Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 39

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$20 St. Gaudens 1911-1924

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2677		1911 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-64. Nice bold strike. Rich orange-gold and satin-finish color is nicely layered over each side of this lustrous near-Gem P-mint twenty. As an example of how these should be made, the coin is struck with exactly the required mathematical precision by the dies in which all areas, not just some, are complete by a highly successful strike. Only 197,250 minted. Pop 268; 54 finer. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,370
Lot 2678		1911 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. Lightly toned. Low mintage date; plenty of original frostiness although scattered bagmarks are present (PCGS # 9157) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 2679		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. An intensely lustrous pleasing golden gem! The fully brilliant example we now hand over bidders beats (from a technical angle) practically every other Gem of the widely collected 1911-D issue that have passed through the various grading services. Unlike the usual survivor with its quantity of field marks and weak impression, this handsome coin is very sharp from top to bottom, center to edge (PCGS # 9158) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 2680		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Golden orange. A resplendent Gem. This is one of our favorite years in the series, and collectors who have made the introduction to a 1911-D or 1911-S will enjoy its velvety textured luster all the more. Yet, where or in what circumstances it avoided heavy handling can only be guessed at. For the coin is a full-fledged MS65 with leanings toward an even higher grade (PCGS # 9158) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,351
Lot 2681		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned. Luxuriant orange-gold color cascades over each side with light accents of pinkish toning (PCGS # 9158) . Estimated Value $675 - 725. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 2682		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned. A solid example of an orange tinted gold coin with minimal abrasions or marks. In their day, Saint-Gaudens $20 gold pieces rarely circulated (which is why few are seen in grades more worn than, say, EF). Instead, these were used for bank reserves (stored in vaults) or accepted in international funds payments between governments or private banks. During one phase of the banking panic in 1932-33, caravans of armored trucks were photographed leaving the Federal Reserve building in New York City for the docks, where the cargo was loaded onto ships for European recipients (PCGS # 9158) . Estimated Value $675 - 725. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 2683		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. Original toning. A nice golden luster shoots from this coin (PCGS # 9158) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $780
Lot 2684		1911-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66. Well struck and frosty. This is one of the smoothest, cleanest, and most satiny examples of the 1911-S issue that bidders will be presented. In fact, few records exist for MS66 twenties offered in recent years. The full, flashy luster radiates from nicely toned orange-golden fields in a pleasing somersaulting display, and there are few surface blemishes to distract the eye. While a plentiful date in typical bagmarked grades, the 1911-S becomes very scarce at or above the premium Gem level of preservation offered here. A coin with the full weight of history behind it! Pop 18; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 9159) . According to the secret records of the U.S. Presidency, during the time this $20 gold piece was minted, President William Howard Taft (1909-13), our heaviest president, weighing 332 pounds, once got stuck in the White House bath tub. A new one was installed, big enough, it is said, to hold four grown men! Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,200
Lot 2685		1911-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Light toning on both sides. Well struck and attractive. Vivid golden color bursts from original surfaces unmarred by problems. A noted, the strong strike makes this a notable Gem specimen for the connoisseurs of a carefully preserved Saint $20 gold piece. Pop 260; 18 in 66; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 9159) . Estimated Value $3,500 - 400. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,140
Lot 2686		1911-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Bright and original. The satin-like gleam of golden-colored originality is safe and sound from most abrasions of measurable size (PCGS # 9159) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,150
Lot 2687		1911-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Two-tone mint bloom. The surface freshness is the best part of this twenty. It's color and smooth sheen fits it in the way clothes fit the well-heeled gentlemen of leisure, a coin that is one in a thousand (PCGS # 9159) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 2688		1911-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. This is a virtually blemish-free case in point of the choiceness of a $20 Saint-Gaudens in this grade: sleek "old gold" in color, with mint bloom that grabs hold of the full effect of the careful preservation since it was made. As is often seen with the 1911-S, the imprint that was left by the dies shows full sharpness which makes it stand apart from other issues around it. It has a wonderful clear sharp strike, evidenced in the photographs (PCGS # 9159) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 2689		1912 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Lovely even golden toning on both sides. This piece displays attractive frosty color over the nearly abrasion-free surfaces and is one of the scarcer P-mint dates in the set. Pop 255; 30 finer; 25 in 65; 5 in 66. (PCGS # 9160) . Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2690		1912 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Scarce date in choice Uncirculated. Nice original toning. A few small marks at Liberty's knees. The medium mintage of this P-mint release belies its scarcity in upper grades, with most Mint States clustering in the MS60 to MS62 level. Pop 255; 30 finer; 25 in 65; 5 in 66. (PCGS # 9160) . Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,335
Lot 2691		1913 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded Proof 65. The Sandblast Proofs of this year are very rare, perhaps even more so than the previous two years. The mintage being a mere 58 pieces, these coins were rare even at the time of issue. It was long erroneously believed that perhaps as few as 12-15 (Bowers) and as many as 20-25 (Akers) examples exist today. These estimates are derived in part on Breen's having been only able to trace sale records of five specimens for his 1977 Proof book. Akers recorded 14 appearances over the 40 years covered by his survey of auctions. Census numbers of survivors point to as high as 35 coins with many duplicate submittals not accounted for in the published figures, still a small number when viewed against the numbers of wealthy collectors of Proof U.S. gold. The sand-blast surface on the 1913 double eagles is close to that seen on the 1911 and 1912 Proofs. However, this coin closely resembles a 1908 with its reddish-khaki color. The depth and purity of color on this coin is really something, and would serves to highlight the razor-sharp devices. An immaculate Gem Proof by any standards! Only 58 struck. Pop 11; 22 finer. In 1908, the Philadelphia Mint introduced the sandblast finish on gold Proofs. After criticism from the numismatic community, the Mint altered its procedure, dropped the sandblast style and struck the satin finish. This, too, proved to be an anathema to collectors, so the first technique was revived for 1911-15. In Mint correspondence of the period, Charles E. Barber called the satin finish "bright", while other officials in their correspondence referred to the sandblast pieces as "dull" Proofs. Assistant Secretary Piatt Andrew wrote this to Treasury Secretary Woodin on September 22, 1909, "It appears that the ordinary proof coins are given this dull finish by means of a sandblast." All sandblast Proofs of either type (1908, 1911-15 or the "satin" 1909-10) have a square rim edge as a distinctive point. Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2692		1913 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck and fully lustrous with natural mint bloom color. Both sides are bright with vibrant golden patination. Desirable with this precision strike on the figure of Liberty which shows full facial design, a solid knee; the eagle comports favorably with the mid-level grade as well. Pop 208; 7 finer in 65. (PCGS # 9161) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2693		1913 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice light golden toning. A few minor scuffs in the frost on either side of Liberty. This beautiful choice example sums up nicely the experience of the gold satin luster on a well presented and fully struck 1913 P-mint twenty. It is the kind of coin that collectors expect to find in the grade. Elusive due to its low mintage, and rarely found better. Pop 208; 7 finer in 65. (PCGS # 9161) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2694		1913 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Honey color luster. Both the peripheries and the central areas are impressive for their sharpness of strike, and the frosty textured golden surfaces are radiant. Lower mintage P-mint date (PCGS # 9161) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,013
Lot 2695		1913 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Sparkles with delicate golden-orange mint luster. This is one of the scarcer, low mintage P-mint dates (PCGS # 9161) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 2696		1913-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Mostly untoned. Lustrous frosty golden surfaces bold highlights. Fully struck dress, blouse and head details on Liberty with similar clarity in the design at the eagle's wing feathers, legs, and breast detail. A rock-solid gem '65 specimen of a slightly better D-mint branch twenty from our most prestigious gold denomination, the $20 Saint-Gaudens design. Pop 208; 3 finer in 66. (PCGS # 9162) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 2697		1913-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Pinkish color gold. Blazing golden surfaces with intense luster and full Gem quality from top to bottom. An area for concern on these is the extent of bagmarks, and, as noted in the photographs and confirmed by close inspection of Liberty and the eagle, this piece's excellent smoothness on all devices matters a lot. It is bold and detailed, with full design on Liberty and the eagle's breast, crisp wing details and all. Pop 208; 3 better in 66. (PCGS # 9162) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,715
Lot 2698		1913-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Rich reddish-golden luster. Dazzling, intensely lustrous surfaces are free from all but the most inconsequential blemishes. We note a "ding" on the eagle's upper wing tip (PCGS # 9162) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 2699		1913-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice light golden toning. All areas are bright yellow-gold oscillating with deeper orange-gold peripheries. Far from the normal example of this issue is the respectable amount of detail throughout with no signs of weakness to the high points, nor extensive bagmarks, which is an added bonus (PCGS # 9162) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 2700		1913-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice shades of gold and orange toning. This boldly detailed '13-D is mostly mellow in color with sleek, bright metallic frosted accents projecting through the toning. Struck with preciseness only now and then found on this issue. There are a few tiny marks on the legs, and one further equally slight scuff on the eagle's upper wing (PCGS # 9162) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,668
Lot 2701		1913-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Delicate rose color gold. From center to periphery the intense radiant color glows, although the grade is somewhat limited by bagmarks on Liberty and in the fields. The eagle seems to have escaped most of the contact with other coins in the bag (PCGS # 9162) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $863
Lot 2702		1913-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Mostly untoned. Scarce date. Tiny mark on the left "flight feather". Here is another key date to the Indian Eagle series, the 1913-S. Few were struck, most circulated at the time of issue, and only a handful it seems were saved in Mint quality. Perhaps the population figures given at the end of this description will give the bidders some idea of how special this coin is. The surfaces are choice, though a magnifying glass will locate a few of tiny tick marks on Liberty's face, on the eagle, and in the fields; just the same the fields and devices are certainly of high choice quality. An essential coin for the numismatist to purchase if he or she hopes to complete this scarcest group in the Indian Eagle series, the low mintage dates (PCGS # 9163) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,335
Lot 2703		1914 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-65. Light orange toning with very clean fields other than for a few light diagonal marks on the left leg. Scarce date in MS65 or better. A leading condition rarity within the P-mint Indian Eagles group, 1914 is difficult to locate in the upper Mint State grades, more difficult than the 1910, 1912, 1913, and 1915, and never, ever found in profusion. This is a fresh, glowing Gem with sleek orange-gold patina. The luster is well above average for the type, hence the grade, although in keeping with our quest for accuracy, we do come across some light contact marks here and there. Razor sharp striking definition makes all design elements stand out smartly, like a row of soldiers at attention. Pop 24; 1 finer in 66. (PCGS # 9164) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $16,100
Lot 2704		1914 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Well struck with nice golden toning. A nice dusting of flaming golden luster covers the surface of this satiny beauty. Almost everyone likes to seek a scarce 1914 P-mint Saint that was struck with precision and care by the dies in the outer margins and on all legends that you'd expect; here too, the inner designs were also left crisply detailed by the imprint of the dies. A scarce date in higher grades. Pop 314; 38 finer; 35 in 65; 3 in 66. (PCGS # 9164) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2705		1914 $20 St. Gaudens. AU-53. Scarce date and one displaying extensive original surface luster on either side. Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $870
Lot 2706		1914 $20 St. Gaudens. AU-50. A slightly better date. Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $870
Lot 2707		1914-D $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-64. Intensely lustrous. One small mark in the field left of the torch end. The brilliant luster found on 1914 San Francisco twenties has been noted by us before, but we justify the repetition here concerning this equally impressive Denver Mint example from the same year. 1914 was the year that the newly authorized banking cartel, the Federal Reserve system, went into operation. Within 19 years, the country, due to excess inflation of paper money and credit, went "off gold" for good, with the FED (as it is known today) bearing much of the blame. Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $920
Lot 2708		1914-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Nicely toned. Radiant and exhibiting little if any color other than the usual warm gold glow that makes these so attractive. Indeed, this is a truly pleasing example of this Denver Mint twenty (PCGS # 9165) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 2709		1914-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Outstanding warm reddish gold color beams across radiant surfaces. The next purchaser will be whistling to himself when he sees how choice and bagmark free this 1914-D truly is! (PCGS # 9165) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 2710		1914-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice golden toning. About as solid a Mint State 64 as can be expected, this robust '14-D shines with warm golden sparkle (PCGS # 9165) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 2711		1914-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. A spot-free dazzler whose mint color shames just about any lesser D-mint $20 gold piece of the day (PCGS # 9165) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 2712		1914-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Lovely rich golden toning. The bright color expands noticeably with sparkling mint luster, there are only a few small abrasions scattered about, none of which are of individual importance other than to set the boundaries for the grade. Full, clear transfer from the die to planchet seen in the main devices (PCGS # 9166) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $926
Lot 2713		1914-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Nice and frosty; much brighter and cleaner than average for this middle grade, a coin whose endless sources of beauty will serve to animate bidders to bid (PCGS # 9166) . Estimated Value $650 - 675. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $870
Lot 2714		1914-S $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-62. A few wispy hairlines and scattered bagmarks; smooth satiny luster throughout (PCGS # 9166) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 2715		1914-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62. A nice gradient of flaming golden frost from edge to edge makes the 1914-S issue all the more desirable from an aesthetic viewpoint. Luster on this date leans toward a flashier look than on other S-mint strikes of the decade (PCGS # 9166) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $810
Lot 2716		1915 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. A well struck beauty with lustrous surfaces overlaid with natural golden-russett toning. Some light bagmarks on Liberty and the eagle. A very choice example of this scarcer (low mintage) Philadelphia mint twenty. Pop 189; 28 finer in 65. (PCGS # 9167) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,560
Lot 2717		1915 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Scarce date. Light golden toning. Bright with tawny-gold color originality, with luster flitting back and forth across the surface, both sides exhibit extremely few blemishes. A generous amount of crisp detail for the type further enhances things, including the key areas with the usual weak metal flows into the deepest channels of the dies. In other words, the centers are bold. Pop 189; 28 finer in 65. (PCGS # 9167) . The 1915 has an original mintage of only 152,000 business strikes, and survivors are scarce to rare above the BU grade levels. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 2718		1915 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Beautiful colors. High quality with soft, velvety luster and rich orange-gold shades. A great deal of discussion also surrounds a $20 gold piece's strike. This choice Saint has excellent detail with no sign of weakness to the drapery folds or, on the reverse, to the eagle's breast and wing feathers. Lower mintage date. Pop 189; 28 better in 65. (PCGS # 9167) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,773
Lot 2719		1915-S $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-65. Lightly toned. A beautiful, frosty-gold Gem, there are no disquieting bagmarks on either side. Another thing, this too, like the other gem MS65 examples from the same consignment, puts on show with accurate strike on the legends and main device, unusual for the date. Finally, there is not even a trace of soft detail at the face, knee, or other key centers of attention. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323
Lot 2720		1915-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty gem with a hint of natural greenish-golden toning. Lightning-bolt bright mint luster with its rich, variegated hues. Faithful to every detail from a full blow by the dies, all devices shine with bold relief. A gem! (PCGS # 9168) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 2721		1915-S $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-65. With the usual satiny frost associated with this date in Uncirculated grades, this is an appealing Gem example of the San Francisco Mint issue. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323
Lot 2722		1915-S $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-64. A satiny bright double eagle struck in a stressful economic climate as European governments were ensnared in an all-out war. The U.S. government was the only major power that remained on a Gold Standard throughout World War I (1914-17), although $20 gold pieces weren't minted in 1917-20. The 1915-S has always been a favorite with collectors since it is reasonably priced, and nearly always comes with glowing luster in the Uncirculated grades. A very choice example for the collector. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $978
Lot 2723		1916-S $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-64. Nice golden toning. Both sides display an exceptional "velvet" sheen typical of the 1916-S coinage (gold and silver alike) with smooth warm golden orange brilliance, being wholly original and beautiful. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. Ex Dr. Hesselgesser. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,610
Lot 2724		1916-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Loaded with frosty mint luster and light greenish-golden in color despite some usual surface abrasions from the bank bag (PCGS # 9169) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $863
Lot 2725		1920 $20 St. Gaudens. ANACS graded MS-62. Nice original toning with frosty appearance from top to bottom. It wasn't until 1920 that the U.S. mints began to strike $20 gold pieces again after a lapse of 3 years during the First World War. 1920 is an affordable issue in this condition (PCGS # 9170) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 2726		1920 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-62. Frosty. A well struck example. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $810

Page 1 of 3

1 | 2 | 3