Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 39

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Trade Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1623		1873 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Lovely toning on both sides, Well struck anbd choice. A sparkling and original specimen of this first year of issue, a satiny frosted beauty with fully defined design features floating atop the reflective field, plus a burst of varying golden hues on both sides. 865 Proofs struck. Pop 27; 6 finer; 4 in 65; 2 in 66. (PCGS # 7053) . Despite all of the later rhetoric by advocates of free silver coinage (primarily in 1876-1877), the 1873 Coinage Act actually favored silver coinage. It did abolish the silver dollar (which was not in circulation anyway), the three-cent silver (trime), and the half dime, but the latter two were of little importance considering the new five-cent pieces of copper-nickel. The two cent piece also was abolished but this made no stir, then or later. In line with the metric five-cent piece of 1866 (copper-nickel), the legislators made the minor silver coins into even metric weights by adding a tiny amount of silver less than one-half of one percent. The change was marked in 1873 and 1874 by the addition of arrows at the date. The major point of the legislation of 1873 was the new Trade dollar. Although the Treasury was empowered to set a slight fee for costs of coining, the bullion depositor was able to bring his bullion to the mints for conversion into Trade dollars. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,025
Lot 1624		1873 Trade Dollar. MS-60 Plus. Toned with very sharp detail on the central devices, the stars, as well as the broad rims and rim dentils; this is the first year that Trade dollars were issued. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,380
Lot 1625		1874 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. The 1874 is more difficult to locate in high grades than the later Proof issues in the trade dollar series. Lovely gold and blue toning on both sides. As stated, a splendid multi-hued gem with forceful colors, a confident strike, sleek glass-smooth mirrors, and eye appeal that just won't relinquish your attention! Watching bidders grow nervous with anticipation whenever a nice group of Proof trade dollars gets auctioned, we find our attention is attracted chiefly by the balanced composition of this individual specimen, as well as to the same balance of original toning and fresh surfaces found on all of the gems in the sale. An opportunity the serious-minded collector shouldn't overlook. One of only 700 Proofs struck. Pop 17; 9 finer; 7 in 66; 2 in 67. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 1626		1874 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo. A nice white example. Well struck and scarce in cameo. Highly radiant and largely cameo-frosted with mirrored highlights on both sides. Razor-sharp strike, with substantial detail in the tiny stars, Liberty's hair and coronet (count the pearls lining the curve of the coronet!), as well as the other features of the intricate design. The adopted trade dollar design was from models by the mint's chief engraver, William Barber, who succeeded Longacre upon the latter's death in 1869. The trade dollar is Barber's most impressive design, and has long been a favorite with numismatists young and old. 700 Proofs struck. Pop 8; 3 finer; 2 in 65; 1 in 66. (PCGS # 87054) . This is the year Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a U.S. patent for their blue jeans with copper rivets. The style has been popular worldwide ever since. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,175
Lot 1627		1875 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo PQ. Nice shades of light gold and blue toning. This is a shimmering, golden-colored Proof with eyes on the Proof 65 category, and why not, since it is so richly endowed. The bold strike is impressive for the series and both sides are typically sleek and problem-free for the grade. A real charmer! Like the 1874 issue, a mere 700 Proofs were struck in 1875. Pop 9; 4 finer; 2 in 65; 2 in 66. (PCGS # 87055) . In 1875, the nation reeled at the exposure of yet another public scandal when the Whiskey Ring was uncovered and brought to public attention. An association of distillers and Federal officials had been defrauding the Government of a large slice of the tax revenue, part of which was used to bribe other public officials and finance lobbying activity. A number of President Grant's appointees were indicted, including the President's secretary. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1628		1876 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65 PQ. Wonderful blue, gold and lilac colors. Volatile mirror deep luster graces satiny frosted devices whose dynamic blue-toned surfaces seem to glow with inner radiance. What also spurs our interest is the varying hues of natural patina that mingle broadly with sharp relief of the devices. An attractive gem that shows off its bold strike proudly. 1,150 proofs minted. Pop 16; 3 finer in 66. (PCGS # 7056) . One of the high spots of the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876 was the starting of the great 70-foot-tall Corliss steam engine, the wonder of the day, which turned the machinery in Machinery Hall. Dom Pedro, the emperor of Brazil, accompanied by President Grant, turned on the power which put the huge machine in motion. It was purchaed by the Pullman (railway) Company following the close of the Exposition and for many years ran in its plant at Chicago. Built by George Corliss, it was the largest steam engine in the world. Of engines like the Corliss, William Dean Howells wrote, "In these things of iron and steel the national genius speaks." A handsome Proof Trade dollar from that historic year. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,475
Lot 1629		1876 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. Nice shades of green and lilac toning. A razor-sharp gem of the finest order for this year, only a few have been graded higher. Careening mirror luster echos the nicely toned surfaces. Impressive for the date, easily finer in sharpness than others embossed with a Proof 66 label. Given the time and the place, this coin was struck at an historical moment in American history: the Centennial of the country's declaration of independence from Great Britain. No, you are not seeing a ghost out of the past, this is a real, shimmering Gem Proof that has been carefully preserved by its former owners. A great opportunity for today's buyer. One of 1,150 Proofs struck. Pop 15; 5 finer; 4 in 66; 1 in 67. With an original mintage of 1,150 pieces, the 1876 appears like is should be one of the more readily available dates in this series, at least in an absolute sense. Surprisingly, Gem quality survivors are scarce, and they can be as difficult to locate as those of the first-year 1873. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,475
Lot 1630		1876 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 64 Cameo. Lovely light golden toning with some blue colors near the edges. choice for the grade. A luminous example of optimum Proof 64 quality for the grade on this Centennial year Trade Dollar. The mirror surface is swirling and glassy smooth, which acts to amplify the strike sharpness, the detail of which being quite crisp in all areas. The piece has one of those rare qualities which are always good for a lot of discussion between collectors at any hour of the day, and bidders should be allowed to stretch a little when this piece takes its turn to be sold. By all accounts, there are few that can lay claim to such beauty and originality. Only 1,150 Proofs struck. Pop 1; 12 finer; 6 in 65; 6 in 66. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 1631		1877 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64 PQ. Lovely toning on both sides. A highly lustrous near-gem with samplings of multicolor toning on both sides, all of which is underpinned by full mirror freshness. Struck from typically-crisp dies that imported a sharp texture to all devices including the stars, and especially at the central devices. Fewer Proof trade dollars were struck this year than any other year. Only 510 Proofs issued. Pop 39; 20 finer; 15 in 65; 4 in 66; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 7057) . Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,140
Lot 1632		1878 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. Lovely shades of blue and golden toning. Nice eye appeal. Proof only date. A frosted, fresh and colorful golden gem with intense mirror-reflective fields on both sides. NGC doesn't list this as "cameo" but it might well have. Crisply struck as well, and a pleasure to study under magnification! There is no running away from the fact this is a much superior trade dollar, and it is futile to say this Proof 65 wouldn't look perfect in your coin collection. 900 Proofs minted. Pop 38; 15 finer; 1 in 65 Star; 10 in 66; 4 in 67. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,338
Lot 1633		1878-CC Trade Dollar. PCGS graded AU-58. Fully lustrous, lightly toned. With a mere 97,000 minted, it makes sense 1878-CC would be a sought-after Trade dollar (this in a decade when Trade dollar mintage figures sometimes went above 5 and even 9 million pieces). Still-present cartwheel luster graces satiny and lively golden-gray surfaces. The surfaces are choice, indeed, gorgeous. Hues of pale toning mingle broadly with the silvery iridescence. Any attractive CC-mint that displays this quality of bold strike is something for all to admire (PCGS # 7047) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $11,500
