Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 48

Pre-Long Beach Coin Auction

$20 Liberty/No Motto

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1629		1901 $20 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 61 Cameo. Light hairlines and a few scattered nicks about the rims. Only 96 proofs minted. Bright gold with distinctive Proof sparkle from the reflective fields especially on the around the portrait of Liberty. The cameo effect seen on pre-20th century dates is substantially missing on most 1901 double eagles after the mint introduced a new finish for that year. However a few are still frosted somewhat, as the coin offered here, and aside from some marks as mentioned, no doubt from mishandling long ago, the coin is well above average for the grade in many ways. One of the scarce Proofs of the date, with far fewer than that original 96 number currently known. A nice coin, one that will no doubt wind up in a pleasing advanced U.S. gold type set. Pop 3; 23 finer (PCGS # 89117) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $14,375
Lot 1630		1901 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Lovely rich golden toning. A boldly struck gold-surfaced coin whose high-end depth of detail in the strike complements the equally fresh mint bloom. Scarcer P-mint issue (PCGS # 9039) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,725
Lot 1631		1903 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. A hint of light gold toning. Very few marks. A lustrous example that has shimmering sun-bright blast of color over the lustrous surfaces. According to our close examination, this piece also shows extra bold detail on all relief portions including the stars (PCGS # 9043) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,840
Lot 1632		1903-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Lovely golden toning on this attractive, fully lustrous example from the San Francisco Mint. Well struck and beming fresh golden color. Pop 333; 8 finer in 65 (PCGS # 9044) . Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,300
Lot 1633		1903-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely golden and rose color toning. Metal flow enhances the billowing mint dazzle that emits like forked lightning from the surfaces, giving the coin a shimmering, glowing appearance. The original mint brilliance is only interrupted by an occasional mark or two. Ideal 1903-S double eagle (PCGS # 9044) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1634		1903-S $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Light golden toning. Frosty (PCGS # 9044) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 1635		1904 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Beautiful golden surfaces. In an old green label holder. A satiny and lustrous '04 with a nuance of toning on both sides. The strike is complete, with sharp hair waves and obverse stars. A minor scuff in the luster of the cheek limits the grade by a point or two (PCGS # 9045) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,100
Lot 1636		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. Nice golden toning. Choice for the grade, indeed with strong indications in several areas for a higher designation. A wonderful opportunity for the Type Set buyer (PCGS # 9045) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 1637		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Delicately toned over choice mint frostiness (PCGS # 9045) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,121
Lot 1638		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Bright and lustrous with excellent strike details on the main motifs (PCGS # 9045) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 1639		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Very fresh cheek on Liberty; shimmering golden luster (PCGS # 9045) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1640		1904 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62 PQ. Nice and fully lustrous. In a first generation PCGS holder. Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,121
Lot 1641		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. A few luster grazes but frosty throughout (PCGS # 9045) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 1642		1906-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. A beauty exhibiting full mint bloom colors and extra satiny fields. Liberty's cheek is way nicer than average for this issue. The city of San Francisco was nearly destroyed by a powerful earthquake in April 1906. Whether or not this double eagle was minted before the temblor struck is unknown, but the San Francisco Mint, nicknamed The Old Granite Lady, survived intact while other large buildings around it succumbed to the quake itself or the fire afterwards. Bid on this lovely historic golden treasure from those days! (PCGS # 9051) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,185
Lot 1643		1906-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Nicely toned. Completely original with spectacular mint brilliance for the grade over pulsating misty golden surfaces (PCGS # 9051) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1644		1907 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Lovely golden toning. Last year of the Liberty head Type (PCGS # 9052) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $863
