Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 39

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Seated Liberty Half Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1443		1854-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. NGC graded MS-68. Encased in NGC holder 1601370-001. Absolute perfection! Looking for thew finest arrows half? This must be it.! Immaculate frosty surfaces overlaid with pale violet toning. This is the most incredibly beautiful seated Liberty half dollar of any year or Type that this auctioneer had ever had the pleasure to offer for sale. It is tied for finest-known honors among the few high-end survivors of the 1854-O Arrows delivery, with only one other NGC MS-68 example reported. Additionally, this coin is one of just three Arrows, No Motto halves to have received an Mint State 68 rating from the major certification services, and one of only 17 Seated Halves at this grade level (all types and issues combined). The surfaces are extraordinarily smooth with not even a single detracting abrasion present. Both sides emboldened with original mint frost, the surfaces exhibit an attractive satin sheen at all angles. The overall impression is full and well above average for an O-mint issue that is sometimes poorly made, often the result of overworked dies. Finally, this coin is originally toned with the reverse beautifully covered in steel-gray, silver-gray and iridescent-pink shades and the otherwise brilliant obverse adorned with streaks of the two former colors. The Type collector or sophisticated buyer seeking a stellar representative of this important two-year Type need look no further than this beautiful Superb Gem. Combined PCGS and NGC Population: just 2; 0 finer. This may be the most plentiful issue of the short-lived Arrows, No Motto seated half dollar type. The original mintage (5.2 million pieces) is greater than that of the 1854, 1855, 1855-O and 1855-S, and examples can usually be obtained without too much patience required on the part of the buyer. Most survivors, however, tend to be circulated (Good, VG and Fine are plentiful grades). The '54-O Arrows can be frustrating to locate at the higher levels of Mint State preservation. Coins that grade at or above Mint State 64 are quite rare from a market availability standpoint, if not in an absolute sense. Although an attractive design, the Arrows & Rays seated half dollar was very difficult to strike. This resulted in excessive die breakage. The Mint, therefore, faced a quandary. On the one hand, it had to simplify the design in order to prolong die life. On the other, Mint officials felt that a unique mark was needed in order to bring into the light the new weight standard authorized in early 1853. The decision was a compromise, with the reverse rays being removed but the obverse arrows remaining at the date. The Arrows, No Rays design was produced in 1854 and 1855, the type including just five issues and a single overdate: 1854, 1854-O, 1855/4, 1855, 1855-O and 1855-S. Pop 2; none finer. Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000. Ex Knoxville Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $69,000
Lot 1444		1855-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. NGC graded MS-65. Well struck. Brilliant white and frosty. This conditionally rare Gem is more carefully preserved than the typically encountered '55-O Arrows half in today's market. Both sides radiate full, softly frosted luster in the virtual absence of toning. As the photographs show, the surfaces are predominantly brilliant with just the lightest golden tinting here and there at the rims. The strike is sharp, and there are no distracting abrasions to report. A definite find for the quality-conscious type collector. Along with the 1854 and 1854-O, the 1855-O is the most frequently encountered Arrows, No Rays issue in the seated half dollar series. Most from this New Orleans Mint issue grade no better than MS-64, as though that grade were an invisible roadblock to finer status; buyers will find that Gems like this MS65 are quite rare from a market availability standpoint. Pop 19; 5 finer in 66. (PCGS # 6283) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,613
Lot 1445		1855-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned. Well struck and frosty. A few marks in the fields otherwise MS65. Full russet and reddish brown patina mixes into some steel colored iridescence over virtually undisturbed mint luster that is complete on both sides. For an 1855 seated Liberty half dollar, there is a meticulous strike on every device -- exactly what collectors hope for in a With Arrows Type. Unlike the many that don't quite make it to full MS64 grade, this piece is right up against the line separating it from Gem quality, being extra crisp, twice as sharp as an average specimen. For that reason, the numerical condition is conservative. Pop 56; 21 finer. (PCGS # 6283) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,588
