Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 5

The Dr. Jon Kardatzke Coin Collection, Parts 2 and 3

$3 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1231		1854 $3 Gold. AU-53. Lovely surfaces that boast some of the original luster in the fields, and well struck devices. Examination reveals trivial handling marks in the fields, but the marks are not detracting in any way. An excellent type coin for the collector. View details	Realized $949
Lot 1232		A Choice AU-50 1854-D. PCGS graded AU-50. We are proud to present the key date to the regular issue $3 gold pieces, the 1854-D. Mintage figures closed the year at a meager 1,120 coins for Dahlonega, this being the first year of issue perhaps a few were saved. History would later know that this would be the only year $3 gold pieces would be produced in Dahlonega. This particular coin boasts lovely satiny gold color, clean fields and devices that show few bagmarks or other surface abrasions. Light wear on the upper curls of Liberty only, specifically the curls over her eye, ear and lower neck curls. Similarly, the reverse wear is noted only on the uppermost leaves in the wreath. In order to help identify this rarity, we note a tiny scratch on the reverse under the letters LLA of DOLLAR, midway between that word and the date. Struck from lightly clashed dies, both obverse and reverse. The PCGS Population Report currently shows 6 graded this high, with 21 others in slightly better grades of About Uncirculated, and a single mint state 62 coin. As this is the most expensive regular issue date, we suspect that many coins have been submitted more than once and are reflected multiple times in the population census. Breen estimated that only 5 or 6 were known in about uncirculated of this date. The real figure is probably between 10 and 20 in this grade range. As the possibility of a higher certified grade always exists (and higher market value, of course), and with several competent grading services now available, the various population reports are becoming more skewed with higher and higher numbers of some truly rare coins that have been submitted several times for certified grading. As always in numismatics, a knowledgeable collector will take the time to learn how to properly grade, and thus properly value any coin for their collection. We can't emphasize this enough, the more a person learns about coins and their preservation, as well as cleaning techniques (both good and bad), common repairs (seen all too often on coins) the better a collector will be able to properly value coins. The following history notes from Breen: "As a denomination, the $3 gold coin was first hatched back in 1832, but was soon dropped in favor of just a $2.50 and $5 gold coin for the Mint Act of June 28, 1834. Later, when the Act of March 3, 1845 authorized issue of postage stamps at the rate of 5¢ for a prepaid letter this amount was reduced to 3¢ for a prepaid letter in 1851. Congressmen appeared to believe (following the faulty reasoning of Mint Director Robert M. Patterson) that the main purpose of the new 3¢ would be to buy postage stamps without using the unpopular, heavy, and often filthy copper cents. Accordingly, the Mint Act of Feb. 21, 1853, best known for authorizing lightweight silver coinage with arrows at date, also included a fine-print clause authorizing issue of a $3 gold coin, to weigh 77.4 grs. at 900 fine, for uniformity with other current gold pieces. Congressmen believed that this coin would be convenient for exchange for rolls or small bags of silver 3¢ pieces, and for buying sheets of 3¢ stamps--always bypassing use of copper cents." We pick up again later in the introduction to the series from Breen's Encyclopedia: "The usual story has it that $3 gold coins were made only so long as the letter rate remained 3¢, being discontinued when it was changed again, and perhaps in part because of the letter rate change. Whether or not this was the intention of Congress, nevertheless $3's saw little postal use in the West and South, as they were minted in Dahlonega and New Orleans only in 1854, and in San Francisco for circulation only 1855-57 and 1860. Threes thus represent relics of an interesting but abortive experiment; today they are among the most highly coveted of American gold coins. No specific reason was advanced for their discontinuance, though low mintages 1879-89 (testifying to little public demand) may have had something to do with it." View details	Realized $28,175
Lot 1233		1854-O $3 Gold. PCGS graded EF-40. The only year these were made at the New Orleans Mint, although the effort seemed hardly worth the trouble: just 24,000 bounced from the dies. The obverse of this one is especially nice, although the other side shows two dents above the 4 in the date. The mintmark is real clear and the color is that of fine old gold. View details	Realized $2,415
Lot 1234		1854-O $3 Gold. EF-40. This is the scarce weak letters, date and O mintmark variety (Breen 6349). This variety was likely caused by a mint worker who simply ground down the two dies a bit too much, hence the outer lettering on the obverse and entire reverse shows shallow device detail. Curiously, although Liberty is fairly bold, the initials JBL on the truncation show only their upper halves, the bottom of the letters have been lapped away. As dies were used, they frequently clashed or developed cracks, by carefully filing the dies down, the mints could extend their lives by reducing or removing cracks and clash marks. This is the process that created the 1937-D 3 Legged nickel, for instance. The diagnostic reverse crack through the mintmark is visible with a glass. Only 24,000 were struck of this curious denomination, and tough to find in higher grades. There are some shallow planchet flaws on the left side of the obverse, mostly in the fields, which have long, irregular shapes. These flaws are scarcely visible, even with a glass. Minor handling marks from brief circulation, and certainly a coin most collectors would be proud to own. View details	Realized $3,105
Lot 1235		1855 $3 Gold. AU-50. Light handling marks from circulation and satiny in color. One series of marks before Liberty's face, visible with a glass. View details	Realized $978
Lot 1236		1855-S $3 Gold. Sharpness of VF-20 but cleaned and polished. The surfaces have been stripped and then polished, perhaps to make coin appear to be a higher grade. There are light marks hidden in the dentils above UNI, file marks on the reverse rim on the left side, a scratch or two on either side. After looking carefully, this coin may have been mounted as the various points of damage may be bezel points where this coin was used as jewelry. Careful inspection is mandatory, as this is a rare date (mintage: 6,600), that will sell for much less than an undamaged example. View details	Realized $776
Lot 1237		1856 $3 Gold. AU-50. A few light handling marks are noted in the fields, nothing deep or annoying though, the coin retains some luster and is well struck. View details	Unsold
Lot 1238		1856-S $3 Gold. EF-45. A few scattered marks from circulation in the fields and on the devices, about as one would expect for the grade. The obverse has a curious mottled yellow color while the reverse is more uniform in color. This is the medium "S" variety. View details	Realized $1,323
Lot 1239		1856-S $3 Gold. Sharpness of VG-7 but holed twice and polished. Holed above Liberty, and also below, the lower hole was filled with a dark metal, the poorly reingraved on the dentils nearby. A jewelry piece that was proudly worn for years, as the surfaces have moderate scratches and marks not usually encountered a coin that simply "circulated". A filler of this moderately scarce date. View details	Realized $144
Lot 1240		Important "Proof of Record" 1857 $3 Gold. PCGS graded Proof 64. This important Proof rarity (PCGS indicates a mintage of only 5 coins!) is, in effect, what in Europe they call a "Proof of Record." That means none was made for collectors, but rather that Proofs were coined in tiny numbers for the government's record of what was made. Mostly, in Europe, such Proofs were placed in museum collections. It's a good, useful term because it notifies collectors that great rarity and special purpose stand behind such coins. And, therefore, a real opportunity to acquire. That's exactly what we have here: a coin with a mintage so minute that almost nobody can own one. This important specimen, which may forever be identified by a tiny incuse S-shaped lintmark at the 5:30 o'clock position just below the portrait, exhibits a mild cameo contrast on both sides and a glowing deep-gold toning. It's a choice piece of American numismatic culture. While this neat coin can stand alone for its importance, it may be useful to place it into its historical context. This will only make its value all the more appreciated. In June of this year, the United States signed an early treaty with Japan, then in the early stages of industrialization but socially still a largely feudal society, and very much isolated from the West. The treaty allowed American ships to enter and trade in the port of Nagasaki. Back home, James Buchanan had recently taken office as our 15th President, and his inaugural speech pledged a policy of noninterference with Southern States' slavery. And in March 1857 a momentous Supreme Court decision was handed down, the infamous Dred Scott judgment, in which the