Lot 1645		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-65. Well struck exhibiting a natural mixture of frosty and satiny smooth mint luster, all delicately toned. A Gem quality example of the desirable MCMVII High Relief double eagle is one of the most prestigious gold issues that the average collector can hope to own. When graded at the Gem MS65 category, a coin of this type will not only exceptional appeal from the aesthetic standpoint but the proper awe and reverence for the executed design. The rule is that most High Reliefs display solid technical quality from carefully applied dies (three to as many as five blows from which is required to establish a firm impression). The present example is peerless in its beauty and aesthetic appeal. In addition to the aforementioned qualities, both sides exhibit attractive, medium bright, yellow-gold color which has a satiny texture like few others in the series. A few very tiny marks on the eagle's wing are almost impossible to see as they are aligned with the edges of the feathers. All in all a first-rate Gem BU. Pop 281; 83 finer (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1646		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-65. Lightly toned and well struck. Our readers have noted that we usually offer several High Relief double eagles in our sales; yet we are seldom given the chance to catalog an one graded as carefully and with as exacting standards as this beautiful Gem. This truly is a lovely coin. The smooth, satin-smooth surfaces are uninterrupted by even the tiniest carbon spot, and we are also unable to find an abrasion that needs to be singled out. Both sides are drenched in vivid color that further highlights the already inspiring eye appeal. Simply put, this is a coin that would enliven any collector who demands nothing but the choicest for his collection of United States gold coins. Pop 281; 83 finer (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1647		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. NGC graded MS-65. A nice bold strike. Brilliant, lustrous, and of strict Gem quality in all areas, this lovely MCMVII High Relief Saint-Gaudens beauty will, we are confident, find a home either with a type set buyer or with a double eagle specialist or, possibly with someone who is attracted to the fame of the coin. The High Relief $20 gold piece has long been admired as America's most beautiful gold coin. Pop 67; 55 finer, 47 in 66, 5 in 67, 1 in 67 star, 1 in 68, 1 in 68 star (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1648		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty coin. Those who have dealt in Roman Numerals $20 gold pieces for some time might view this as "just another Gem High Relief." True, it is that, but then when this coin is held in the hand, and the light focused on it with the magnifier positioned over the main device, then it clearly becomes something much more. It turns into a work of art. It becomes pure genius consolidated onto a small round golden disk. This marvel of design is one of several nice Gems that came to us from a sophisticated buyer of top-end American gold rarities. The wire rim here is pronounced, especially on the obverse. The satiny mint luster flows and glows as it swirls to and fro with typical mesmerizing revolutions over each side. Poetic as the coin's beauty is, the surface has retained its gorgeous golden glow through the years without diminishing. Therefore, consider this coin as one meant for the person who is looking for much more than just a "pleasing High Relief." This is a connoisseur's coin, one destined for the person who realizes he is holding something magical in his hands. Pop 281; 83 finer, 63 in 66, 16 in 67, 3 in 68, 1 in 69 (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1649		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty mint gem whose beautiful untouched original surfaces command respect; light golden-orange in color, vibrant satiny luster. Giving his artistic expression full rein, the sculptor and coin's designer Saint-Gaudens put the date in Roman numerals, MCMVII -- a first on an American coin design -- and the designs themselves in sculpture-like high relief. The mint's staff objected forcefully, as those in Philadelphia felt that coinage designs were their franchise and it was unfair for the President to enlist the aid of an outsider to create new models. Apart from that, the engraving department at the Mint made itself clear that Saint-Gaudens' idea of producing a circulating coinage in high relief was impractical, for such would require multiple blows on a special press and would not be suitable for high-speed production. This pretty much explains why High Relief production was only 11,250 pieces. Pop 89; 36 in 66, 7 in 67, 1 in 68. (PCGS # 9136) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1650		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. PCGS graded MS-65. Well struck with lovely toning. Few important rare coin auctions would be complete without a Gem quality offering of the majestic (and ever-popular) Roman Numerals $20 gold coin of 1907. This specimen is an exemplar of the Flat Rim variety: A boldly struck gold-surfaced beauty whose high-end depth of detail in the strike complements the equally fresh satiny bloom. As is nearly always seen on these, because of the concentrated effort it took to strike them, the imprint that was left by the dies obtains incredible sharpness and detail on both sides. It has a wonderful clear sharp strike. Certain to please every possible collector, young or old. Pop 89; 43 finer, 36 in 66, 6 in 67, 1 in 68 (PCGS # 9136) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1651		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. NGC graded MS-65. Well struck and untoned. Radiant in all its majesty and exhibiting little if any color other than vivid golden hues. A very pleasing example of this historically significant coin design. Enough for the luster, we could go on and on about how gemmy it is. In the end, it is this coin's detail that grabs a person's attention: devices foursquare and bold throughout, with the bold eagle flying effortlessly through a golden sky, backstopped by a fan-formation of sun rays spreading out from the solar disk below. During the production phase of the models for this coin, Saint-Gaudens explained in some detail to President Roosevelt why he'd chosen to replicate the flying eagle motif used on the Longacre cent of 1856-58. Saint-Gaudens' own version of this eagle differs in many ways but the concept is the same. When the time came to strike the finished designs onto gold planchets, only 11,250 pieces were ever produced. These had to be struck on the Mint's medal press, using three to five blows from the dies to render the design in full. Eventually, Chief Engraver of the Mint Charles E. Barber flattened the design for more high-speed production on the standard electrically operated coining presses. He replaced the Roman numerals with standard Western numerals, and made numerous other changes creating the motif afterwards referred to by numismatists as the 1907 "No Motto." Pop 65; 68 finer, 52 in 66, 11 in 67, 2 in 67 star, 2 in 68, 1 in 68 star (PCGS # 9136) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1652		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-64. Rich frosty mint luster with wonderful original surfaces throughout. Rich golden-orange mint bloom colors further adds to its beauty. In an old green label holder. Another splendid example approaching gem quality on many fronts. Foremost, the luster is bright with highly lustrous (if gently toned) surfaces which display a nearly matte-like appearance, while the high relief design details are all crisply accounted for. Pop 151; 132 finer. A coin with strong presence and appeal plus the tangible quality that is well worth reaching out for (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 27,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $28,175
Lot 1653		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief. PCGS graded MS-61. A pleasing example in a first generation PCGS slab. We note this is the wire rim variety. A typically sharp example of this always-popular first-year double eagle and the only year Saint-Gaudens piece in which the date is expressed in Roman numerals [MCMVII]. The warmly colored, green-gold and brilliant features are free of all but a few wispy handling marks. Perfect for Type Set purposes. Estimated Value $13,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 1654		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. PCGS graded AU-58. A handsome deep yellow golden High Relief with only light friction on the highest points. Lustrous, fully struck, and as always in great demand. The medallic issue with high relief required multiple cycles of the coining press at an extremely high pressure of 172 tons for each example. The MCMVII coins in high relief were created with five such cycles of the coining press, which was an exhaustive process for coinage intended for circulation. Coins with flat rim have a wide, squared border around the entire circumference (PCGS # 9136) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,350
Lot 1655		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. Flat relief. PCGS graded MS-64 CAC Approved. Nice light golden toning. Frosty and sharply struck, the smooth surfaces would settle for nothing less than the MS 64 grade. Desirable Type (PCGS # 9141) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1656		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded MS-65. Nice original toning. A frosty gem that, with the increased interest in coins made of gold, should attract some spirited bidding. The No Motto design was used in 1907-08 only before the Mint changed it (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1657		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-64. Beautiful golden tones surround the borders (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1658		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-63. Warm golden sunset toning graces the surfaces on both sides. Well struck (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $925 - 975. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1659		1908-D $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-65. A wonderful frosty mint gem. Swirling frosty luster rounds out this coin's list of memorable attributes. On top of that, a solidly graded example, this coin displays above-average striking definition for an '8-D No Motto from this time frame. This is to say that the strike is complete, not even a single fused nose or lip over Liberty's face to keep this coin from being full. Pop 234; 9 finer in 66 (PCGS # 9143) . Estimated Value $8,500 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1660		1908-S $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. PCGS graded MS-63 CAC Approved. A frosty mint example delicately toned. The 1908-S is one of the rarer issues in the Saint-Gaudens series. Not only does it have a very low mintage second only to the 1907 High Relief, but it is also scarce in circulated grades. In Mint State, the 1908-S is more than ever difficult to locate with MS 63 pieces such as this rated a "buy" by any sophisticated bidder. Most 1908-S double eagles are sharply struck, and this is what we find here. The surfaces display nice frosty luster with a few small marks in the field above the date and on the devices. We have handled very few of these in our years in the auction business, and a real opportunity for the specialist (PCGS # 9149) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $20,125
Lot 1661		1908-S $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. PCGS graded MS-62. Light golden sunset toning adds to its appeal. A satiny and lightly abraded example that has a sharp strike and untroubled surfaces. Only 22,000 pieces were struck, which explains the paucity of Uncirculated survivors, making the 1908-S the first "key" date in the With Motto $20 group. An chance for the astute specialist to acquire a nice one before they all disappear from the marketplace (PCGS # 9149) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1662		1909/8 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded VF-30. Clear overdate on this interesting variety (PCGS # 9151) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 1663		1909-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Delicately toned. This example, illustrative of the gem quality only now and then seen in its top grade class, has iridescent gold surfaces and delicate patina over both sides. Another thing, this piece displays a precision strike on the legends and main device, consistently found on the best struck S-mint dates, which collectors will want to pay a mind to since not even a trace of soft detail is seen on either side. Pop 1; the only example graded at PCGS for this variety (PCGS # 145741) . Curiously, there is also known an S over S 1909-S Lincoln cent variety, no doubt a coincidence in the making of so many dies each year for what is, after all, a large scale coin-manufacturing factory known as a mint. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1664		1909-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-62 (PCGS # 9153) . Estimated Value $925 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,020
Lot 1665		1911 $20 St. Gaudens. AU-55. Slight friction on the knee, but otherwise nice and frosty. Lower mintage year (PCGS # 9157) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photo Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 1666		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. A beautiful satiny mint example. Noticeable doubling at the mintmark. Well struck on all devices. Pop 16; 20 finer. Only 39 examples graded at PCGS for this popular variety (PCGS # 145010) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,860
Lot 1667		1912 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. A wonderful untoned example that sparkles with luster. The otherwise bright color yields to dancing cartwheel hues of satiny frost on both sides. The devices are free from heavy handling marks, a definite "plus."Pop 317; 31 finer with 26 in 65, 5 in 66. (PCGS # 9160) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1668		1913 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. A lovely frosty mint example exhibiting natural mint bloom colors. Identifiable by a small mark on Liberty's calf and another on the upper "flight feathers" on the eagle. Otherwise much choicer than average and nearly into the Gem class. Very scarce in this condition. 1913, in similarity to several other P-mints in the teens, has a low mintage: 168,780 pieces. Pop 283: 5 in MS-65. (PCGS # 9161) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1669		1913-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. An intensely brilliant untoned example. Pleasant, almost cheery gold satin frost display lots of fresh gold color. Judging by the photographs, no one can deny that this piece was fully struck in all the key places with pinpoint detailing on the toes, Liberty's face, and the eagle's breast feathers, and including convincing crisp detail not just here and there, but everywhere (PCGS # 9162) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,668
Lot 1670		1914-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. Rich golden toning. Blazing-gold luster with Gem quality definition and exceptionally clean surfaces. Definitely, a premium example of the grade. Pop 1702; 92 finer in 66 (PCGS # 9166) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1671		1915 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. A magnificent gem specimen. Well struck with the facial features on Liberty complete and the surfaces are ablaze with gorgeous mint bloom color. A decidedly rare coin in this lofty grade. Pop 31; none finer. (PCGS # 9167) . The low Philadelphia Mint issuance in 1913-15 may be related to the opening of the 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, which took place towards the end of 1914. Before the newly authorized Federal Reserve System could begin operations, it had to acquire a large amount of gold in the form of gold coins (principally double eagles) as backing for the Federal Reserve Bank Notes and Federal Reserve Notes of the 1914 and later Series. At the time, World War I was in progress, which put immense strains on international transfers of gold. In fact, the U.S. government, at the request of the bankers, closed the New York Stock Exchange from the summer of 1914 until late that year in order to limit the amount of gold exports during the first feverish days of the War. This handsome 1915 $20 Saint is a reminder of those interesting times in American monetary history. Estimated Value $23,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1672		1915 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Boldly struck and quite frosty with hints of olive-golden toning. Quite scarce this choice. We note some dark deposits at the extreme obverse edge at 3 o'clock that appears to be easily removable. Low-mintage date. Pop 255 with 31 finer in 65 (PCGS # 9167) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,485
Lot 1673		1915 $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-62. Somewhat bagmarked, but a scarce one which has low mintage (PCGS # 9167) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,050. Ex Gary Burghoff Collection. Jan. 28-29, 1980, lot 1062. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,121
Lot 1674		1916-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck, untoned and quite choice. Outstanding quality. Each side of this '16-S Saint has a vivid cartwheel effectg that is embued with satiny luster (PCGS # 9169) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,438
Lot 1675		1916-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice and frosty and lightly toned. Originally preserved, the surfaces are intensely lustrous with swirling cartwheel frost (PCGS # 9169) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 1676		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. A gem double eagle. Impressively preserved on the obverse, the resounding gold tone resonates to the eye. As for the reverse, the eagle flies through a smooth golden sky with limitation on the bagmarks indicating an even nicer grade. The devices were struck with such determined force by the dies that all design elements show boldly. Pop 1,179; 7 finer in 66 (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $4,200 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1677		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. An untoned MS64 with excellent luster and surfaces that are free from all but the most trivial luster grazes (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 1678		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Light reddish-golden toning. A choice, frosty coin (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold

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