bust, almost touching it. Stars 10 through 12 crowded. L of LIBERTY distant from cap. Date large and left with first date numeral close to but not touching lowest curl. Reverse with STATES OF very wide. Three stars touch clouds and bottommost star on left touches ribbon and very nearly touches beak. First A of AMERICA touches wing at bottom of left bottom serif (PCGS # 8564) . Estimated Value $24,000 - 26,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $28,750
Lot 2200		1801 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-60. 44,344 coins minted. This is a dazzling gold specimen full from rim to rim with mint bloom, decently struck and preserved without a serious flaw. Something perhaps worth pausing to study is the fact that all devices were struck with the usual and desirable consistency of this year, that is, sharply by the dies, which then left behind bold elements of detail throughout. Since 1801 eagles tend to be well made, then this is the best year to choose for a gold Type Set between the obvious three candidates:1799, 1801, and 1803. Estimated Value $24,000 - 26,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2201		1801 $10 Capped Bust. PCGS graded AU-58. Lovely toning and well struck. Date further to left than on T-24 (the only other variety this year); early die state before clash from shield visible in the cap folds. A resplendent example with intense underlying luster that still breathes fiery life into the barely rubbed highlights of this near-mint quality example. Nicely struck with crisp details aplenty. Just the item for a collector of early U.S. gold. With excellent recommendations all by itself, there is no need for us to further boost your interest in bidding other than to direct attention to the lovely photographs taken by our photographer, Lyle. 44,344 coins minted. Pop 61; 183 finer. (PCGS # 8564) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $25,300
Lot 2202		1801 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded AU-58. Rich golden toing with reflective fields. 44,344 coins minted. A glittering warm golden example with extensive luster on both sides, an agreeable bold strike (diagnostic die clash from the shield in the folds of Liberty's cap) despite a few rounded stars on the obverse, and eye appeal that just won't quit! Scarce in any grade, and under intense pressure from Type Set collectors as the floating supply grows ever more meager. Although the peak of production for the design occurs this year, when 44,344 1801 capped bust eagles were struck, this is by no means a common coin. Two varieties are known, with one obverse die bearing a Close Date and another obverse bearing a Wide Date. Although eagles were delivered well into 1802, that year's production is believed to have been from 1801 dies. No 1802 capped bust eagles exist. Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2203		1801 $10 Capped Bust. PCGS graded AU-55. Well struck with light golden toning. Very attractive. Here, too, we are pleased to describe a carefully preserved (and just as carefully selected) 1801 eagle of the finest order for its grade whose luster includes shades like the faint champagne gold often seen, now with peach colored accents on the high points of the design where the only traces of circulation wear appear. Relatively sharp for the date, easily finer in sharpness than many in nominally higher grades. Pop 56; 244 finer. (PCGS # 8564) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2204		1801 $10 Capped Bust. PCGS graded AU-53. Old green holder. Lovely toning on both sides. On T-25, the branch end points down. There is no die clash noted in the cap on this coin, although most survivors from this relatively plentiful variety do show clash marks. An especially attractive and lively About Uncirculated 53 example with some luster still in evidence plus a bold strike except for a few obverse stars. Everything you would want from the grade, and probably more. A collector could move around a dozen bourse floors in the span of a year and probably not bump up against more than one or two other 1801 eagles as attractively preserved as this coin. 44,344 coins minted. Pop 34; 300 finer. (PCGS # 8564) . Estimated Value $16,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $19,838
Lot 2205		1803 $10 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-60. Untoned with reflective surfaces. What is most noticeable when one first examines this highly attractive 1803 eagle is its satin mint luster -- it swirls from side-to-side unimpeded by noticeable abrasions and unscathed toning. A coin of singular beauty and importance to the collector yet moderately priced in the MS60 category. Pop 4; 53 finer. An annual occurrence which disrupted the Mint as it did everything else in Philadelphia was the visitation of yellow fever. Those who were able moved from the city, and the Mint itself closed its doors during the summer and fall of 1797-99, and again 1802-04. Joseph Wright the engraver, and Joseph Whitehead of the assaying department died of the fever in 1793, and the Mint's treasurer, Dr. Nicholas Way, succumbed in 1797. Elaborate preparations accompanied the closing and reopening of the Mint. Estimated Value $24,000 - 26,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $31,050