Missouri Compromise of 1820 was deemed unconstitutional. It involved a black slave named Scott whose owner moved him from Missouri (a slave state) to Illinois (a free state) and then back to Missouri. Scott sued his owner for freedom, but the Supreme Court ruled that the slave never stopped being a slave, even though he stood on free soil for a while, and as such he did not possess the right of a common citizen to sue in a federal court. By effectively siding with a slave owner, the Court outraged Northerners. The case still stands as a major metaphorical brand added to the bonfire that erupted into civil war only a few years later. It was out of such madness that this wonderful momento of American innocence and purity was born--an image of Liberty portrayed, curiously enough, by an Indian. View details	Realized $26,450
Lot 1241		1857 $3 Gold. AU-53. Light surface infractions from circulation, but nothing to penalize this coin for. Original mottled gold coloring on both sides, with some luster adhering near the lettering. Struck from clashed dies. View details	Realized $1,208
Lot 1242		1857-S $3 Gold. EF-40. A scarce date in this grade, Breen says "almost unobtainable above EF". This particular coin has some minor scratches on the obverse, visible with a glass, but not apparent to the unaided eye. These marks appear to be from circulation, and were worn down with the coin. On the reverse, the date is weak (diagnostic for the year), but the other devices are well struck. Only 14,000 struck, and apparently not too many were found on the S.S. Central America wreck. View details	Realized $2,875
Lot 1243		1857-S $3 Gold. VF-20. Cleaned rather harshly and the fields and devices are covered in fine hairlines which make the coin appear slightly dull. Well struck for the issue, with the date fairly sharp as compared with those usually seen. View details	Realized $604
Lot 1244		1858 $3 Gold. AU-50. Mintages plunged in 1858 as Philadelphia only produced 2,133 of this denomination. This one has excellent color and pleasing surfaces. A glass will locate some faint lines in the fields, some of which are adjustment marks (lower right obverse through CA and Liberty's curls), and some other trivial circulation marks. The devices are well struck and the coin has an excellent appearance. One dull mark on Liberty's jaw will serve to identify this one. View details	Realized $2,645
Lot 1245		1859 $3 Gold. AU-55. Probably cleaned at some time in the past, but not to its detriment. Minor hairlines are noted in the fields, and trivial circulation marks on both sides, but toned a pleasing golden yellow. Scarce. View details	Realized $776
Lot 1246		1860 $3 Gold. Sharpness of EF-40 but polished and retoned. This one looks like it was cleaned with baking soda, as the surfaces are mostly dull and not reflective. Scarce as a date, but should be inspected by bidders. View details	Realized $437
Lot 1247		1860-S $3 Gold. PCGS graded AU-53. A curious year for this denomination, someone wasn't paying attention on the roller mills making planchets, and 2,592 of the 7,000 struck were found to be underweight. The light ones were melted, thus the net mintage is only 4,408. One of 7 so graded by PCGS, with only 6 graded higher, including a single MS-62 example. That makes this coin one of the very best obtainable for the year, so plan on paying a premium in order to capture this condition rarity. Most survivors are in far lower grades of this date. Trouble-free wear on the highest devices, with some minor hairlines in the fields from circulation. View details	Realized $4,945
Lot 1248		1861 $3 Gold. AU-50. A moderately scarce date that is well struck and retains some frost in the fields. The obverse has light handling marks, while the reverse seems to have more small ticks than the obverse. Perhaps this is a function of the small date punches used to make the dies, allowing more open field area to attract circulation marks. Clean rims and devices, and one most collectors would love to own. View details	Realized $1,323
Lot 1249		1862 $3 Gold. EF-40. This looks to be one of Breen's nondistinct necklines (#6367) which was the result of heavy die polishing to remove clash marks. Libertys' neck seems to blend into the surrounding field. Noted to be "very rare" by Breen. Only 5,750 struck in all, most of which circulated well beyond this coin. Minor handling marks visible with a glass. View details	Realized $1,150
Lot 1250		1863 $3 Gold. AU-50. This scarce date has a nice, original appearance. The lettering has a bit of luster glowing nearby, and the surfaces have a delicate golden tone to them. Minor handling marks on both sides, but nothing deep or annoying. Struck from sharply clashed dies, with the outline of the inner wreath near Liberty's face, and the S of DOLLARS is visible hanging down from the end of Liberty's diadem. Liberty's head outline is visible inside of the reverse wreath. View details	Realized $1,438
Lot 1251		1864 $3 Gold. EF-45. Lightly cleaned and retoned with gold colors. Moderate handling marks, including a couple on Liberty's face. Scarce, with a mintage of only 2,630, all with a sharply repunched 18 in the date. View details	Realized $978
Lot 1252		1865 $3 Gold. AU-50. One of the really low-mintage dates of this series, only 1,140 were struck for circulation, and as stated by Breen, extremely rare in grades of about uncirculated. One dark speck below Liberty's chin and a glass will note the usual bagmarks from brief circulation. One for a collector to aspire to own, and well worth a premium for the rarity. View details	Realized $5,520
Lot 1253		1866 $3 Gold. EF-40. Average color for the grade, but there are a few scrapes and circulation ticks on both sides. Another low-mintage coin that saw only 4,000 struck for circulation, how many could remain today? PCGS has only graded 106 in all grades. View details	Realized $920
Lot 1254		1867 $3 Gold. EF-45. Clean surfaces for the grade, with the original mint surface preserved near the lettering, while the broad fields show moderate contact marks seen on all circulated examples of this series. Only 2,600 struck, with perhaps 100 known today in all grades. An opportunity. View details	Realized $1,380
Lot 1255		1868 $3 Gold. AU-55. There are light hairlines in the obverse fields, but the devices are frosty. On the reverse, the surfaces are undiminished by handling or cleaning. Boldly impressed and another scarce date (mintage 4,850). Semi-prooflike on the obverse fields. View details	Realized $1,725
Lot 1256		1869 $3 Gold. Sharpness of AU-50 but repaired on Liberty's cheek. The repair work on Liberty's cheek is scarcely visible and a glass is needed to see that a nick was smoothed down. The reeding on the lower obverse is also weak, but the weakness is apparently as struck. Another rare date with a mintage of only 2,500. View details	Realized $805
Lot 1257		1869 $3 Gold. Sharpness of VF-20 but cleaned. Cleaned and now a bit shiny in appearance. A scarce, low mintage date (2,500). Nice surfaces otherwise and acceptable for a date collector who doesn't want to spend far more money and wait years for a choice example of this date. View details	Realized $604
Lot 1258		1870 $3 Gold. Sharpness of AU-50 but polished to resemble a Proof. This coin was nearly Mint State when it was polished. Too bad it doesn't have an "S" on the reverse, but still scarce as a date with only 3,500 minted. An affordable alternative to a choice piece. View details	Realized $529
Lot 1259		1870 $3 Gold. EF-45. Nice for the grade, with minor circulation marks in the fields, and pleasing original orange-gold color on both sides. Well struck. View details	Realized $1,323
Lot 1260		1871 $3 Gold. AU-53. A meager 1,300 were struck for circulation, this one of the better survivors of perhaps 150 known. As always, minor handling marks from its days in commerce, mostly in the prooflike fields. Boldly impressed and another rare issue for the date collector. View details	Realized $1,610
Lot 1261		1872 $3 Gold. PCGS graded MS-62. Nice for the grade, with pinkish luster on the devices and only light handling marks. A few hairlines are noted in the fields and a mark hidden on Liberty's head extending in a broken pattern up between the letters OF. One of only 10 so graded with 4 graded higher, so don't wait for a better one. View details	Realized $3,680
Lot 1262		Lovely Proof Closed 3 1873 $3. PCGS graded Proof 62. This great rarity is among the least seen of all U.S. gold coins. We notice that NGC has reviewed only one of them (a 64), while PCGS has seen only 5 of the unknown number of pieces made (the PCGS Pop Report puts the mintage at 8 coins!). Three of them are graded above this in terms of number, but the appearance of this coin would be hard to beat. It's got gleaming mirrors and a moderate cameo. The classic orange-peel texture of the surfaces is enchanting, as always on a quality Proof. The cataloguer's immediate impression was that this was a PR64. Examine it carefully and decide for yourself. For those who value absolute rarity, ownership of this specimen is almost a must! View details	Realized $19,550
Lot 1263		1873 $3 Gold. Closed 3. PCGS graded AU-55. A classic rarity in any grade, this date has an interesting story as noted in Breen's Encyclopedia as follows: "The 1873 deserves special mention here. Dies with closed 3 were prepared in late fall 1872 for all denominations. These occasioned a complaint by Chief Coiner Archibald Loudon Snowden, Jan. 18 1873, alleging that the final digit (especially on smaller coins) could readily be mistaken for an 8. The Director ordered William Barber's Engraving Department to prepare a new set of date logtypes with open 3; working dies for all denominations (except 3¢ silver, half dime and silver dollar, abolished by the new Mint Act of February 12, 1873) followed shortly. Original gold proof sets obtained from the Coiner in 1873 show that the $3--unlike any other denomination--had open 3. Paradoxically, closed 3's are known, rarely in proof state, usually in F to EF grades; there is no Mint record of their coinage, and as some of these pieces have obv. dies identified as dating from 1879, they have been characterized as restrikes. However, preservation of other closed 3's does not permit positive identification of their obv. dies with coins of any other date, and the suggestion has lately been advanced that these latter may represent a delivery of a few hundred original 1873's, probably in January, mostly for circulation, omitted from Mint records in error." Apparently, someone wasn't doing their job in 1873, as no one made an entry in the coining log of the fact that any three dollar gold pieces were struck that year. PCGS has only graded 16 this grade, with 12 a grade higher and a total of 6 in the lower mint state grades. Thus, its nearly impossible to find one appreciably better of this rare date. Mintage estimated at 100 by PCGS, which was probably too low, as 51 have been graded by that service. An opportunity to buy a rare coin in top grade. Moderate handling marks in the fields, and pleasing yellow-gold color. View details	Realized $8,625
Lot 1264		1873 $3 Gold Open 3 PCGS Graded Proof 62. PCGS graded Proof 62. The Open 3 date coins were the originals Proofs, while the Proof closed 3 variety were restrikes. Breen estimated that of the original 25 struck, only 10-14 survive, this is probably about right, as PCGS has graded a total of 17, with all the regrades and cross-over grading today, it is best to take the Population Report numbers with a grain of salt. Of the numbers reported by PCGS, this is one of 4 so graded, with 12 graded higher. Examination with a glass notes some minor hairlines in the fields, a scuff mark both below and another above Liberty's bust tip, and a planchet pit on the reverse field between the wreath and the edge at about 2:30 o'clock. The fields are still very reflective, and this is what most numismatists would be satisfied with for this rarity. Liberty's head is wonderfully frosted, and the reverse is similar with frosted areas on the wreath. Toned with hazy gold colors on both sides, and probably not cleaned in many years. While not a perfect specimen of this popular rarity, we expect strong bidding will be needed to win this lot. View details	Realized $16,675
Lot 1265		1874 $3 Gold. AU-55. Semi-prooflike in the fields, which now show moderate handling marks. Minor hairlines are present. Well struck and preserved otherwise. View details	Realized $748
Lot 1266		1874 $3 Gold. EF-45. Nice for the grade, a common date for this series, and one for the type collector. View details	Realized $661
Lot 1267		The Extremely Rare 1875 $3 Gold PCGS Graded Proof 60. PCGS graded Proof 60. A classic rarity in any grade, the 1875 is only available in Proof condition. None were struck for circulation. The Philadelphia Mint only struck 20 of these, with perhaps a few more struck later as restrikes (See Breen). This coin appears to be one of the originals, as it has the die characteristics of the first group struck. Apparently most of the original 20 were lost, as PCGS has only graded 5 coins, one that slipped into circulation as an EF 45, this coin and three graded higher. A glass will note some very minor dull marks on Liberty's face, and the fields show the familiar hairlines expected on a Proof 60 coin. The color is a pleasant orangy-gold tone, with reflective mirroring and nicely contrasted devices. There are a few similar dull scrapes on the left side of the reverse wreath, but they are hidden by the busy devices and a glass is needed to detect them. This is a fabulous rarity and one that is seldom offered in any grade, so don't expect to find a better one anytime soon. You may be waiting years and years. With the price of gold being so low for so many years, what could be a better time to put this date away? View details	Realized $52,900
Lot 1268		1876 $3 Gold. Sharpness of EF-45 but repaired on the reverse and polished. This is one of just 45 struck in Proof, there were no coins produced for circulation. Somehow, this coin was chosen for some sort of adornment, it may have been mounted at the central reverse as the remnants of a ring are visible inside the wreath. The mounting was removed and the area of the date and denomination has been smoothed and polished. As noted in Breen, of the few known, at least 7-8 are impaired, so this isn't all that unusual for the issue. The obverse appears to be a circulated proof, with a number of minor marks in the fields and on the devices. This is not a coin that the grading services will "grade", but it is an important rarity that is seldom offered. A coin that deserves to be inspected and is worth a bid, if displayed obverse up, the damage is not detectable. Better than we make it sound. View details	Realized $6,900
Lot 1269		1877 $3 Gold. Sharpness of AU-50 but cleaned. The obverse has been cleaned with a cloth and now displays myriad hairlines that give the coin a satiny appearance. On the reverse, more of the original prooflike surface remains, and it appears to have suffered just normal circulation marks. Only 1,468 were struck for general circulation, as the coining department finally had to wake up after a couple of pretty sorry years of $3 gold production. Seldom offered in any grade, in fact this is the lowest population coin in the regular $3 series according to the PCGS Population Report with only 35 graded in all. Perhaps rarer than we know. View details	Realized $2,875
Lot 1270		1878 $3 Gold. MS-62. Lovely mellow gold color, no marks of any size, usual luster for this type, clean rims, normal good strike. View details	Realized $3,910
Lot 1271		1878 $3 Gold. AU-50. A frosty near-mint coin that boasts excellent color and pleasing surfaces. Common as a date, but in demand for the strange denomination. View details	Realized $834
Lot 1272		1878 $3 Gold. AU-50. Cleaned long ago and starting to retone. One minor rim tick on the lower left reverse. View details	Realized $863
Lot 1273		1878 $3 Gold. EF-40. Light handling marks as always from even light circulation. Perfect for the type collector. View details	Realized $667
Lot 1274		1879 $3 Gold. AU-50. Choice for the grade, with splendid color and only a few handling marks visible with a glass from brief circulation. Another rare date with only 3,000 struck for commerce. This would make a lovely acquisition for the specialist date collector. View details	Realized $1,150
Lot 1275		1880 $3 Gold. PCGS graded MS-64. A classic example of this hoard date, only 38 have been graded this high with a scant 10 graded higher. Examination with a glass will note a couple of minor tick marks from handling. Nevertheless, this piece has splendid mint bloom and blazing luster. Fully struck throughout and well worth a top bid for this scarce date that boasts a mintage of only 1,000 coins. View details	Realized $5,635
Lot 1276		1881 $3 Gold. EF-40. With an embarrassing mintage of only 500, how many can be around today? Here is one of them, and its a nice coin for the grade. Moderate surface lines from circulation, and a few trivial contact marks, but nothing distracting. Business strikes were pounded out on June 4, 1881, of which about 20 survive in mint state, while another 50 or so in various circulated grades. Be sure to bid liberally if you expect to capture this rare coin. View details	Realized $3,795
Lot 1277		1882 $3 Gold. Sharpness of VF-20 but cleaned. Careful examination with a glass will note some faint scratches on the obverse most of which were worn away by additional circulation. The surfaces were cleaned and the usual hairlines are now present in the fields. Scarce, with a mere 1,500 issued. View details	Realized $575
Lot 1278		1883 $3 Gold. Sharpness of Extremely Fine. Well struck, but cleaned and retoned to a natural appearing circulated gold color. A few faint scratches are noted on the obverse as well as scattered handling marks. Only 900 business strikes were issued, this being typical of the few found today. View details	Realized $1,323
Lot 1279		1883 $3 Gold. EF-40. Rather heavily hairlined in the fields from a not too gentle cleaning, which has left the surfaces somewhat dull. Only 900 coined for commerce, of which maybe 100 to 150 remain today for all collectors. Sharply struck. View details	Realized $920
Lot 1280		1884 $3 Gold. AU-55 Prooflike. The delicate prooflike fields show minor hairlines from brief circulation, but no deep or annoying marks. Some of the original reflectivity remains, enough so to dazzle the eye without teasing away all the funds in the wallet. Mintages climbed to a staggering 1,000 in 1884, compare this with other denominations. A small hoard of mint state examples turned up years ago, otherwise this date would be all but unobtainable in any grade. View details	Realized $2,530

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