Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 39

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Flowing Hair Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1544		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. . BB-27, B-5. NGC graded AU-58. Three leaves under each wing. Mostly untoned with some luster visable. A sparkling specimen of the optimum quality for this actively collected grade. Pleasing uncleaned luster blends effortlessly with the sharp highlights on the mark-free surfaces. A coin abounding in eye-appeal. The BB-27 die pair struck an estimated 100,000 coins, which is atypical for the first decade at the Mint. Even more unusual is that these dies for the silver dollar lasted such an period of time without shattering during this long production run. The obverse die was injured by the engraver before production began, with a thin raised "bar" close to the upper curl of Liberty. Long believed to be a slip of the engraver's hand who was likely strengthening Liberty's curl points at the time of the minor accident, this "bar" variety is instantly recognizable from a distance. It is unique to BB-27. Pop 6; 3 finer for the variety at NGC. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. Ex. Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $28,750
Lot 1545		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. NGC graded AU-55 B-11, BB-20. Well struck and lightly toned. A refreshingly original surfaced beauty and a well preserved early silver dollar by any standards. Most flowing hair 1795s lack clear detail in Liberty's hair. But here, an engaging display of lively hair strands stand out boldly thanks to this particular BB-20 obverse die. Natural toning spreads across the choice silver gray surfaces without the least sign of a heavy mark or discoloration to pick up on. The quality is very high for the date. Pop 30; 79 finer. Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $23,400
Lot 1546		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. . B-2, BB-20. NGC graded EF-45. Nice evening toning on both sides. A clean-surfaced, attractive flowing hair coin with strong fundamental originality. The color grades from medium steel gray to lighter "coin" gray on the devices and high points, all pleasantly balanced. Nicely struck, as well, indeed very well so in our estimation for a Type that is often unevenly struck by the dies in those less technologically adept times. A choice reminder of the early period when the First Philadelphia Mint was our chief -- in fact, our only -- means of procuring American-made copper, silver, and gold coins for the marketplace. Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000. Ex. Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1547		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 2 leaves beneath each wing. . B-1, BB-21. PCGS graded AU-55. Mottled greyish iridescent toning on both sides. Although essentially fully struck, the smooth, nicely toned surfaces show a decided tinge of iridescent color cast at certain angles. BB-21 is a variety collectors like to own for its bold relief on Liberty. All of her hair, not just the curls behind the head, show plainly on high grade examples like this. What's more, the consignor of this piece must have taken many months of careful searching in order to find such a remarkably attractive, untouched and original specimen as representative of the flowing hair type. Eagle with 2 leaves under each wing. On the obverse, the flowing hair has five prominent curls, with a thin faint additional curl below the third curl from the top. The innermost point of star 1 just touches lowest curl. The curl continues upward to half close the loop. Liberty's head placed high and closer to LIBERTY than on most other obverses. The date is wide, with more space between 1 and 7 than other figures. The 7 in the date was repunched over an erroneous 1, prompting some to catalogue the variety as 1795 over 1195. The erroneous 1 is especially visible on early die states. This obverse bears a very close resemblance to the die used to coin BB-15; especially with regard to the high position of the head and the relationship of the hair curl to the first star. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1548		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 2 leaves beneath each wing. . BB-14. R-3(B4). PCGS graded AU-50. Lightly toned with friction on only the high points. Free from adjustment marks and other impairments. A clear, bold early Flowing Hair Bust dollar that spares no compromises with its rich toning and bold relief on the flowing hair, indeed on both sides. The strike of BB-14 is much sharper than average for a high-relief design where weak centers seem to be the rule. As noted in the photographs, this has amazing detail, beautiful surfaces, and ideal "antique" color. Pop 12; 54 finer. (PCGS # 6853) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $18,400
Lot 1549		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 2 leaves beneath each wing. . BB-24, B-13, Rarity 4. NGC graded EF-40. Light adjustment marks on the reverse. A first-rate specimen of BB-24 with richly permeating dove-gray luster that still flows across the pale brownish-gray surfaces. Satisfactorily struck for the date, indeed, about as excellent as this 1795 flowing hair issue is ever found. And despite a few light adjusting lines through the central reverse, the eagle shows excellent detail in the lower wings and tail, has the feet separated from the perch on which it stands, and all leaves in the simple wreath show completely. Perhaps as few as 100 to 150 of these scarce pieces are around, usually in worn grades. The obverse of BB-24 has Liberty's flowing hair in six curls, with the 3rd and 4th close together and the lowest curl barely missing a point of first star. The curls continues on to touch and slightly pass a second point of same star. The second curl from bottom turns downward pointing to space between two points of second star. Distinguished by a wide date, with 79 being closest. E in LIBERTY is punched over an earlier erroneous R. The Y in LIBERTY is higher than the adjacent T. Finally, the foot of R in LIBERTY shortened from a broken punch. This obverse die was used to strike 1795 BB-24 (early state) and BB-25 (early and late states). The reverse die (G) was used to strike 1795 BB-20, BB-21, and BB-24. Pop 1; 1 in AU55. Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. Ex: Miller Collection, Ex. Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1550		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 2 leaves beneath each wing. . BB-21, B-1. NGC graded VF-35. Slate grey surfaces, lighter at the devices. A smooth, appealing beauty of a flowing hair silver dollar! The naturally smooth surfaces are alight with beautiful two-tone contrast from the deeper "old silver" color in the fields offsetting the lighter gray "rubbed silver" (as it is known) of the tops of the devices. Rims are outstanding; fields are outstanding; in fact, the entire coin looks as if it were just waiting for your strong bid (PCGS # 6853) . Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,050
Lot 1551		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 3 leaves beneath each wing. . B-6, BB-25. NGC graded AU-55. Light silvery- grey toning. An incredibly beautiful and highly original specimen, a point of reference for other examples that share this grade. The best part of it is, the strike is bold and crisp, quite full in the hair and stars, similar detail shows in the eagle, which is rare in a series where few of the head and back curl details show fully. The obverse of BB-25 (also used on BB-24), has Liberty's flowing hair in six curls, 3rd and 4th close together; the lowest curl barely misses a point of first star, but continues on to touch and slightly pass a second point of same star. The second curl from bottom turns downward pointing to space between two points of second star. Wide date, 79 closest. E in LIBERTY punched over an earlier erroneous R. The Y in LIBERTY is higher than the adjacent T. Foot of R in LIBERTY shortened from a broken punch. Pop 2; none finer for variety. Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $26,450
Lot 1552		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 3 leaves beneath each wing. . B-5, BB-27. PCGS graded AU-53. Light silver-slate toning with luster still present. While Mint State examples are occasionally met with of the Bolender-5 1795 flowing hair, lovely About Uncirculated pieces are where the most collecting interest occurs since this is the "sweet spot" in the price versus quality model. The coin is a well preserved, lightly patinated survivor that is indicative of a possibly higher grade. The diagnostic feature of the obverse die is a short raised line in the field near the top hair curl. Also, 3 leaves in the wreath below each wing makes it a Red Book variety for collectors. Estimated Value $17,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $18,688
Lot 1553		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 3 leaves beneath each wing. . BB-27. NGC graded AU-53. Untoned with some luster present. A sparkling and lustrous coin, one with a satiny beauty that includes fully defined design features for the variety (the topmost hair waves show little detail on these, even in the finest condition), plus a burst of varying light silver gray shades over both sides. The reverse has three leaves under each wing, 13 berries of which seven are on left branch, six on the right. Two berries under first T in STATES, one on inside and one on outside of wreath. All specimens of BB-27 examined by Bolender showed a fine die crack from end of left stem downward, as here. This reverse die also struck BB-25 and BB-26. Pop 7; 9 finer for variety. Estimated Value $16,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1554		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 3 leaves beneath each wing. . BB-18, B-7, Rarity 2. NGC graded AU-53. Mostly untoned with medium gray patina throughout, slightly lights on the highest points of Liberty's cheek and hair as well as the eagle's body, with deeper purple-gray to steel gray areas on the reverse. A couple of faint marks on the eagle's leg and tail feathers. Excellently preserved from top to bottom, as can be seen under simple magnification as well as in the clear photographs. Collectors who are turned away by rim problems will be happy to know that the rims are in tip-top quality without defects or nicks. A popular Flowing Hair type coin. BB-18 has the "head of 1794." Three leaves under each wing on the reverse, with this featuring the only 14-berry variety: seven berries on each branch. There is only one berry on left branch of wreath between eagle's wing and ribbon bow, and it is on the inside of wreath. Two berries below the D in UNITED. Conspicuous die flaws at the end of the left ribbon. E in AMERICA double punched at top. This reverse die was used to strike 1795 BB-18 and BB-19. Pop 2; None finer at NGC for the variety. Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. Ex. Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,100
Lot 1555		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 3 leaves beneath each wing. . BB-27, B-5. NGC graded EF-45. Light greyish-violet with slight iridescense. Possibly dipped at some time in the past, the color is now uniformly pale dove gray with accents of color around the head and eagle and providing contrast to the date, stars, and letters in the legends on both sides. Clear rims and equally smooth, blemish free surfaces attest to its careful storage and handling all these many years. There is a small raised dash line behind Liberty's first head curl. This is a diagnostic feature of BB-27, found on all specimens and the die's "signature" as it were. It is believed that the die maker, holding his engraving tool during the hair strengthening process to finish making the die, let his hand slip, causing this slight graze line in the die. The result is a raised line on the struck coins. Desirable Flowing Hair silver dollar variety with 3 leaves under each wing. Pop 10; 21 finer. (PCGS # 6852) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1556		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 3 leaves beneath each wing. . B-5, BB-27. PCGS graded EF-45. Well struck with nice even toning on both sides. Light adjestment marks on the reverse. A gorgeous high grade circulated specimen of the optimum, hand-picked beauty and aesthetic appeal. The extremely attractive surfaces show signs of mingled medium gray brown with tinges of iridescence around some of the outer devices. Agreeably well struck to say the least, almost fully so at the hair and in the central region of the eagle's breast, to where we think it deserves special reference here. Pop 1; 2 in 50; 1 in 53; 1 in 58 for the variety. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,925
Lot 1557		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 3 leaves beneath each wing. . BB-18, B-7, Silver Plug. NGC graded VF-35. Medium violet-grey with lighter highlights. Pleasing problem-free planchet with the central "silver plug" visible at all angles. A smoothly preserved example has excellent rims on both sides with all of the "eye-appeal" and character embodied by the strict Very Fine 35 state of preservation. Pop 2 in VF; 5 finer. Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1558		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. 3 leaves beneath each wing. PCGS graded VF-20 PQ. Excellent detail for the grade with problem free surfaces and edges. Uniform dark slate toning of the kind collectors associate with long, safe storage in a controlled environment (PCGS # 6852) . A recognized Red Book variety: Three leaves under each wing. 13 berries, seven on left branch, six on right. Three leaves under each wing of eagle. Two berries under first T in STATES, one on inside and one on outside of wreath. With four leaves below first S of STATES (late state of die, also used to coin BB-25, later state, and BB-26; the state used to strike BB-25, early state, has only three leaves). Note: All specimens of BB-25 and BB-27 examined by Bolender showed a fine die crack from end of left stem downward, in BB-27 extending to border. However, the crack does not appear on some specimens of BB-27, nor in BB-26 nor BB-26a, indicating BB-26 was struck earlier. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,463
Lot 1559		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. Silver plug. . B-7, BB-18. PCGS graded VF-30. Nice light even toning on both sides. A well cared for specimen of this scarcer Flowing Hair piece, a coin with energetic natural and presentable surfaces that want to motivate bidders to increase their bids as though by subtle hypnotism! Behind the head are a few minor swirling scratches, ages old, with others, too few and immaterial to point out, here and there on both sides. The BB-18 variety shares an obverse with BB-16 and BB-17 wide date, while Reverse F die was used to strike BB-18 and BB-19. On the reverse are found three leaves under each wing. This is the only 14-berry variety, diagnostic: Seven berries on each branch. There is only one berry on left branch of wreath between eagle's wing and ribbon bow, and it is on the inside of wreath. Two berries below the D in UNITED. Conspicuous die flaws at the end of the left ribbon. E in AMERICA double punched at top are also noted on all specimens seen. A pleasing coin. Pop 1; 1 in EF45; 1 in AU58. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $20,125