Lot 1446		1856 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. A stunning gem cameo proof exhibiting a needle sharp strike with a touch of natural russet toning around portions of the obverse borders. Less than 100 proofs were struck with this beauty being amongst the finest. Pop 1; 2 finer; 1 in 67; 1 in 67 Star (PCGS # 6410) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1447		1857-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-63. Very well struck with intense frosty luster. Uniform light antique grey toning gives ample play for the eye to roam and admire the underlying surface as well as the clear impression left behind by the dies. Much scarcer than the Philadelphia Mint release of 1857 and seldom offered. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 1448		1861 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck with nice toning on both sides. Pleasant satin surfaces display lots of luster through the warm brown and heather toning. Devices foursquare and bold throughout include full stars and hair on Liberty, full shields both sides, and an equally detailed eagle with all its wing, neck and leg feathers clear. Pop 65; 15 in 65; 11 in 66. (PCGS # 6302) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1449		1861-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. . CSA Obverse. NGC graded AU-58. Lightly toned. The crack shows from the nose to border and believed to have been struck by either the State of Louisiana after it seceded from the union, or by the government of the Confederate States since the same obverse die (with a crack) is noted on the four known 1861 CSA half dollars. An opportunity for the collector of coins from this key year in American history. Pop 4; 1 in 62; none finer at NGC. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,335
Lot 1450		1862 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 66. Spectacular obverse toning! Vivid hues of violet and electric blue is splashed across the obverse. the reverse exhibits lighter hues. Amazing colorful surfaces are alive with rich toning brilliance. Nicely struck for a Proof from 1862, with all obverse and reverse details present including stars, everything razor-sharp, "full as can be." Fully struck Gems are the most desirable. One of 550 Proofs struck. Pop 6; 2 finer in 67. (PCGS # 6416) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1451		1863 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. A nice white coin. the holder has a scratch which does not effect this coin. Sparkling and satiny bright silver color with streaming iridescence from the way the dies were lightly polished, giving fine parallel lines in the surface that are a part of most P-mint halves in high grade from the 1860s. A very sharp impact was left by the blow of the (possibly fresh new) dies that struck this attractive 1863. At the time it was minted, production was mainly for the use of exporters; silver coins had by then disappeared from circulation due to wartime conditions. Pop 16; 9 in 65; 3 in 66. (PCGS # 6309) . Estimated Value $2,800 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 1452		1864-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-63. Frosty surfaces. Delicate pinkish-grey toning on both sides. A frosty, satiny pale golden gem with original cartwheel luster on both sides. Nicely struck as well, without even a hint of weakness at the stars, Liberty, eagle, or legends. Pop 3; 4 finer; 1 in 64; 2 in 66; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 6312) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 1453		1869-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. Well defined and frosty. A touch of light tone adheres to the outer borders. An extremely fine-looking S-mint seated Liberty half dollar, a coin with rolling-fresh luster and a decent wallop from the dies that is amazingly close to complete. Attractive silvery luster suggests that the present specimen spent much of its life away from coin envelopes or cardboard albums. Pop 4; 12 finer; 5 in 65; 5 in 66; 2 in 67. (PCGS # 6326) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,910
Lot 1454		1873-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck. Near immaculate frosty mint surfaces overlaid with a film of uniform light pale violet toning on both sides. Despite noble intentions, the Mint Act of February 12, 1873 failed to effect an immediate increase in half dollar circulation. In the intervening months between February, 1873 and the Mint Act of January 14, 1875, half dollar mintage figures remained at post-1861 levels. The 228,000 half dollars that the San Francisco Mint coined in 1873 with arrows at their dates fall into this category. Although often considered a 'Type coin' by many who overlook any silver delivery that lacks a CC mintmark, the 1873-S is a scarce date whose rarity in high grades equals that of the 1873-CC and 1874-CC. Born in part out of the chaos of European warfare, many of the 1873-S Arrows halves perished in the equally dangerous world of the American frontier. One of the Condition Census pieces, this lovely MS64 specimen is truly a coin to admire. The satiny surfaces reveal an underlying glow like the moon on misty night. Nicely frosted, the devices exhibit full detail. Both sides display their patina freely, without spotting or discoloration, and the fields are free of post-production marks. The present lot offers the buyer a fleeting opportunity to hold a numismatic treasure that crosses oceans of time to link us to the past. Pop 2; 3 finer in 65. (PCGS # 6345) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1455		1874-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-64. Encapsulated in PCGS holder 50000679. Lovely antique toning on both sides. A natural blending of violets and royal blue. The second of only two Carson City Mint issues of the 1873-1874 Arrows, Motto Half Dollar type, the 1874-CC was produced to the extent of just 59,000 pieces. Survivors are rarer than those of the 1873-CC Arrows delivery (214,560 coins delivered) in all grades. Curiously, Wiley and Bugert (The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Half Dollars, 1993) assign the 1873-CC Arrows a Rarity-7+ rating in Mint State, whereas the '74-CC has secured only a Rarity-6+ designation at that level. In our experience, however, the 1874-CC is the rarer of the two deliveries in all grades, circulated or Mint State. A solid Condition Census example, this coin exhibits undeniable originality in the form of rich antique toning that deepens to toward the borders. Bold, if not sharp striking detail is seen throughout, but we are unable to locate even a single outwardly distracting abrasion. In fact, the surfaces appear smooth enough to have secured a full Gem rating, were the original mint luster just a tad more vibrant. Direct angles, however, do allow full appreciation of a modestly semi-Prooflike finish. Were it not for accuracy's sake, we would not mention the most trivial verdigris is a few isolated areas at the reverse denticles. A legendary rarity among seated Liberty halves, this '74-CC would serve as a key coin in even the most advanced collection. Pop 2; 1 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 6347) . Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000. Ex: Nevada Collection, 1999 ANA Sale. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $44,850
Lot 1456		1877-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Old green holder. Nice untoned coin. A sparkling fresh half dollar with bright, frosty surfaces and a commanding strike. Devices as "sharp as a two-edged sword" including the stars, both shields, and all of the main elements of the design. Some toning occurs only at the rim below the date. During and immediately after the 1861-65 Civil War, the nation was plagued by fractional notes in denominations from 3 cents to 50 cents. It was decided to end these; by the close of 1876 more than $15,000,000 in fractional notes had been redeemed, and in October, 1877, the total reached $23,000,000. In their place was issued large quantities of silver dimes, quarters and half dollars. Further sales were brought to a complete stop by an unexpected and dramatic development. In the winter of 1877 there suddenly reappeared in circulation literally hundreds of millions of the silver 3 cent pieces, 5 cent pieces, dimes, quarters, and half dollars that had as suddenly departed in 1862. They streamed in from Canada, from Central America, from South America, and from the West Indies. A small quantity, probably, was brought out from domestic hoards. With the value of silver going down and the value of greenbacks rising toward parity with gold a point had been reached where these long absent coins were worth more at home than they were in foreign countries. The most interesting feature of this unexpected home-coming was the information it afforded as to the fate of the coins in 1862. It showed that they had not been melted or exported to Europe as bullion, although there was a definite profit in melting the coins at that time. They had gone to Latin America, served as local currency for fifteen years, and then returned. Secretary of the Treasury Sherman in 1880 estimated the value of the coins returned in the preceding two years at $22,000,000, and a large amount came back after that time. Pop 38; 17 in 65; 2 in 66; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 6356) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,300
Lot 1457		1878 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. Aesthetically tempting, as fine a looking 1878 Proof with boldness as you are apt to see, and all the while bristling with bright mint bloom, nothing in the way of toning. Far from the normal example of this issue where weakness often occurs on the stars, Liberty's head, and on portions of the eagle, this shows needle-sharp detail throughout with no signs of weakness, none whatsoever. Rather than maintain an aloof reserve on the subject of this piece, we support and egg-on a convincing bid from all interested parties. 800 Proofs struck. Pop 22; 15 finer; 13 in 66; 1 in 67; 1 in 68. (PCGS # 6439) . Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 1458		1878 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 66. Needle sharp gem with lovely blue iridescent toning on the obverse, lighter violet hues on reverse. A glittering mirrored example that has rich frosted device luster. Boldness is found on all of the main design, including stars, both shields, and Liberty as well as the eagle, which is fortunately found on most of this 1878 emission. Here it is probably that the dies were spaced at the correct distance apart to prevent any weak metal flow in that area and the press adjusted for the right tonnage per square inch. In short, the designs are very strong for the date. Pop 13; 2 finer. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1459		1878 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 64 Cameo. Light golden toning with partial blue colors on the obverse. An appealing fresh toned specimen, carefully struck, and unmarred by abrasions or other problems. The Proofs this year are difficult to encounter in this nice a grade. To these purposes we'd like to point out that this is also a decidedly well-struck 1878 Proof with sharp details, unlike some. It has no bothersome weak areas on the eagle or stars, plus the dies leave behind very rigid impression that bidders think highly of. 800 Proofs struck. Pop 15; 15 finer; 1 in 64 Star; 5 in 65; 7 in 66; 2 in 67. (PCGS # 6439) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 1460		1879 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-67. Gorgeous multi-color iridescent toning on both sides. For the Seated Half this meant an era of limited Philadelphia Mint deliveries with 1879's production of only 4,800 business strikes and 1,100 proofs. Fortunately for today's buyers, many examples were set aside for posterity at the time of issue when a few astute "hoarders" (early day collectors with money in the bank) snapped up the business strikes from the banks. All the same, few have survived with truly pristine, gorgeously toned surfaces like the present Proof 67. The gorgeous iridescent highlights are evident at direct angles, as well as fully brilliant Proof qualities. A razor-sharp Superb Gem for the collector who needs the utmost in quality for his collection. Pop 8; 2 finer; 1 in 67 Star; 1 in 68. There was an expansion of silver coinage in the beginning in 1873-75. Then, toward the latter part of 1877 vast numbers of previously exported silver coins began returning to the United States from abroad, principally from Central America and Canada. Tens of millions of coins (worth perhaps as much as $30 million in the estimate of Robert W. Julian) returned like a whirlwind from the past. This vast "inpouring" continued well into 1880, much to the amazement of observers. In response to this inpouring, the Treasury ordered the suspension of minor silver coinage in early 1878 and did not resume it for some years because of the accumulation in the Treasury. It is Julian's contention that contrary to popular belief, the coinage of Morgan dollars had nothing to do with the interdiction of subsidiary silver mintage in the years 1879-90. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1461		1882 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Light to moderate gold and blue toning yields a vivid combination for the connisseur's eye to admire. This piece has, in addition to a very sharp strike, full mint frost below the toning. It's gem quality grade confirms the appearance of originality and careful preservation. Pop 8; 11 finer. (PCGS # 6364) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,875
Lot 1462		1885 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 66. Nice light golden toning. Brilliant and lustrous with a razor-sharp strike and only a few hidden hairlines away from an even loftier grade. Both the peripheries and the central areas are impressive for their warm color, while the frosty textured devices offer lots to admire when examined under a low power loupe. The half dollars of 1879-90 were all low-mintage years, with about 1,000 Proofs made each year, give or take a few hundred, suggesting the limited collector scope in those days. (Today, in 2007, Proof set sales often top 3 million each year!) Only 930 Proofs struck in 1885. Pop 21; 9 finer. Estimated Value $2,900 - 3,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450