Lot 1634		1879 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 66 PQ. Lovely blue, gold and lilac obverse toning. The reverse is light gold and rose colors. A high degree of mirror reflectivity spins smoothly around the lovely satin frosted devices, with deep golden sunset to iridescent blue surfaces. Unbelievable resplendence in a Proof Trade dollar. The strike, as expected, is crisp in all areas, through the proper care in minting this large silver coin. 1,541 Proofs struck. Pop 22; 7 finer in 67. (PCGS # 7059) . Events of 1879, the year of this Proof-only Trade Dollar, include: The first telephone line connecting two American cities being strung between Boston and Lowell, Mass., forever after in direct communication. Also in 1879, a reporter cornered William H. Vanderbilt, head of the New York Central Railroad, demanding an interview and stating that the public was waiting for one. Vanderbilt brushed past him, snapping the immortal words, "The public be damned!" Finally this year, in his second effort to establish a low-priced shopping center, Frank W. Woolworth finally succeeded with a flourishing 5-and-10-cent store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 1635		1879 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo. Lovely gold and rose toning on both sides. A glistening amber red toned example with a luxurious display of colors glowing on both sides. Nicely socked by the dies, too, indeed fully so to the point where every inch of the design shows bold relief. An intensely pleasing specimen of this Proof-only date. 1,541 proofs struck. Pop 25; 21 finer. (PCGS # 87059) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1636		1880 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo. Mostly untoned with a hint of light golden toning around the edges. An extremely fine-looking Proof-only Trade dollar, a coin with superb mirrors and a wallop from the dies that is amazingly complete. Attractive peripheral toning suggests that the present specimen spent a few years of its time in an old style Wayte Raymond album or similar constraint. 1,987 proofs struck. Pop 15; 13 finer; 7 in 66; 6 in 67. (PCGS # 87060) . Two popular books were published in 1880: Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace, governor of New Mexico Territory, and Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney, pseudonym for Harriet Mulford Stone Lothrop. Both sold over 500,000 copies in the first decade after publication. The one has been memorialized in a Hollywood blockbuster movie; the other so far has been overlooked by the studios. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,338
Lot 1637		1880 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65. Old holder. A high degree of mirror reflection distinguishes the lovely toned surfaces from others of the Proof-only 1880 date which are less pulsating even though in technically similar grade. Collectors familiar with the series will recognize this difference at once. A boldly struck specimen whose beauty should delight just about everyone. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,038
Lot 1638		1881 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 67. Nice original toning on both sides. Very attractive coin. A incandescent and sparkling gem, superb from top to bottom, a coin whose satiny devices display fully defined design features. What's more, there is a torrent of varying golden hues on the mirror-fresh reflective surface that surrounds. We expect bidders to argue earnestly over who gets this impressive Trade Dollar. The final bidder, as always happens, is not to be held back. Therefore, do not let it vex you if it takes a firm bid to wrest it away from the opposition in the auction struggle that is sure to break out. One of a mere 960 Proofs struck. Pop 10; none finer at NGC. Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1639		1881 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 66 Cameo. A wonderful white coin with a hint of gold toning around the rims. A strikingly beautiful coin. A hard to believe array of deep golden and amber hues enhance the glassy-smooth surfaces of this handsome gem Proof trade dollar. A small region of striking weakness is occasionally noted on the stars of the later Proof-only pieces (1878-83), but the present prize is extraordinarily beautiful, crisp and sharp. For those who collect this wonderful series of coins, realizing every day the truth that fewer will be offered for sale as they are taken off the market, serves to increase the interest in the series, especially the low-production Proof-only dates. 960 Proofs struck. Pop 11; 12 finer; 1 in 66 Star; 8 in 67; 1 in 68; 2 in 68 star. Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,200
Lot 1640		1881 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. Nice original multi color toning. Very pretty. An exceptionally lustrous gem with sizzling mirrors beneath rich toning. The reverse and obverse centers play host to crisp details always appreciated by the stronger buyers. In short, a lovely coin, one that clearly meets the qualifications of the grade. 960 Proofs struck. Pop 34; 12 finer; 11 in 66; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 7061) . James A. Garfield was a great president, inaugurated into office in 1881. If by "great" one illustrates greatness by not doing evil things, then Garfield is the man. He took office in March of 1881. He was a marvel who could write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other - at the same time. He was shot in July and died three months later. "He didn't have time to accomplish his plans," say the standard histories. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,613
Lot 1641		1882 Trade Dollar. NGC graded Proof 67 Cameo Star. This essentially immaculate specimen has clearly been lovingly preserved since the day of its production. A Proof-only issue, the 1882 has a substantially lower production than the 1879 and 1880 dates. Lovely obverse rainbow toning. The reverse is mostly white with golden colors around the rims. Completely original with spectacular mint brilliance and color over pristine surfaces. A diminished impression is the last thing you'll expect for a Proof 67 trade dollar, and this coin displays very boldly detailed devices following the recoil of the sharp dies; a fortunate occurrence, a stately look, an amazing specimen! In sum total: a wonderful coin. 1,097 Proofs struck. Pop 1; 1 finer in 68. Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $20,700
Lot 1642		1882 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. Gorgeous midnight blue iridescent toning on both sides. Completely original with spectacular mint sparkle shining through pristine and colorful surfaces. A rounded impression is to be expected for several late-date Proofs of this unsuccessful series of Trade coins, coins inadequately stamped by the dies. Bidders are fortunate to learn that the present example is a grand exception to that occasional mishap in being needle-sharp throughout including centers, stars, and all the major design detail. Pop 42; 19 in 66; 5 in 67. (PCGS # 7062) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1643		1882 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. Intense blue and golden colors. Here, too, we are pleased to describe a gem Proof of the finest order whose explosive mirrors adorns the stippled iridescent blue and purple surfaces. Piercingly sharp for the date, easily finer in sharpness than many in nominally higher grades. Very pretty. 1,097 Proofs minted. Pop 41; 24 finer; 19 in 66; 5 in 67. (PCGS # 7062) . Just as the 1920s and 1930s saw extensive gangster activity in America, the 1870s and 1880s were an era when outlaws terrorized the countryside. One famous name finally met his match in 1882: On April 3rd that year, bank robber Jesse James was shot and killed by a member of his own gang at St. Joseph, Missouri. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1644		1882 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo. Lovely rose and golden colors. A satin-frosty, gleaming Proof beauty. Level, glistening mirros with splashes of rich natural color mingle on the nearly surfaces. Judged from an aesthetic standpoint, the coin is also possessed of a much finer strike than is typically found for a later-issue Proof, some of which were poorly struck on the stars and certain elements of the central design. A connoisseur will take satisfaction in owning this fine-looking Trade dollar. 1,097 proofs struck. Pop 4; 4 finer; 3 in 66; 1 in 68. (PCGS # 87062) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,475
Lot 1645		1883 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 66. Lovely light blue and gold toning. Great eye appeal. A Proof only issue. The gist of it is, a gorgeous gem of the optimum, hand-picked order. The extremely reflective surfaces show signs of careful storage, lack of handling, hence the beautiful shades of color. Agreeably well struck to say the least, in fact fully so, and so attractive that it merits reference here. 979 Proofs minted. Pop 12; 4 finer in 67. (PCGS # 7063) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,338
Lot 1646		1883 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo. A nice mostly white coin with a hint of light gold toning. Dancing mirror reflection crisscrosses the smooth surfaces of this lightly toned gem. Devices are well frosted. A blend of shades, therefore, can be found on both sides both in terms of color as well as two-tone cameo relief. The strike is bold on both sides. 979 Proofs struck. Pop 12; 7 finer in 66. (PCGS # 87063) . Many petitions reached Congress during the late-1870s seeking recall of the Trade dollar. As a result, mintage for circulation ended in 1878; Proofs continued to appear in the regular Proof sets (with a few yearly extras) through 1883. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,338
Lot 1647		1883 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. Lovely shades of blue and golden colors. A showy gem as are the others from this consignment, displaying a cocktail of underlying luster, frosty to satiny on the devices, that breathes scorching life into the cameo-like highlights. Furthermore, all devices are nicely struck with crisp details aplenty. 979 Proofs struck. Pop 45; 16 finer; 12 in 66; 4 in 67. (PCGS # 7063) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900