Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 39

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$3 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2212		1854 $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-58. Untoned. Both sides are saturated in gold brilliance that accentuates the ample remaining luster around the protected areas but also well out into the fields. Some light surface abrasions, as seen in the photographs; still choice since none are out of the ordinary (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,415
Lot 2213		1854-O $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-55. Mostly untoned with reflective fields. This scarce, problem-free piece shows smooth and amply lustrous reddish-gold surfaces, with no singularly definable abrasions, just light field chatter consistent with the grade. This as it turns out, was the single O-mint issue in the entire $3 series. Only 24,000 struck for this New Orleans Mint $3 gold coin. Pop 15; 98 finer. (PCGS # 7971) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 2214		1855 $3 Gold. NGC graded MS-61. A die flaw by the U in United. Mostly untoned. Smooth golden color with light rather than "heavy" underlying luster. Nicely struck; not fully so, but close enough to warrant individual mention. There is a small area between U and N where a mint-caused planchet flake is seen. Only 50,555 minted. Pop 80; 122 finer. (PCGS # 7972) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,335
Lot 2215		1855 $3 Gold. PCGS graded AU-55. A few marks in the fields. Mostly untoned and lustrous. Second year of issue. The mint this year (and in years following) increased the size of the letters in the denomination DOLLAR to make it more readable. In 1854, the letters are much smaller (PCGS # 7972) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2216		1856-S $3 Gold. PCGS graded AU-53. Honey color gold. A first-rate specimen in its grade with richly permeating luster that still flows within the less exposed areas of the letters and devices. Satisfactorily struck for the date, as well, indeed, about as excellent as the '56-S is ever found. The coin's designer would have been proud of this one! Pop 23; 61 finer. (PCGS # 7975) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,795
Lot 2217		1856-S $3 Gold. PCGS graded EF-45. Early branch mint date and a scarce coin in all grades. Smooth surfaces with tyical light wear on the hair's highest waves. Some luster still found within the devices. Mintage: 34,500 (PCGS # 7975) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2218		1858 $3 Gold. NCS graded Details of AU-50. Scratched but not objectionably so. Warm orange-gold patina. The 1858 $3 gold piece has long been on the wish list of advanced collectors. Rare in all grades, the mintage was 2,133 pieces. Due to normal attrition, few are left in collections (unlike some of the later low-mintage dates which were hoarded at the time of issue). There was no hoarding going on in pre-War America (PCGS # 7978) . Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,500
Lot 2219		1860 $3 Gold. NCS graded Details of MS-60. Improperly cleaned. The "cleaning" is hardly noticable, however, and the resulting coin is bold with natural gold color. Only 7,036 minted (PCGS # 7980) . Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,860
Lot 2220		1861 $3 Gold. PCGS graded MS-62. A hint of light gplden toning. Glistening fields rise and fall with original golden mint bloom. Against this are set serious, satiny design elements with only a few light hairlines in the fields restricting the grade. Especially bold strike. Low mintage: 5,959 pieces (PCGS # 7982) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2221		1863 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. In NGC holder 1935295-010. A wonderful brilliant gem coin. The 1863 and 1864 are perhaps the two most readily found Proof Three-Dollar gold issues from the era of the War for Southern Secession. Not that the term "readily found" should really be construed to mean "common" when referring to any Proof gold delivery. When viewed in the wider context of U.S. numismatics, the 1863 is undeniably a rare item, with a mere handful of coins certified by PCGS and NGC from an original mintage of 39. This important Gem is warm yellow-gold in color. Both sides command attention by displaying boldly cameoed, fully struck devices that appear to lift atop deeply mirrored reflectivity in the fields like an island in the middle of the ocean. Virtually distraction-free, as suits the grade, with one or two random hairlines in the obverse and reverse field that require no further mention. An aesthetically spectacular coin that should earn a worthy place in the archive of Proof gold sales this year; a coin so lovely it catches your eye and whispers seductively to "come, give me bid." Only 39 proofs struck. Pop 3; tied for finest cameo graded at NGC. Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $51,750
Lot 2222		1867 $3 Gold. NCS graded Details of AU-50. Lightly polished but altogether, not so bad as the NCS description might suggest. Easily worth our estimate. Only 2,600 minted (PCGS # 7988) . Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 2223		1869 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 65 Ultra Cameo. In NGC holder 1848569007. Two tiny "pimples" before the nose mentioned for identification purposes. A resplendent orange-gold example of this formidable Proof, boldly struck overall, in fact razor-sharp on the key high points of the design. The devices have "ultra" frosty yellow cameos, with deeply mirrored fields lapping up against them as though from a crystal clear lake. Critical examination of the surfaces reveal smooth Gem quality originality that confirms the Proof 65 grade level. Unlike a few non-cameo competitors that turn up at auction over wide spaces in time, this piece is astounding and appears to fully merit the distinction, since the portrait and letters, as well as the wreath and reverse legends, all exhibit uninterrupted mint frost that pleasantly contrasts the mirror fields. This is an amazing representative of an exceedingly rare issue, and it is tied with one other as the only Ultra/Deep Cameo specimens known to the two major grading services. NGC Census: just 2 in Ultra Cameo grades. PCGS has yet to certify a single specimen as Deep Cameo. As with the Proof 1868, the 1869 has an original mintage of a mere 25 coins. Of this already limited total, only 12 to 14 pieces have survived, including several impounded in museum collections. For the collector or investor seeking a truly rare coin, the Proof 1869 $3 gold piece comes highly recommended. Without mincing words, all Proof $3 gold pieces are very rare coins. Some are exceedingly so, especially those made in the 1860s which were produced in tiny amounts, although presumably sufficient numbers to supply annual sales to collectors. Two, the 1875 and 1876, enjoy heightened demand from date collectors as Proof-only deliveries. Others are the focus of nearly the same degree of buyer attention due to paltry original mintages for their identically dated business strike counterparts. Examples from this final group include the 1881, 1883 and 1885. As for the remaining issues, none can even be remotely described as common. In fact, the most frequently encountered Proof $3 in today's market, the 1888, has an extant population of fewer than 150 coins -- definitely a limited total when viewed in the wider context of numismatics. The origins of this odd denomination stretch all the way back to 1832, when Representative Campbell P. White of New York introduced a bill calling for minting of a Three-Dollar gold piece with a weight of 75 grains. The bill never reached a vote, however, and it would be several years before the federal government returned to the idea of authorizing a Three-Dollar gold piece. In 1851, Congress reduced the postal letter rate to three cents while simultaneously authorizing the Mint to strike Three-Cent pieces in base silver to expedite purchase of stamps. The Mint Act of February 21, 1853, while best known for reducing the weight of most silver coins and adding arrows at both sides of their dates, also included a clause authorizing production of a Three-Dollar gold piece. Apparently, Congressional leaders anticipated that this denomination would expedite exchange of Three-Cent silver rolls and/or purchase of full sheets of Three-Cent stamps. Business strikes and proofs were produced every year from 1854 through 1889 with the exception of 1875 and 1876, when only proofs were struck. Pop 2; none finer. Estimated Value $60,000 - 70,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $74,750
Lot 2224		1869 $3 Gold. Sharpness of VF-20. Cleaned. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 2225		1872 $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck. Plenty of rose color luster resting within the devices. Only 2,000 struck (PCGS # 7994) . Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,220
Lot 2226		1873 $3 Gold. Closed 3. NGC graded AU-53. Untoned. A still lustrous, smooth and attractive coin with a gradation of faint mirror finish on both sides mixing with frosted motifs. The contact from the dies is virtually complete, although perhaps a hint of weakness is seen at the lower wreath. Minor wear on the high points of the hair and feather headdress, with lighter abrasions that expected. A very choice specimen of this rarity. Concerning the Philadelphia Mint business strikes in the three-dollar gold series, virtually all are scarce, if not rare coins in terms of total number of pieces known. Mintage figures remained limited for much of this series, and many deliveries were actually produced to the extent of fewer than 5,000 coins. Several of the post-1877 issues did not circulate widely, and most of the coins struck were probably retained in the Mint until melted at a later date. The 1873 Closed 3 mintage is unknown. Pop 8; 34 finer. (PCGS # 7995) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,800
