Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 39

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Half Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1423		1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. . O-101. PCGS graded AU-58. Nice original light even toning. Sharply struck with only a few faint planchet adjustment marks on the obverse. The sought-after first year of the flowing hair half dollar type an in truly magnificent state of preservation. On the opening day of December 1794, Chief coiner Henry Voigt delivered 5,300 half dollars, followed by 18,164 more on February 4, 1795 (from 1794-dated dies). These comprised two separate die varieties. A low mintage even by contemporary standards, this is combined with a low survival rate for the 1794 coins, making this a scarce date, and one prized by specialized half dollar collectors. The O-101 die pairing has 21 berry reverse (split 10 left and 11 right), the only reverse with this arrangement. While collectors refer to O-101 as "the most plentiful of all 1794 die marriages," that hardly fits the picture of high-end examples like this. A very remarkable specimen! Encased in PCGS holder 10945262. Pop 1: The only Overton 101 graded at PCGS. 1794 is noted from the so-called "Whiskey Rebellion" in western Pennsylvania and other inland regions of the new country. The frontier farmers objected to a tax on whiskey when whiskey itself was their medium of exchange. Silver half dollars like this 1794 rarely turned up in the interior. And the cost of sending grain to eastern markets was more than the grain would bring, so the farmers converted it to whiskey which could be easily stored, transported, and traded. Tax collectors were tarred and feathered or met with shotguns when they tried to collect the tax. One farmer and his neighbor welcomed excise officers with generous servings of Jamaica ginger laced with whiskey. The genial hosts remained hospitable until the officers passed out, then slipped off and hid the still. President Washington ordered Federal troops to put down the "acts" that he said amounted to treason. With General "Light-Horse Harry" Lee in command, the army restored order. Some of the leaders were arrested and taken to Philadelphia for trial. Only 2 were ever convicted, and they were pardoned by the President. The new Government boasted that it could enforce laws enacted by Congress. Well, sort of. Estimated Value $100,000 - 125,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $218,500
Lot 1424		1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. . Overton-101. PCGS graded VF-35. Nice original toning on both sides. Popular first year date. Berries 10 by 11 for a total count of 21; die break between D and S at upper left connects with a left just above a berry. The first year of the two-year Flowing Hair half dollar type. The relatively low mintage of the 1794 issue, combined with an extremely low survival rate, makes this a scarce date coveted by early half dollar collectors. Lovely natural gray surfaces with bold detail throughout, choice rims, and splendid "eye appeal" -- the defining factor! As we've reported elsewhere, the popular "O-101" marriage is now thought to be one of the last varieties of the 1794 Half Dollar to be coined, despite Overton's order of listing, and is probably part of the 18,164 pieces delivered February 4, 1795 from 1794 dated dies. This die pairing features the 21 berry reverse (arranged 10 left and 11 right), the only such reverse of this desirable premier issue. Die study has found this O-101 (which is the most affordable of all 1794 die marriages), obverse die was also used for O-102, while the reverse die was occurs on O-106, 107, and 108, each an important rarity. The obverse die has minor clash marks near the dentils outside of stars 6, 7, and 8. The reverse, as mentioned, is lightly cracked between D and S, and through F. Only 23,464 struck. A total of 100 graded in all grades of VF with 20 finer. (PCGS # 6051) . Estimated Value $22,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $40,800
Lot 1425		1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. ANACS graded Fine-12 Overton-117. Nice even wear. A line beneath the right arm in Y of LIBERTY is the distinguishing feature of this variety. The 9x8 reverse is paired with 4 other obverses. A smooth, mildly circulated coin with antique gray surfaces that deepen around the outer margin. Choice rims and no heavy marks, although there are some light hairlines through the portrait. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1426		1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. . O-119. Rarity 4. NGC graded Fine-15. Nice even toning. Overton-119 is identifiable by a small raised die mark above the final star on the right. Nicely balanced mid-level to deep "old silver" color, plus original surface; a choice example in this grade. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,898
Lot 1427		1795/1795. 3 leaves under each wing. . O-111. NGC graded EF-40. Even light grey toning on both sides with the diagnostic long die crack on the reverse affecting the eagle, half of whose body feathers still display on this otherwise worn specimen. A popular and very scarce Red Book variety. Pop 2; 1 finer in 45. Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,950