Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 44

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$3 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2340		1854 $3 Gold. PCGS graded Proof 63 Cameo. PCGS holder number 05944935. A georgeous choice proof displaying rich greenish-golden surfaces throughout. Extremely rare in Proof. In its last auction appearance in a January 2007 Heritage sale, the cataloger described the surface condition as follows: "The present example offers luscious orange-gold fields with considerable contrast present. The S in STATES is lower than the E, without the deeply impressed lettering characteristic of the other Proof die. A couple of light scrapes are noted on Liberty's cheek, and a couple of dark toning spots on the obverse: one in back of the eye, and one behind the headdress. On the reverse a similar dark spot occurs at the bottom of the 1, and a patch of light yellow-gold patina is noted through DO in DOLLARS. A delectable early Proof example of this historic and unusual denomination." It appears two different pairs of Proof dies were used to strike Proofs in 1854. One has the ES in STATES on a level curve, and the lettering is deeply impressed into the die. On this piece from the second die, the S is slightly lower than the E, with the lettering not as deep. Although the exact number of Proof 1854 $3 survivors remains to be enumerated, there is no doubt that this issue is exceedingly rare. In fact, this is the finest specimen that we have been privileged to offer. Pop 2; 2 finer in 64 (PCGS # 88017) . Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000. Ex Dr. Robert J. Loewinger Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $97,750
Lot 2341		1854 $3 Gold. NGC graded MS-65. A nice lightly toned gem. Well struck. To expand upon our opening lines: what an extraordinary example of this sometimes neglected (at least in high grades) First Year $3 gold piece! The 1854 issue has distinctive small letters on the reverse. The bright yellow-gold luster of this MS65 could hardly be more pulsating, in fact we have rarely seen any $3 from the 1850s with scintillating luster that equals this Gem. The fields glow. They are essentially "as struck." The heart pounds at the very thought of owning such a coin. If the bidding follows true to form, it will give everyone the impression that the grade fits this coin, and then some -- and that would be a truthful assessment. Pop 10; 5 in 66; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $22,425
Lot 2342		1854 $3 Gold. PCGS graded AU-55. A hint of light golden tone, lustrous throughout (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,725
Lot 2343		1854-D $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-53. Nicely toned on both sides. Popular "D" mint date. Choice for the grade. A truly wonderful example of this most highly prized issue among the circulation strikes in the three dollar series. And it has a notable provenance that boosts its desirability. While most 1854-D $3 pieces have a rather lackluster appearance due to soft strike, this particular example boasts significant improvement in terms of color, detail, and surface preservation (freedom from defects). Both sides, in fact, remain true to the grade, even comfortably beyond the standards typically seen in AU53 specimens. The usual soft features of strike are apparent. The piece exhibits minor wear on the high points, though most of the major design elements are clear here. Softness at the dentils, as usual for the issue, with fewer than half identifiable on the obverse and only slightly more on the reverse. Just the same, this is a very presentable coin, and a high-quality survivor from the small original mintage. When the 1,120 mintage was released into circulation American numismatics had not congealed into the wide assortment of collectors it would have in the 20th century. Collectors in the Millard Fillmore era did not pay attention to mint marks, were oblivious to them, therefore the 1854-D was not seen as a rarity for decades. We are proud to offer the ex John Jay Pittman specimen of this key date. Pop 8; 53 finer. (PCGS # 7970) . Estimated Value $32,000 - 35,000. Ex: Pittman Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2344		1854-O $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-58. A nice untoned example. Only 24,000 minted. Among the more poorly defined issues in the series, and the only New Orleans minted piece made, this choice example breaks that tendency as it displays uncommon sharpness on all including the highest points of the design. Even the normal softness on the hair and lower wreath is nearly absent. Both sides are graced but untoned golden color. Pop 87; 7 in 60; 7 in 61; 3 in 62; 1 in 63. (PCGS # 7971) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,225
Lot 2345		1854-O $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-55. Only 24,000 minted. Light gold toning with some lustre still visable. Always a popular coin. The 1854-O has long been recognized as a rarity in choice condition. Most entered circulation, many are badly abraded. We are pleased to see this coin is now being offered to collectors, since it may be a long while before another that is well struck and free of injury takes its place (PCGS # 7971) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,625
Lot 2346		1855 $3 Gold. NGC graded MS-61. Nice golden toning on both sides. Tremendous detail from a very positive strike for this second year of issue, detail which collectors like better to see than wishy-washy detail; furthermore, the surfaces show pleasing reddish golden hues, the luster smooth throughout. 50,555 minted (PCGS # 7972) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,220
Lot 2347		1857 $3 Gold. NGC graded MS-61. Mostly untoned and frosty. Some light marks but these are of little consquence. After a burst of activity the first year (1854) and subsequent declining mintage at Philadelphia thereafter, there were only 20,891 $3 gold pieces struck in 1857. Pop 41; 51 finer; 32 in 62; 9 in 63, 8 in 64;1 in 65; 1 in 66. (PCGS # 7976) . Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,565
Lot 2348		1874 $3 Gold. AU-50. Light hairlines. A lustrous coin (PCGS # 7998) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 2349		1876 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 64 Cameo. NGC holder 1635016-001. A nice untoned Proof. Three tiny marks on the reverse. 45 Proofs struck. The Proof-only standing of the 1876 $3 gold piece has increased its eminence over the years, a distinction it clearly deserves, and its well documented rarity in higher grades is assured by a mintage of so few pieces. Struck from a single set of Proof dies, there were two separate deliveries made during the year. The earliest group of coins, numbering 20 pieces, was made on February 19. The dies were then stored until a further 25 coins were struck June 13. The collector must allow for duplication in arriving at the number of surviving 1876 threes, but even so it seems that as few as 25-30 pieces are left in collectors' hands today. The population of unimpaired examples, conversely, is lower, with as many as a dozen specimens having been negligently cleaned or even used as pocket pieces. This high quality Choice Cameo Proof 64 beauty displays beautiful contrast between the raised devices and reflective field. There is a customary "halo" effect in intervals around the head of Liberty, the result of slight granularity in the fields. The color is a bright gold with a brilliant, almost wicked levels of glitter and flash. In short, an exemplary example of this important $3 gold rarity. Pop 14; 7 finer; 6 in 65; 1 in 66. (PCGS # 8040) . Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $55,200
Lot 2350		1878 $3 Gold. MS-60. This coin was cracked out of an old PCGS holder. Nice golden and pale rose toning. A lustrous example. Tag comes with the lot (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2351		1878 $3 Gold. ANACS graded MS-61. Mostly untoned, the luster frosty in the typical wavy form seen on this denomination. Three dates are the most often bought for a Type Set: 1854, 1874, and 1878 (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,910
Lot 2352		1878 $3 Gold. AU-53. Some light hairlines (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 2353		1879 $3 Gold. Sharpness of MS-60. The surfaces have been altered. Lots of light hairlines visable. A scarce year with only 3,000 minted (PCGS # 8001) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 2354		1885 $3 Gold. NGC graded MS-62 Prooflike. A hint of light gold toning with nice mirror surfaces. Only 801 struck for circulation makes this a key date for the collector of low-mintage gold coins. It goes without saying (just judging by the photographs, if that is all you as the prospective buyers have to go on) that the surfaces here are vivid gold in color. Quite lustrous, in fact, with the grade acting on behalf of its outstanding prooflike quality. Don't expect the usual halfhearted impression for dates in the 1880s, either, for we are here to report the opposite is the case: This is a bold coin with bold centers, hence our bold, confident description. Pop 1; 13 finer; 3 in 63; 4 in 64; 5 in 65; 1 in 65 Star. Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,913
Lot 2355		1887 $3 Gold. PCGS graded Proof 62 Cameo. Rich golden toning on both sides. Some minor hairlines in the fields. A satiny topped two-tone or cameo specimen with precise strike on the devices and smooth reflectiveness from the fields. The color radiates broadly across rich orange to red-gold hues. Only 160 proofs struck. Pop 3; 19 finer; 4 in 63; 3 in 64; 5 in 65; 7 in 66. (PCGS # 88051) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,050
Lot 2356		1888 $3 Gold. PCGS graded Proof 63 Cameo. A blazing untoned proof. Only 291 Proofs struck. It is thought that a portion of the Proof mintage this year was later melted after the Mint failed to find buyers. More than a little frosted for the issue, as seen here, the natural gold cameo of the devices are showy against the smooth mirror reflection that is nearly free of hairlines. As we see it, when it comes to the centers of the hair and leaves in the wreath, the strike is sharp, and well defined in all areas. Pop 7; 10 finer; 1 in 64; 5 in 65; 4 in 66. (PCGS # 88052) . Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,350