Lot 2227		1873 $3 Gold. Open 3. PCGS graded Proof 65 Deep Cameo. In PCGS holder 10757712. A glittering untoned Gem Cameo Proof. The extremely rare 1873 Open 3 Proof is one of three Proof-only dates in the $3 gold series. There are 1873 Closed 3 $3 pieces known in both business strike and Proof format, but the Open 3 is strictly found in Proof only. Some confusion surrounds the history of these. The only archives record was 25 Proofs struck in February, with no indication of any business strikes. Current opinion seems to lean toward the belief that all 1873 $3 gold pieces were made in that year, and that they should all be pronounced Original issues; that is, no Restrikes. What is most crucial in understanding the availability of the 1873 Open 3 pieces, regardless whether just 25 of these were made, or some larger number, is that the rarity of this issue must be emphasized. Recent publications by Dave Bowers and Doug Winter suggest a mintage of 40 to 50 Proofs, with approximately 13 to 18 of those in existence. The pristine example offered in this lot is, without question, a glorious Gem Proof. Not just any Gem Proof, however, but one displaying "deep" cameo contrast over both sides. The surfaces are glittering mirrors whose golden sparkle is fully lustrous. By way of distinction, the devices, the frosty devices, stand in bold contrast. The entire composition of the coin, therefore, consists of brilliant yellow-gold color mirrors, slightly deeper on the obverse, providing background for the frosted devices. A few tiny hairlines are visible on each side. A lint mark is visible on this example, as well, between the T and A of STATES, which can be used as an identifier, plus at the upper left leaf in the wreath, a small flake in the metal, as struck. For purposes of understanding the coin's rarity in high grade, little further needs to be said other than to reveal the latest (12/06) census figure: Pop 2; none better. (PCGS # 98037) . Walter Breen in his encyclopedia gives a learned account of the origin (and later extinction) of this odd-sounding denomination: "The usual story has it that $3 gold coins were made only so long as the letter rate remained 3¢, being discontinued when it was changed again, and perhaps in part because of the letter rate change. Whether or not this was the intention of Congress, nevertheless $3's saw little postal use in the West and South, as they were minted in Dahlonega and New Orleans only in 1854, and in San Francisco for circulation only 1855-57 and 1860. Three's thus represent relics of an interesting but abortive experiment: today they are among the most highly coveted of American gold coins. No specific reason was advanced for their discontinuance, though low mintages 1879-89 (testifying to little public demand) may have had something to do with it." According to published reports, even so late as the 1930s the Treasury was melting $3 gold pieces as they were received. This was in line with President Franklin Roosevelt's 1933 demonetization order. Since the denomination ceased actively circulating in 1889, the Treasury had nearly fifty years in which to separate out any pieces which flowed through. Is it any wonder, then, why this denomination is one of the rarest, regardless of date, mint, or state or preservation? Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $161,000
Lot 2228		1874 $3 Gold. ANACS graded EF-40. Lightly toned with semi reflective surfaces (PCGS # 7998) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 2229		1876 $3 Gold. PCGS graded Proof 65 Deep Cameo. Encased in PCGS holder 10757710. A blazing gem! The Proof-only status of the 1876 $3 gold piece has secured it limitless fame over the 131 years of its existence, a fame it clearly deserves. A well documented rarity with a splendid auction track record, the this year's importance is assured by a mintage of just 45 pieces. Although struck from a single set of Proof dies, there were two deliveries during the year. The earliest group of coins, numbering 20 pieces, was produced on February 19. The dies were then stored until a further 25 coins were minted on June 13. The collector must allow for duplication in arriving at the number of surviving 1876 threes, but even so it seems that no more than 25 to 30 pieces are left in collections today. The census of unimpaired examples, conversely, is far fewer, with at least a dozen specimens having been cleaned without due care and attention, or worse, used as pocket pieces. This high quality PCGS certified Gem Cameo Proof 65 beauty displays strong contrast between the fields and devices. There is a customary "halo" effect in intervals around the head of Liberty, the result of slight granularity in the fields. The color is gorgeous: a bright gold with brilliant, virtuous levels of glitter and sparkle. Of course, collectors seeing the photos understand this coin is crisply struck for the date, best of all entirely so. Certainly a coin that gets proper mention where completeness of design is almost always a prime determiner of the grade. In short, a majestic example of this important $3 gold rarity. Pop 4; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 98040) . Among 1870s decade Philadelphia Mint coins, mintages were very low, save for 41,800 struck in 1874 and 82,304 in 1878. Regarding these two higher-mintage dates, it is likely that thoughts of the resumption of payments of gold coins at par, which had not been done since December 28, 1861, would create a demand for $3 pieces. However, the forecasters at the Treasury Department were wrong, and no widespread interest ever developed. Coinage reached its first low point in 1873, when only a few hundred pieces seem to have been struck. A few years later, even fewer coins were made, with just 20 being struck in 1875 and only 45 in 1876, these being Proofs only for collectors. Beginning in 1879 and continuing to the end of the series in 1889, there was a modest investment and speculative interest by the public in $3 gold coins, and more Mint State pieces as well as Proofs were saved than would have been the case otherwise. However, none are really common, as the low mintages indicate. Estimated Value $75,000 - 85,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $92,000
Lot 2230		1877 $3 Gold. PCGS graded MS-61. Lovely golden toning with nice reflective fields. What is most in full view when we examine this coin is its vibrant coppery to apricot golden mint sparkle. The result of the prooflike field, it swirls over each side like the sun setting on a rippling lake surface. What's more, the field is nicely free of marks. A coin with outward charm that will delight the serious $3 gold collector. A case in point of "condition rarity": only 1468 struck. Pop 4; 3 finer; 2 in 62; 1 in 64. (PCGS # 7999) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $26,450
Lot 2231		1878 $3 Gold. NGC graded MS-65. Lightly toned. Two tiny marks in the feathers above IB of LIBERTY. Otherwise jaw-dropping beauty for this scarce $3 denomination. Each side has a glowing orange-gold surfaces that are bursting with luster. Struck with almost scientific precision on the key design elements, only the worn state of the Master Hub reveals itself is slightly muted hair detail on Liberty (as the Master Hub was used year by year, it gradually wore, leaving behind more rounded design elements than in early years such as dates in the 1850s, a typical situation at the Mint). This lovely gem quality MS65 makes the perfect choice for a gold Type Set collector. 82,304 coins minted. Pop 147; 68 finer. (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2232		1882 $3 Gold. NCS graded Details of AU-50. Damaged. The "damage" is not severe. We note some light cleaning. Scarce, as only 1,500 were minted. (All 1882 $3 gold pieces are from a reverse die in which the 2 in the date is sharply recut.) (PCGS # 8004) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,020
Lot 2233		1886 $3 Gold. PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo. Lovely rich golden colors. One of the finest graded 1886 Proof $3 gold pieces, and the only Proof 66 by PCGS. No doubt one of the very finest known, the current price guides should be tossed aside when considering your bids on this Proof 66. The surfaces are pristine, without the usual signs of handling or annoying hairlines that diminish the value; only close examination will find even faint evidence of these. Beautiful deep warm orange gold in color, with perfectly struck devices and each is fully frosted, providing spectacular cameo qualities. Among the finest ever graded. PCGS serial number 21478938. Only 142 proofs struck. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 88050) . Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $32,200
Lot 2234		1886 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 63 Cameo. Some scatter3ed hairlines in the unprotected fields. A touch of rose color tone rests in the protected areas. Only 142 proofs made. Despite a few crisscrossing hairlines in the fields, this is a dynamic Choice Proof $3 displaying excellent contrast and sharp design details. Both sides are warm orange gold with fully frosted devices and contrast. In addition to the limited quantity of Proofs, a meager business strike mintage was also released for 1886. Possibly as many as twice the number of collectors exist for the few Proofs of this date that can be supplied in any one year, although the actual number may be even greater! Collectors really should try to buy a representative 19th century gold Proof like this. It would appeal to you. There is nothing like them in all of American numismatics. Pop 11; 53 finer. Includes plenty of resubmissions. (PCGS # 88050) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 2235		1887 $3 Gold. MINT ERROR. Triple Struck. NGC graded Proof 63 Cameo. Reverse Rotated. (A similar example, 1887 in NGC Proof 64 Ultra Cameo, Double Struck Rotated Reverse 180 Degrees from the Bass Collection, realized $31,000 in May 2000, lot 287.) Perhaps the most interesting coin in the $3 series, excluding the world famous key dates! In time, this too may become a world class Rarity in its own right since it has all of the qualifications. Choice cameo Proof with bright yellow gold fields and satin-frosted devices. A few minor hairlines and abrasions are noted. Completely triple struck with the reverse die inverted between impressions. The obverse doubling is offset about slightly but still noticeable while the reverse is perfectly inverted. A third strike is also visible. Three varieties of 1887 Proof $3 exist, based on die alignment. A few Proofs are known with medallic alignment, many more with normal coin alignment, and two or three (including the coin offered here) struck once with medallic alignment and then with coin alignment, the reverse die (or the obverse die as the results would be the same) being rotated 160° between strikings (should be 180°, and sometimes noted as such in the literature, but the die alignment is slightly off register from 180°). The earliest catalog appearance of this variety of which we are aware was in Lester Merkin's November 1965 sale. It is indeed a great pleasure for us to offer this piece for competition now, when the market for Proof gold as well as the market for great Error rarities is in the midst of a Renaissance! Perhaps it will disappear for a generation after the sale, only time will tell. The occasion is what matter, and the coin is available for your bid. Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2236		1888 $3 Gold. Sharpness of EF-40. Cleaned and repaired. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $312