Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 47

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Flowing Hair Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 4000		1794 Flowing Hair Dollar. . BB-1, Bolender-1. NCS graded Details of VF-20. Repaired and damaged. Nicely toned on both sides. Small obverse marks. The mintages were small throughout 1794-1803 because little demand existed domestically for silver dollars. 1794 is, of course, the most famous date among regular issues (with the 1804-dated bust dollars being something else entirely). The First United States Mint when it opened for operations in 1793 struck coins to order, for the most part. Bankers and others deposited silver and gold with the Mint, which the Mint's workers turned into coinage and then delivered to the owners of the precious metals. Only 1,758 silver dollars were minted in 1794. Those depositing silver with the Mint had a preference for half dollars over the silver dollars, ordering more of the smaller denomination than the larger. As best as we can tell, the dollar denomination was too large for daily transactions but too low-value for convenient transportation or storage of large sums of money (gold did a better job at this). Many 1794-1803 silver dollars were later melted. In 1794, the mint did not have a coining press powerful enough to strike Dollar-size coins. The largest press it had was used for large cents and half dollars. Therefore, this press is the one chosen to strike the first American silver dollars. It was soon discovered that it was not up to the job, leaving part of the design on the left side of the coin (the dies being slightly misaligned) weak and indistinct. Although the left hand stars and upper portion of the left side reverse letters are normally weakly impressed, they are completely visible to the naked eye. The coin offered in this lot, while slightly injured in its travels, is nevertheless a desirable addition to any specialized collection of early United States silver coinage (PCGS # 6851) . Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 4001		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar B-1, BB-21. PCGS graded AU-53. Well struck with lovely natural toning on both sides. A superior freshness seems to wrap this attractive coin in its warm embrace. Bold originality is emitted from undisturbed original surfaces whose natural light to medium gray tone sets an example for all others of its class. When it comes to the important detail in the devices, putting the results in a few words we can say it was struck with systematic exactness throughout. This variety (Bolender's #1, Bowers-Borckhardt #21) is always high on the list of desirable collector varieties because the dies that struck it had their designs deeply impressed into them. The coins resulting from the strikes are almost always sharp. Very sharp, in fact, and far more so than, say, a higher-relief BB-27. Notice in the photographs how much hair can be seen on Liberty's forehead, temple, and back of the temple, and swirling in waves down the lower back of her neck. This is marvelous to behold, and unusual to describe for readers. The same bold features carry over to the reverse, where the eagle's wings show extensive (though not 100% complete) feather detail, and the wreath and supporting legends show bold design. The surface is outstanding as well. The rims couldn't be better. There are no spots. There are no digs or other unsightly abrasions. Indeed, this coin stands as an exemplar of the Type. A coin for the connoisseur! Pop 1; 2 finer for the variety, 1 in 55, 1 in 58 (PCGS # 39986) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 23,000. Ex: Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 4002		1795 Flowing Hair 3 Leaves. PCGS graded EF-40. CAC approved. B-7, BB-18 Silver Plug. Rarity 2. A very attractive example for the grade with even friction on the high points and struck on a problem-free planchet. Attractive natural antique toning greyish-blue with lighter golden overtones. The toning takes on the classic two-tone look of an uncleaned, "antique silver" issue from way back, with the deeper shades in the field (in this case, medium blue-gray) contrasting the lighter "rubbed silver" shading on the high points of Liberty and the eagle. As to the surface, it is pristine for a coin struck more than two centuries ago. The rims too, outstanding in their balance, detail, and absence of marks. The portrait stems from the so-called Head of 1794 design. On the reverse, three leaves under each wing. This is the only 14-berry variety, with seven berries on each branch. There is only one berry on left branch of wreath between eagle's wing and ribbon bow, and it is on the inside of wreath. Two berries below the D in UNITED. Conspicuous die flaws at the end of the left ribbon are also a stamp of the die, so to speak. E in AMERICA double punched at top. This reverse die was used also to strike 1795 BB-18 and BB-19. Pop 4; 17 finer (PCGS # 6854) . Estimated Value $17,500 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $26,450
Lot 4003		1795 Flowing Hair Dollar Three Leaves. VG-8. Variety with E in LIBERTY punched over an erroneous R. Lightly toned and evenly worn with a bit of roughtness along the rim at LIB. Three leaves under each wing of eagle. 13 berries, seven on left branch, six on right. Two berries under first T in STATES, one on inside and one on outside of wreath. This reverse die used to strike 1795 BB-25, BB-26, and BB-27. B-6, BB-25. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 4004		1795. 2 leaves beneath each wing. B-1, BB-21. Rarity 2. Sharpness of VF-20. Cleaned at one time, now a light silvery-grey. Excellent details for the grade. This variety is from an interesting obverse die: the flowing hair consists of five prominent curls, with a thin faint additional curl below the third curl from the top. The innermost point of star 1 just touches the lowest curl. The curl continues upward to half close the loop. Head high and closer to LIBERTY than on most other obverses. The date is wide, with more space between 1 and 7 than other figures. The 7 in the date was repunched over an erroneous 1, prompting some to catalogue the variety as 1795 over 1195. The erroneous 1 is especially visible on early die states. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,795
Lot 4005		1795 Draped Bust Dollar. Centered bust. . BB-52, B-15. PCGS graded AU-58. B-15, BB-52. A nice well struck coin. Natural light to medium gray surfaces exhibit balanced saturation without darker or corroded areas. The fields and devices give a nice soft matte-like quality with virtually no marks present anywhere barring a few tiny "ticks" here and there around the eagle. As far as the devices go, these really engages the aesthetic sense with their serene beauty. Demonstrable detail can be found in Liberty's hair waves and the shoulder drapery. Meanwhile, the eagle shows excellent detail throughout the breast, legs and wings. Even the eye and nasal opening shows on this boldly struck coin. Amazing to see. The rims, finally, are full, choice, and free of problems, which helps position the coin at the high end of its grade division. The perfect representative of the draped bust, small eagle Type (PCGS # 6858) . Estimated Value $27,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 4006		1795 Draped Bust Dollar. Centered bust. . BB-52, B-15. Natural toning on both sides. A few black obverse spots. The draped bust, small eagle Type change in 1795 is represented by only two varieties. One has the head slightly off-center, and this BB-52 has it properly placed. As with nearly all examples reported, the coin has excellent detail and proper denticles, none missing and the mint seems to have taken the requisite care when striking them. An attractive example for the silver dollar collector. Only 42,738 pieces struck (PCGS # 6858) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 4007		1795 Draped Bust Dollar. Centered bust. . BB-52, B-15. PCGS graded VF-35. Nicely toned. The surface, in addition to some silvery sparkle within the hair waves, around the stars and above the earle, has developed attractive light to medium gray patina throughout. As noted in the photographs (and via close magnified inspection), the surface is very choice on this coin, much more so than usual for a coin mintage more than two hundred years ago. Usually these have nicks and edge bumps to mark their passage down through the decades. A first-rate example for the grade with outstanding eye-appeal (PCGS # 6858) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 4008		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Rarity 2. PCGS graded VF-25. B-27, BB-113. Nice even toning on both sides, the color attractive, original and free of problems. The 1798 BB-113 is of medium availability, with one scholarly estimate of 500 to 800 in existence. On the obverse, a close date, about 9.5 mm. at its widest part. The 8 much too high, and out of position, top leaning to right. The variety is identifiable by the presence of a tiny horizontal obverse die flaw at the inner point of star 12 (visible only higher grade specimens) and a tinier similar flaw at star 11. Highest wave of hair incomplete, probably from a lapped die. This same obverse die was used for numerous other varieties: BB-113, BB-114, BB-115, BB-116, BB-117, BB-118, BB-119. No doubt, something of a record. Only 1 graded in VF for the variety; 3 finer, 2 in 45, 1 in 55 (PCGS # 40030) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,300. Ex: Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,415
Lot 4009		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Large eagle. Rarity 2. NGC graded VF-35. B-13, BB-108. Light grey toning with ample design definition from a detailed strike in most areas. One of the more plentiful varieties of 1798. Medium wide date, 10.5 mm. across at bottom widest place. Die crack upward from right portion of L in LIBERTY. Easily identifiable by a die flaw between ray of last star and bust. Among stars on the left, 1-2, 2-3, and 5-6 are more widely separated than other stars. A short crack, or flaw, extends into the field from a dentil opposite bust tip. Only 10 arrows on the reverse, 5 small berries, with the 2 top ones closest together. Point of leaf under left lower tip of I in AMERICA. Star distant from eagle's beak. Arc star pattern. There is a die crack along the right wing tip, top of AM to the border above E. This is a later state of the reverse that used to have 10 arrows and a headless stick (used to coin 1798 B13 107). For the production of 1798 BB-108, the reverse die was relapped, removing the headless stick. Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 4010		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. Rarity 4. PCGS graded AU-50. B-19, BB-155. Nicely toned. A die break connects the first three stars. A toned beauty. Level, rolling fields with splashes of antique gray color mingles on the fresh surfaces. Struck with technical exactness throughout, this is a far sharper example from the year than most dollars of the fine 1799 vintage. Clearly superior to many, indeed most BB-155 examples. We note a low population for this variety: Pop 1; 2 finer for the variety, 1 in 53, 1 in 55 (PCGS # 40047) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. Ex: Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,705
Lot 4011		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. NCS graded Details of VF-20. Natural toning on both sides. Rarity 5. With a known population estimated to be in the range of 300 to 500 coins, 1799 BB-168 is at once elusive but sufficiently available that every serious specialist can own one. Most specimens are in lower grades through Very Fine. The same obverse was used to strike BB-167. On the reverse, a horizontal die crack runs entirely across the center of the reverse, from the right side of E to the left side of M. One arrow extends slightly past the right side of the upright of N. A star touches the lower point of the eagle's beak; while a ray points to the left upright of U in PLURIBUS (PCGS # 6878) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 4012		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-163, B-10. PCGS graded VF-25. CAC approved. Evenly toned on both sides with a normal amount of wear to justify the grade. Choice rims are free from marks or dents (PCGS # 6878) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,415
Lot 4013		1799/8 Draped Bust Dollar. 15 stars on reverse. . BB-141. PCGS graded MS-62. In PCGS holder 21969812. Light golden toning. A frosty, tarnish-free early bust dollar with eruptions of luster in the fields, throughout the obverse and reverse peripheries, and within the major devices. It is seen that Liberty as well as the eagle were struck smack on the dot with the requisite force by the dies. This produced all design components in clear-cut detail, with not even an speck of the weakness found on other examples posturing in the same numerical grade. Bidders may wish to consider seriously the option of acquiring this handsome MS62 for a bust dollar date collection or Type set.Pop 4; 3 finer, 1 in 63, 2 in 64 (PCGS # 6883) . In 1799, some 11 obverses and 17 reverses were combined to produce 23 varieties. The earliest obverse, evidently a 1798 die left over without final digit and only completed at hardening, is the famous Irregular Date; the irregular date comes with three reverses, one of which is the famous 15 Stars blunder: the regular "arc pattern" began with seven stars in top row, six in second, plus the two at beak and behind head. On discovery of the blunder, die-maker Robert Scot greatly enlarged two end clouds to conceal the two extra stars, but some points remain clear. This reverse also comes with what many believe to be the second die of the year, the famous 1799/8: an obverse originally made up for the 1798 Wide Date group but mislaid or for some other reason unused. This overdate die also comes with two other reverses that do not have 15 stars. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $29,900
Lot 4014		1799/8 Draped Bust Dollar. 15 stars on reverse. NGC graded MS-62. NGC holder 1843176-002. B-3, BB-141. Rarity 2. A high grade example that fits well into the condition census. Well struck and lustrous. Silver bright with full frosted-luster surfaces. The defining feature is how nicely this 1799 Bust dollar is struck, since it is bold from centers to periphery, a fresh appearing specimen. Some very faint marks are noted, a few light streaks of toning, and a tiny nick just above the eagle's head; no major marks or similar distractions to thwart eye appeal. As noted in the Bowers book, several choice Mint State coins exist, making the formation of a Condition Census a challenge. BB-141 represents one of three overdate varieties for 1799. On the obverse, the date displays the final numeral 9 in the date punched over top of a previously-punched numeral 8. This reverse has 15 stars arranged in curved arcs, instead of the proper 13. When the engraver discovered the error, he covered the left-most and right-most stars by enlarging the nearby clouds. Some of the star points show, however, peeking out from behind the clouds. The combination of the overdate obverse and blundered reverse has made the BB-141 very popular with collectors, and has won it an entry in the Guidebook of United States Coins, as the 1799/8 15 Stars type. Pop 8; 11 finer, 5 in 63, 4 in 64, 1 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 6883) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $25,875
Lot 4015		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. . B-4a, BB-186. ANACS graded MS-61. Light adjustment marks on the obverse. Nice light goldtoning on both sides. Faithful to every detail from a above-average blow by the dies, this handsome coin has very sharp hair and full stars (the latter feature unusual on any bust dollar). An especially attractive example of this Type, with contrast between the medium toned satiny fields and significantly lighter accented devices. Die state III with extensive die cracks on obverse. Die crack from border up through entire 1 of date and bust to 12th star. Another crack through first star to curl under ribbon. Another crack between IB touching left lower part of B down through hair. Crack along inner points of 10th to 12th stars. Always found weakly struck. Considerably scarcer than the preceding. The 1800 BB-186 is one of the scarcer varieties of a year which has quite a few elusive die combinations. Bowers estimates that only 150 to 275 are known, primarily in circulated grades to and including Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated (PCGS # 6887) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,800
Lot 4016		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. Sharpness of EF-45. Cleaned and retoned but still very attractive now that the color has returned to the look of "old silver" and the cleaning virtually disappears. The reverse on BB-189 shows a die flaw just to left of lower part of second T in STATES quickly identifies this reverse, the die also used for BB-190. Star enters eagle's mouth, the upper part of beak touching star. All the stars above firmly touch clouds, except the star under cloud 7 which is very close. Leaf points under left side of upright of I. The A touches both 3rd and 4th feathers, AM joined at lower part. Center of A over cloud 3. Tip of arrowhead under left side of right upright of U in UNITED (PCGS # 6887) . Estimated Value $3,500 - 3,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 4017		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. Small 3. Rarity 2. PCGS graded AU-53. CAC approved. B-5, BB-252. Nicely toned. A fresh and sleekly toned example whose residual luster seems poised to attract the attention of bidders who have a critical eye for high quality. Plus we find the toning to be just right, antique color like this is becoming the exception rather than the rule in an age where cleaned surfaces or retouched color seem to plague the early bust dollar series. Finally, the coin is more than just adequately struck. It has nearly full details on both sides with only slight diminishment in the hair curls. Definitely a choice one! Weigh this razor-thin PCGS population before submitting a bid: Pop 2; none finer for the variety at PCGS (PCGS # 40097) . Estimated Value $8,500 - 9,000. Ex: Dr. Hesselgesser Collection;. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 4018		1859-O Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded AU-50. Lightly toned on both sides, the toning somewhat variegated with russet to dark russet predominating. Estimated Value $525 - 550. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 4019		1860 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. Gun metal toning on both sides. The 1860 P-mint is much scarcer than the 1860-O dates (which are from Mint hoards). Two small chattermarks above the eagle. Otherwise squarely within the gem class and quite impressive. What's more, everything is well detailed for this more difficult P-mint seated dollar, a high mintage year within the confines of the series, yet difficult to find in strict Mint condition. It has lovely soft to cascading satiny supporting luster that adds mightily to the toned appeal of the nearly gem quality MS64 surfaces. Pop 17; 7 finer, 6 in 65, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 6949) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 4020		1860-O Liberty Seated Dollar. Sharpness of VF-20, retoned (PCGS # 6950) . Estimated Value $180 - 200. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $230
Lot 4021		1865 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded Proof 68. NGC serial #1948078-005. Wonderful rainbow toning. Perhaps the finest known. One can spend a lifetime searching and not encounter a more beautiful, unashamedly original Proof seated Liberty dollar of any date than this Magnificent 1865 No Motto specimen. Both sides are layered in antique-copper, salmon-pink, apricot and powder-blue iridescence that provides awe-inspiring eye appeal. There is a spotlight of white silvery radiance that glows from the shield at Liberty's side. The surfaces are free of even a single distracting contact mark, and a silky smooth sheen is easily readily apparent at all angles. Furthermore, one can discern bold field-to-device contrast despite the depth and beautiful saturation of the original toning. Fully struck throughout, this exquisite razor-sharp Proof would make a lovely addition to a final-year type set or an advanced portfolio of numismatic rarities. The Mint struck 500 Proof silver dollars in this, the final year of the No Motto seated Liberty dollar series. All of these coins were distributed with the year's silver Proof sets, but many seem to have fallen victim to the vagaries of troubled times that cast a pall over civilization in the United States at the end of the Civil War. A fair number of examples were mishandled at one time or another, and locating an unimpeachable, stellar-quality representative in today's market is anything but easy. When encountered, such pieces command significant premiums not only because of their own status as condition rarities, but also due to the elusiveness of the business strike 1865 seated dollar in all grades. The Proof No Motto seated Liberty dollar series is one of the most difficult to collect in all of U.S. numismatics. From the series' inception in 1840 through 1858, the Mint did not record the number of Proof coins struck each year. It is likely that very few examples were produced, particularly when one considers that there were scarcely any numismatists active in the country during the 1840s and 1850s. Although mintage figures increased beginning in 1859, collector demand remained low-key and many of the Proofs struck from 1859 through 1865 may have been and probably were melted as unsold at year's end. The onrush of the Civil War in April 1861 resulted in considerable disorder and confusion in the Mint, and reduced the already limited number of collectors which further contributed to the rarity of Proof No Motto dollars in today's market. Pop 1; None finer at NGC. (PCGS # 7008) . Estimated Value $100,000 - 115,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 4022		1873 Liberty Seated Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Lovely blue and purple toning. If as a collector you have ever considered the latent possibilities for improving the look of your collection, consider the dramatic appearance of this 1873 Proof. Only 600 struck. Pop 48; 50 finer; 35 in 64; 11 in 65; 4 in 66. (PCGS # 7021) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,680
Lot 4023		A pair of "Chop Marked" Trade dollars. Consists of: 1875-S Trade $1 EF-40 and an 1876-S Trade $1 EF45. Both pieces are cleaned and "chop marked". Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $150 - 160. View details	Realized $184
Lot 4024		A pair of 1877 Trade Dollars. Both coins are toned with some marks. Coins are VG and VF. Lot of 2 coins (PCGS # 7044) . Estimated Value $200 - 225. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $196
Lot 4025		1880 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64 PQ. A lovely coin with vibrant multicolor toning. The near-Gem quality lends itself to high praise from the way the luminous high-quality condition reveals almost hairline-free fields. That concludes the luster even though we could go on about it for quite awhile. For its own part, there are keen-edged devices throughout, including most stars, but particularly sharp in the figures of Liberty and the eagle. Even the highest points in the design such as Liberty's hair and coronet as well as the eagle's legs show full detail. Only 1,987 struck for this Proof only year (PCGS # 7060) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,060
Lot 4026		A Trio of Circulated Trade Dollars. Consists of: 1875-S VF Cleaned, 1877-S VF Cleaned, and 1877 VG Chop Marks. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $150 - 175. View details	Realized $253