Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 41

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

California Fractional Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1864		1858 Quarter Dollar Round Liberty Head. . BG-800, Rarity 8. PCGS graded AU-53. A lightly toned round Liberty head fractional. A large crude head example similar to the more commonly "dated reverses" of 1859-71. Seven stars arranged irregularly around Liberty, with the one below the hair bun close to the head. Extremely rare variety, only discovered in recent years. Cloaked in mystery, once ignored by mainstream collecting, the privately made fractional gold of California is one of the most interesting fields in American numismatics. About these thin slivers of gold, denominated in dollars, half dollars and quarter dollars, relatively little is known of their role in day to day business transactions. Authorities differ whether they served as money or were chiefly sold to tourists and coin collectors as curiosities. Regardless of their real intent, California fractional gold is an adventure to collect and these historic pieces have attracted legions of numismatists. Pop 1; 1 in 55. BG- 800. Rarity 8. Only 2 graded by PCGS (PCGS # 10964) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1865		1866 Quarter Dollar Octagonal Liberty Head. . BG-737, Rarity 5. PCGS graded MS-63. An untoned octagonal Liberty head fractional with prooflike fields. On BG-737, there are 13 tiny stars in an arc, and the edge of the coronet is beaded, with G low below the bust; unusual fourfold twist tying wreath. Denomination in shield. Somewhat softly struck in areas. Very scarce. Pop 8; 2 in 64. BG-737. Rarity 5 (PCGS # 10564) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1866		1870 Quarter Dollar Octagonal Liberty Head. . BG-754, Rarity 7. PCGS graded VF-35. Even wear on this octagonal Liberty head fractional. Pop 1; 13 finer. BG-754. Rarity 7 (PCGS # 10581) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $576
Lot 1867		1872 Quarter Dollar Octagonal Indian Head. . BG-791, Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-65. An untoned octagonal Indian head fractional with prooflike surfaces. Glistening Gem quality and desirable as such. One of the more handsome designs in this series of Indian heads. Housed in an old green holder. Pop 16; 1 in 66. BG-791. Rarity 3 (PCGS # 10618) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1868		1875 Quarter Dollar Octagonal Indian Head. . BG-798, Low Rarity 5. PCGS graded MS-65. A lightly toned octagonal Indian head fractional. Distinctive "written date", small stars; berry left of base of D in DOLLAR. Sparkling gem quality with low PCGS census: Pop 5; none finer at PCGS. BG-798. Low Rarity 5 (PCGS # 10625) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1869		1876 Dollar Octagonal Indian Head. . BG-1115-A, Unique. NGC graded MS-62 Prooflike. Same obverse as BG-1115 but with a new reverse. On this scarce variety a small Indian head leans forward with the bust point aiming at the 8; however, a unique reverse is combined with this. In place of the usual star (seen on BG-1114 and BG-1115 which share the same reverse), this reverse incorporates a double flourish below DOLLAR and is very distinctive! (Also, there is no star in the opening of the wreath at top.) An incomparable opportunity for the collector of rare California Fractional Gold coins that is sure to set the tone for this series for years to come. The only example ever certified. Pop 1; none finer at NGC Octagonal Indian head (PCGS # 10926) . Estimated Value $19,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $21,850
Lot 1870		1876 Quarter Dollar Octagonal Indian Head. . BG-799-F, Low Rarity 6. PCGS graded MS-64. An octagonal Indian head which exudes lovely rich golden toning with prooflike surfaces. Familiar "sawtooth" borders; 6 pairs of berries on each branch. Some were struck from a reworked, repolished obverse die. Pop 13; 3 in 65, 1 in 66. BG-799. Low Rarity 6. Housed in an old green holder (PCGS # 10632) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1871		1881 Quarter Dollar Octagonal Indian Head. . BG-799-O, Low Rarity 4. NGC graded MS-66 Deep Prooflike. Velvety to satin-like devices almost stagger under the weight of its highly lustrous gold color with a surrounding field that is prooflike, deeply so. Furthermore, the devices are struck with exactly the required mathematical precision by the dies in which all areas, not just some, are complete by a highly successful strike. Pop 1; 1 in 67 DPL. Octagonal Indian head (PCGS # 10641) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1872		1856 Quarter Dollar Round Liberty Head. . BG-229, Rarity 4. PCGS graded MS-62. A mostly untoned round Liberty head fractional. A few hairlines as usual. Pop 38; 29 in 63, 8 in 64, 1 in 65. BG-229. Rarity 4. (PCGS # 10414) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1873		1855 Dollar Octagonal Livberty Head. . BG-533, Low Rarity 4. PCGS graded MS-62. An octagonal Liberty head with lovely red and golden toning. An extremely well made and boldly struck specimen that shows exceptional hair definition and a full coronet with beaded edge. BG-533. Low Rarity 4 (PCGS # 10510) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1874		1869 Quarter Dollar Round Liberty Head. . BG-826, Rarity 4. PCGS graded MS-64. Rich subtle hues of gold and orange atop near gem quality surfaces. Date is on the reverse. A G below the bust for Robert B. Gray Company, the issuer. Pop 3; none finer (PCGS # 10687) . Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1875		1870 Quarter Dollar Round Liberty Head. . BG-835, Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-64. Nicely toned with attractive semi-prooflike surfaces. Large be above the date relegates this to the Robert B. Gray issuer. Pop 7; none finer (PCGS # 10696) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $528
Lot 1876		1874 Quarter Dollar Round Liberty Head. . BG-876, Low Rarity 4. PCGS graded MS-64. A round Indian head example that displays nice golden toning with semi reflective fields. Minor flatness of strike on some of the feather points, the stars, and the hair at the brow. Pop 38; 12 in 65. BG-876. Low Rarity 4 (PCGS # 10737) . Estimated Value $475 - 525. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1877		1881 Quarer Dollar Octagonal Indian Head. . BG-799-O, Low Rarity 4. PCGS graded MS-65. An octagonal Indian head which posses lovely golden toning with gem-quality prooflike fields. Pop 35; 2 in 66. BG-799 O. Low Rarity 4 (PCGS # 10641) . Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $660
Lot 1878		1872/1 Half Dollar Octagonal Indian Head. . BG-937, High Rarity 4. NGC graded MS-65 Prooflike. Yellowish to tawny-gold in color with a bold originality rarely found, the surfaces reveal a nothing in the way of abrasions. Frosted devices contrast nicely against the prooflike field. It is interesting to see, as well, that it was struck from well-prepared dies that imported a sound and in point of fact, a bold design in all areas. Pop 2; none finer at NGC. Octagonal Indian head (PCGS # 10795) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 1879		1875 Half Dollar Octagonal Indian Head. . BG-946, Rarity 4. NGC graded MS-66 Deep Prooflike. The surfaces are sleek and glowing with a healthy show of gold color, devices finely frosted to where they provide a cameo contrast. There is gorgeous toning. What one sees usually on this coinage is an unconvincing impression left following the recoil of the dies; greatly to our pleasure and the bidders' enjoyment, on the other hand, that is not the case here. This coin is sharp, very sharp, in fact. Just check out the photo enlargements. Pop 2; none finer. Octagonal Indian head (PCGS # 10804) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1880		1880 Half Dollar Octagonal Indian Head. . BG-954, Low Rarity 4. NGC graded MS-66 Prooflike. Unrivaled in terms of exterior preservation, both sides of this golden beauty are well frosted on the devices and for all intents and purposes surrounded by mirror-deep (and sparkling) fields. Both the peripheries and the central areas are detailed and close to 100% crisp for their sharpness of strike, which is a forceful reminder in a coin from this type that it is quality that counts. Pop 4; none finer. Octagonal Indian head. Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1881		1871 Half Dollar Round Liberty Head. . BG-1027, Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-63. Prooflike and lightly toned. Heavy die roughness in the form of "frost" on the portrait of Liberty typical for the issue. Lovely toning; very choice surfaces. Pop 8; 2 in 64 (PCGS # 10856) . Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $518
Lot 1882		1872 Half Dollar Round Indian Head. . BG-1049, Rarity 4. NGC graded MS-66 Deep Prooflike. Bright rolling-fresh finish, bright as when first issued, awash in originality. Difficult to find to say the least! Soft-edged devices and lettering throughout the centers are typical on this Indian head issue of Period Two gold dollars, as commonly seen; however, a small percentage of this year's production is found with convincing detail. This is such a piece, and sharp enough to be called "bold". Don't let it slip by. Quite likely the Finest Known: Pop 1; none finer. Only Deep Prooflike certified by NGC. Round Indian head (PCGS # 10878) . Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1883		1876/5 Half Dollar Round Indian Head. . BG-1059, Rarity 4. NGC graded MS-66 Deep Prooflike. Lightning-bolt bright golden mint sparkle with its rich, variegated golden frost for the devices. Faithful to every detail from a full blow by the dies, which is unusual for these scarce Indian head dollars. Something for bidders to ponder; a coin to admire. And possibly the finest known! Pop 1; none finer. Round Indian head. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1884		1882 Half Dollar Round Indian Head. . BG-1077, High Rarity. PCGS graded MS-63. Richly toned. Hues of olive-gold with outstanding detail in the feathered headdress and most of Liberty's hair. The date 1882 is on a horizontal plane rather than curving to fit the edge of the coin. Pop 8; 2 finer in 64 (PCGS # 10906) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1885		1871 Dollar Round Liberty Head. . BG-1204. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely flashy semi proof-like surfaces, this is an extremely rare variety of the Robert B. Gray type of 1871 with the two lowest stars flanking the date like bookends. All California Fractional Dollars are desirable when they are this choice. The 1871 G issue is especially scarce with rollicking prooflike fields as seen here. Rarely do you find this Type in Mint condition; most are circulated. The devices give it an attractive two-tone effect, almost cameo-like. Pop 4; 1 better in 64 (PCGS # 10949) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1886		1870 Dollar Round Liberty Head. . BG-1205, High Rarity 4. NGC graded MS-62. Top quality for this scarce $1 round, with bold detail on the portrait including full hair curls, a detailed coronet (all of the tiny pearls or beads lining the edge show), and exceptionally choice fields. The only limiting factor to a higher grade, it seems, are some minor hairlines on the reverse below the word DOLLAR and in the lower right quadrant near the edge. Pop 1; none better in this state. NGC does report 1 in MS-63 PL. Round liberty head (PCGS # 10950) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold