Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 48

Pre-Long Beach Coin Auction

Draped Bust Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 921		1795 Draped Bust Small Eagle B-15, BB-52. Sharpness of Fine-12. A few obverse marks. Nice original grey toning that gives everything a slightly granular look. The wear on the hair and eagle are perfectly balanced on this important Red Book type coin. Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,415
Lot 922		1795 Draped Bust Dollar. Centered bust. . BB-52, B-1, Rarity-1. PCGS graded AU-50. Well struck and lightly toned. Popular "Red Book" variety. An impressive small eagle dollar with brilliant luster here and there within the protected areas of the design plus lively golden toning accents. Representative strike for the date, which means sharp at the head and eagle motifs, furthermore, every star is sharp. In short, where objective quality is concerned, this coin excels. Pop 31; 56 finer (PCGS # 6858) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $17,250
Lot 923		1796 Draped Bust Dollar. NGC graded EF-45. Well struck with nice natural toning on both sides. The 1796 small eagle issue tends to be well made and struck on mainly problem-free blanks, leaving behind a good looking product that must have made the mint workmen feel proud whenever they got one in their monetary transactions. This piece has clear hair definition on Liberty. A few stars at the left are flat, but this is noted on many BB-65 specimens. The eagle shows convincing wing feathers though the body detail is characteristically flat through the breast and down the leading edge of the leg. Nice attractive appearance. Estimated Value $8,000 - 8,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,625
Lot 924		1796 Draped Bust B-1, BB-66. Sharpness of Fine-12. Cleaned years ago but access to better quality pieces tends to cost a lot of money, so the collector is encouraged to place a bid. The Small Eagle with Draped Bust combination lasted a few short years, from 1795 to 1798. Very few were ever made; many got exported. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,265
Lot 925		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. NGC graded Fine-15. Natural toning on both sides. The color is darkest around the main devices, lightening to medium gray in the fields and lighter gray on the tops of the devices. A small rim bruise above the B in LIBERTY noted. Scarce Small Eagle date, although there is some disagreement about whether the Red Book mintage figure given is accurate. Estimated Value $2,800 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,990
Lot 926		1797 Draped Bust Dollar. NGC graded Fine-12. Original toning on both sides with some fine old scratches through the portrait. The fields are deepest toned while the accents of lighter colors occur on the devices on both sides of this scarcer small eagle Type coin. Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,335
Lot 927		1798 Draped Bust B-23, BB-105. Sharpness of VF-30. Some minor marks and scratches. Nicely toned with medium shades of gray accented by lighter gray high points on the designs. The rims much nicer than average for this issue. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,725
Lot 928		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Small eagle. NGC graded Good-4. Well worn and toned, with the bust and eagle lighter color and so they stand out more forcefully against the heavily toned fields. The perfect coin for the beginning collector's first venture into this exciting field of numismatics. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 929		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Small eagle, 15 stars on obverse. . BB-81, B-2, Rarity-1. PCGS graded AU-50. In old green holder. A boldly original specimen with deeply toned surfaces that are exemplary in their appearance; the toning atop the still somewhat lustrous, mark-free fields beneath. Desirable with this precision strike on the hair, the drapery, and turning to the reverse, throughout the eagle's wings, breast and legs and the wreath. It is believed that the 1795 draped bust dollars were first struck in October 1795. Those with bust centered (1795 B-15, BB-52) coins were likely struck after the misaligned bust pieces (1795 B-14, BB-51), perhaps to correct the placement error where Liberty was positioned to far to the left. On B-15, BB-52 the highest wave of the hair is under the E of LIBERTY and star 1 does not touch the curl. On the reverse of 1795 B-14, BB-51 there are seven berries on the olive branch; on B-15, BB-52 there are only six berries. The obverse and reverse dies for B-15, BB-52 was only used to strike this one die variety. Compared to the 1795 flowing hair varieties, the obverse portrait punch on the draped bust 1795 dollars is of higher quality and is carefully engraved, with all the minute detail clearly evident. No one is sure who engraved the dies, whether Robert Scot or John Eckstein, but he was extremely skilled. The reverse punch of the small eagle is set on a platform of billowy clouds and is similarly well done. Pop 2; 6 finer. (PCGS # 6868) . Estimated Value $19,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 930		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Small eagle, 13 stars on obverse. PCGS graded AU-50 BB-82, B-1, Rarity 1. A boldly original specimen with deeply toned surfaces that are exemplary in their appearance; the toning atop the still somewhat lustrous, mark-free fields beneath. Desirable with this precision strike on the hair, the drapery, and turning to the reverse, throughout the eagle's wings, breast and legs and the wreath. It is believed that the 1795 draped bust dollars were first struck in October 1795. Those with bust centered (1795 B-15, BB-52) coins were likely struck after the misaligned bust pieces (1795 B-14, BB-51), perhaps to correct the placement error where Liberty was positioned to far to the left. On B-15, BB-52 the highest wave of the hair is under the E of LIBERTY and star 1 does not touch the curl. On the reverse of 1795 B-14, BB-51 there are seven berries on the olive branch; on B-15, BB-52 there are only six berries. The obverse and reverse dies for B-15, BB-52 was only used to strike this one die variety. Compared to the 1795 flowing hair varieties, the obverse portrait punch on the draped bust 1795 dollars is of higher quality and is carefully engraved, with all the minute detail clearly evident. No one is sure who engraved the dies, whether Robert Scot or John Eckstein, but he was extremely skilled. The reverse punch of the small eagle is set on a platform of billowy clouds and is similarly well done. Pop 1; 2 finer for the variety. (PCGS # 40006) . It is not clear precisely when the scarce 1798 draped bust dollars with small eagle reverse were struck. They may well have made up a small part of the January 5 delivery, or perhaps were struck in the latter part of January. The mintage was certainly small, whenever the time of striking. Oddly enough, even for this coinage, there are two obverse dies, one with 13 stars and one with 15. Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 931		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Large eagle. NGC graded EF-40. Nice shades of dusky gray and smoke-gold natural toning, somewhat uneven in their distribution but all the same complementing the light areas of wear on the high points of the cheek, shoulder, hair & ribbon, as well as the cloud tops, head and breast of the eagle, and lower wing feathers. Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,335
Lot 932		1798 Draped Bust Dollar. Large eagle. NGC graded Fine-12. Nice original toning. Smooth, clean surfaces with natural color. Arc star pattern on reverse. On this variety the date is wide, 11 mm. across at widest part, with the 1 close to curl, the 8 near bust (but does not touch). The obverse displays a prominent die chip between the left side of the 9 and the bust. The bottom stand of the T in LIBERTY is repunched. This obverse die used to strike 1798 BB-102, BB-103, and BB-107. The reverse is from same die used to strike BB-94 and BB-95. The die crack that developed on BB-95 from right wing down through I in AMERICA to border has now become heavier. Another crack is below ER in AMERICA. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 933		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. NGC graded MS-63 B-11, BB-161 Rarity 2. An extremely presentable early dollar, one of the few Mint States extant above minimal BU grades, and a marvelous original toned specimen. Choice, smooth frosty surface glows with luster, complete and iridescent as it propels the lively toning into the viewer's field of vision. The fields are carefully preserved, befitting as well as benefiting the grade. This looks more like a nicely toned silver dollar made in the Morgan silver dollar period than a bust dollar, it is that nice! There is one 1799 BB-161 Heraldic Eagle dollar graded by the competing service in Mint State 66 condition. But at the NGC service, this is the finest certified. With Bust dollars strong for the foreseeable future, a type collector who seeks to build a top-end collection has an obvious choice: acquisition of this coin or settling for a piece that represents mediocre quality. Pop 1; None finer at NGC for the variety. Recently added to the census. Estimated Value $60,000 - 65,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 934		1799 Draped Bust Dollar. NGC graded MS-63 B-9, BB-166 Rarity 1. In NGC holder 2632420-002. A lovely example of this issue, destined for a high-grade Type set. The choice deep antique gray toning exhibits undertones of violet and rich steel-blue with sleek mint frostiness in the fields and spanning all devices. The luster is indeed frosty on this early bust dollar, and shimmers with iridescence around the obverse periphery. Boldly struck and nicely detailed, as well as perfectly exhibiting die breaks in the obverse field that this variety is noted for. The few marks are widely dispersed and small, with a few in the reverse star cluster. A single flaw on Liberty's neck below the lovelock serves as an identifier. The visual appeal is charming here, nicer than most contenders in Mint State 63 we have seen or offered in recent years. Pop 17; 17 finer; 12 in 64; 4 in 65; 1 in 66. Estimated Value $60,000 - 65,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 935		1799 Draped Bust B-10, BB-163. Sharpness of Fine-12. Cleaned and retoned. Some light old surface abrasions include a small pit above the date, but the cleaning has smoothed things out and all devices are acceptable for the grade once this is understood. Collectors wishing to own just one early bust dollar (an historic coin in American numismatics, everyone will agree) might want to consider this affordable lot. Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $949
Lot 936		1799 Draped Bust B-6, BB-162. Sharpness of Fine-12. Cleaned with light scratches, suitable for a U.S. Type set or to pass around at gatherings to show others what real money looked like "way back when." 1799, coincidentally, is the year George Washington died. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 937		1799 Draped Bust B-5, BB-157. Sharpness of VF-25. A few obverse scratches and two obverse flaws on the edges. Nice grey toning with lighter "rubbed silver" accents on the high points -- the classic look of a toned early bust dollar coin. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 938		1799/8 Draped Bust Dollar. 13 stars on reverse. NGC graded MS-63. In NGC holder 3036350-002. Well struck and deeply toned. Highly radiant underneath the natural toning, with rich luster sweeping across surface on both sides. The toning shows that it is completely natural, having no doubt taken decades, if not the better part of two centuries to develop into its current lovely deep antique gray with russet highlights. The devices are all but fully struck, with just an insubstantial smidgen of weakness at the right wing of the eagle near the shield. Elsewhere, the shield and feather plumage are keen-edged and bold. The same can be said for Liberty, whose sharp hair curls (including the lovelock) also continues on to the drapery folds that give this style of bust dollar its nomenclature: draped bust, heraldic eagle. A wonderful coin, all things considered. And one that Red Book variety specialists will be encouraged to bid on since it is among the finest recorded. Pop 5; 6 finer, 4 in 64, 1 in 65, 1 in 66. Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 939		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. . BB-181, B-1, High Rarity-3. NGC graded AU-55 B-1, BB-181, High Rarity 3. Original luster under natural gray to champagne-accented "antique" surfaces. A touch of weakness is seen at the temple and hair on the head as well as on the reverse at UNUM, but here it is probably that the dies were spaced just far enough apart to prevent stronger metal flow in that area. Both sides choice and attractive. A few faint abrasions in the right obverse field. Pop 1; 1 finer in AU58 for the variety. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 940		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. PCGS graded VF-35 CAC Approved. Attractive natural antique toning on both sides, a couple of old marks in the field right of Liberty but generally miles ahead of the competition in terms of natural beauty and originall surfaces. Should attract notice from bidders (PCGS # 6887) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 941		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. NGC graded VF-30. Well struck with nice original toning. A faint hairline in the field rising from Liberty's chin. Mainly purplish gray to smoke-colored toning over both sides, there is a little steel iridescence at the legends. Central devices are average to above average in detail. A charming example. Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,415
Lot 942		1800 Draped Bust B-1, BB-181. Sharpness of VF-20. Cleaned but with enough detail to please anyone who isn't overly demanding for one of these large, handsome dollars with the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle design. On this scarce variety, the 180 close in the date. TY way too far apart. The 1 in date barely misses touching the hair. Slight elevation in field between lowest left star and hair due to depression in die. Die flaws near inside point of star 11 and also at lower outside of same star. This obverse die used to strike 1800 BB-181 only. On the reverse, a leaf touches the lower right corner of serif of I in AMERICA (compare to reverse of BB-183, which looks similar but touches the bottom of I at a different point). Point of star touches point of lower part of eagle's beak. A in AMERICA touches only 3rd feather. First T in STATES is double punched. AME joined at lower part. A over clouds 2 and 3. Tip of arrowhead under center of U in UNITED. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,150
Lot 943		1800 Draped Bust Dollar. "AMERICAI". PCGS graded MS-63 B-19, BB-192, Rarity 2. Frosty silver gray on the obverse with glinting heather gold accents and a beautiful example of full, flashy, spinning "cartwheel effect" throughout the luster. The reverse is similarly accoutered, as the luster flashes from side to side when the coin is tilted. Reflective of the high quality is the smooth, satiny luster covering the entire portrait and eagle. Nothing diminishes the beauty nor the sparkle of this rare specimen. It is simply beautiful! Switching tracks, we see that the devices on the coin are very well struck, none of the usual weakness occurs at the center of obverse device. The reverse has a sharp shield, too with both horizontal lines and vertical stripes needle-sharp under a magnifying glass. Again, pristine fields are free of notable marks. We do see a single small tick on Liberty's temple, that is about all. This coin is one of only two Mint State 63 AMERICAI pieces graded by PCGS. A world-class early dollar that in another sale would be a fantastic highlight all its own. Pop 2; None finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 6892) . The AMERICAI reverse is shared by two obverses as BB-191 and BB-192. After the word AMERICA, an almost vertical line, a stray mark, apparently, not a die crack, perhaps from a punch or from a stray piece of metal during the die making process, appears more or less like an "I" added. There are no serifs on this stray mark, but in the mind's eye it is easy to see why collectors long ago dubbed it a letter "I." The nomenclature has been with us for a long time. In the words of the Bowers encyclopedia, "Nowhere else in the silver dollar series has a stray die mark done so much for a coin's value and desirability in the eyes of collectors." 1800 BB-192 is one of the more populous varieties of the year in circulated grades. An estimated 600 to 1,100 exist. The BB-192 is the commoner of the two varieties with AMERICAI reverse (the other being BB-191, mentioned above). Examples are available in all basic grade ranges, with most being in the Very Fine category. Estimated Value $100,000 - 115,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 944		1801 Draped Bust Dollar. NGC graded VF-30. Light blue and gold toning around the edges. Smooth surfaces from honest wear, there are no rim bruises and the fields are choice as well, a characteristic of the coins acquired by the famed die variety specialist Jules Reiver. Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,400. Ex: Jules Reiver Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,415
Lot 945		1801 Draped Bust Dollar. Sharpness of VF-20. Cleaned years ago with somewhat milky smoke-gray toning now in place. The main devices are characteristically clear for this grade, with only a few of the central hair curls note quite sharply impressed by the die. Lower mintage year. Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,955
Lot 946		1802 Draped Bust Dollar. PCGS graded AU-53. Nicely toned. A luminous naturally toned example of optimum quality for the grade: The luster is there within and around the main devices while and the strike is full, being quite crisp in all areas. One tiny mark at the throat and a faint hairline slightly above this point but these are obscured by the attractive toning. Pop 1; 1 finer in 58 for the variety (PCGS # 40089) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 947		1802 Draped Bust Dollar. NGC graded VF-35. Well struck with nice original toning, the issues of 1802 include regular date and overdate varieties, this being the former. A common variety in very presentable condition. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,565
Lot 948		1802/1 Draped Bust Dollar. Wide date. NGC graded MS-62 B-3, BB-234, Rarity 2. This beautifully toned specimen comes to us from a sophisticated collector who has an eye for award-winning quality and appearance as well as well-struck early bust coinage. The coin boasts natural russet gray patina over lustrous surfaces. Excellent technical strike and aesthetic quality beyond the average specimen assures the bidder that this overdate will definite the MS62 grade for years to come. Two horizontal nicks at Liberty's eye are noted. This coin may be one of for a connoisseur's collection. Variety Notes: BB-234 represents one of five varieties for 1802 featuring the an overdate, with the numeral 2 perched on top of a previous numeral 1. The date numerals are widely spaced (with 0 and 2 separated), and the top left edge of the under-digit 1 is positioned slightly to the right of the left edge of the numeral 2. BB-234 (along with BB-233 and BB-235, which bear similar widely-spaced dates), falls under the Redbook listing for the 1802/1 overdate/Wide date. Pop 1; none finer at NGC for the variety. Recently added to the census. Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 949		1803 Draped Bust Dollar. NGC graded AU-55. Light to medium gray toning. A well struck, late-issue example with strong underlying toning, rich and original, that highlights both sides. Sharply struck for the date, with complete hair and drapery on Liberty, complete eagle, shield, and clouds on the reverse, and certainly a coin that gets honorable mention where fullness of design is concerned. Pop 19; 17 finer. Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 950		1803 B-6, BB-255. Rarity 2. Sharpness of Fine-15. Cleaned and retoned years ago so that it now has a very presentable quality about it from the medium gray surface offset by lighter gray high points. Last year of issue for regular coinage in this series (the 1804-dated pieces were struck years later under special circumstances). Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 951		1803 B-6, BB-255. Rarity 2. Rarity 2. Sharpness of Fine-12. Cleaned years ago but now acquiring natural toning and a look of quiet dignity in a bust dollar of this vintage. Last year of issue. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,438