Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 51

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Half Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 923		1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. NGC graded AU-53. An outstanding well struck example with delicate natural antique toning around the borders. Traces of mint luster are still present! We note some light adjustments marks across Liberty's head. A fabulous example of our first Half Dollar. 9 x 9 berries in wreath. Curl at Second Star, Star 2 attached to lowest curl. Leaf attached to right base of I. Rarity-5. A scarce die marriage, particularly in lesser worn grades, that is attributed by its reverse, which has 9 berries on the left side of the wreath, and 10 berries on the right side. Pop 6; 7 finer. Recently added to the census. While their roles in the economy may have been different, the 1794 silver dollar and half dollar -- and, for that matter, the first half dime -- were identical in design. Congress had specified that the silver coins should carry a design "emblematic of Liberty," and Chief Engraver Robert Scot had implemented this mandate with a right-facing portrait of a youthful female figure whose hair flowed freely behind her-hence the descriptive term "Flowing Hair." It's said the flowing hair was meant to signify freedom. LIBERTY appears above the portrait, with the date below and fifteen stars along the sides, denoting the number of states in the Union at that time. Apparently, most Flowing Hair half dollars went right into commercial use. While occasionally available in worn condition, they are virtually unobtainable in choicer grades. Coins of this type can be challenging to grade, due to irregularities in their quality of strike. It is not unusual for Flowing Hair half dollars to wear quite unevenly. Points to check for wear are the hair above and beside Liberty's forehead and the center of the eagle's breast. Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $49,450
Lot 924		1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. . Overton-101, R-3. NCS graded Extremely Fine Details. Bent, improperly cleaned. Well struck, bold and well centered. Cleaned at one time, now a pleasing and natural looking bluish-grey. Despite the mentioned problems on the holder, this coin is quite attractive and should be personally reviewed. Easily worth our conservative estimate and probably much more. This is the most obtainable variety from this scarce year, and is a real prize as such. It is also a later die state, with a die break from the rim to the wreath between UNITED and STATES. The subvariety O-101(a), to which this piece belongs, is most easily distinguished by an additional die crack (as struck) on the reverse, with this die break extending from the rim through the F in OF, then turning upward at a sharp angle to just miss the outer berry, ending at the last S in STATES. Flowing Hair half dollars of 1794-95 are slightly larger and heavier than their modern counterparts. Their authorized fineness is marginally lower, but their actual fineness is virtually the same-and thereby hangs a tale. Congress had specified an unusual alloy of 1485/1664 silver and 179/1664 copper, for a fineness of .8924+. But Assayer Cox complained that this was unworkable, and he made the bizarre claim that silver coins would blacken in ordinary use unless they were at least .900 fine. He induced Director Rittenhouse to let him use the higher standard, even though Congress hadn't sanctioned it -- meaning the Mint was breaking the law of the land. Estimated Value $12,500 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 925		1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. . R-5. PCGS graded Fine-15. Nice original even grey toning on both sides. Well centered and plenty of detail for the grade with bascially problem free surfaces. We note some minor adjustment marks on Liberty's head which are barley noticable. Our first half dollar and only 23,464 were minted. Here is your chance to own a lovely problem free example of this much sought after date. This easily distinguished variety has the curl at Second Star, and attached to it. Leaf attached to right base of I on the reverse. A scarce die marriage, particularly in higher circulated grades, that is attributed by its reverse, which has 9 berries on the left side of the wreath, and 10 berries on the right side. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,100
Lot 926		1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar. 15 stars. PCGS graded EF-40 Overton-101. A key type coin. Well struck on a smooth problem-free planchet. The surfaces are a uniform lilac-grey with lighter highlights around the protected areas and some more developed russet brown shades on the reverse. We note a minor die crack from the drapery of the bust thru the denticles as typically found. A beautifully balanced example of this elusive year. The coin is well centered and carefully made, only affected by a very few light adjustment marks through one cloud on the reverse. The stars are mostly flat although some show residual evidence of their earlier radial lines. As noted there is a die break that extends from the rim below the bust, through the drapery and connecting a couple of the stars on the right. In sum, the eye appeal is extraordinary. Collectors reading their Red Book for the first time discover that the Small Eagle reverse, Draped Bust half dollar was minted only in 1796 and 1797. In these two years a minuscule mintage reached circulation: only 3,918 pieces were struck of the entire type. We would estimate that there are fewer than 200 specimens of the entire type available for collecting. We would further make the prediction that only 80 examples of the 1796 exist in all grades, with about half being the 15 Stars variety. Any type collector can strive to own a Small Eagle specimen, but for those who make the decision to own a specimen this choice, we would say that everyone will ever look upon this attractive EF40 coin with approval once acquired. Pop 3; 12 finer (PCGS # 6057) . Historic note: The portrait of Liberty is after a drawing by Gilbert Stuart, modeled by Mrs. William Bingham (nee Ann Willing), Philadelphia socialite reputed to be one of the most beautiful women of her day, according to the author of the Breen encyclopedia: "John Eckstein is credited with the eagle; the palm branches were originally a compliment to Mint Director DeSaussure's South Carolina homeland, but by the time these half dollars were made, the device was an anachronism, as DeSaussure had long since resigned." Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $89,125
Lot 927		1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar. 16 stars. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck with gorgeous reflective surfaces throughout. Only 1 finer which is graded MS66 in a Texas collection. The finest example we have ever handled in 50 years. The gorgeous Mint State coin offered in this sale is part of the illustrious, and very rare draped bust, small eagle series of early half dollar. This Type consists of only two dates, 1796 and 1797, each of which is represented by two die varieties. The 1796 issue with 15 obverse stars is Overton 101, that with 16 stars is categorized as Overton 102. The 16 stars coin was said to be made after the admission of Tennessee to the Union on June 1, 1796. Tennessee became the 16th state, hence, 16 stars. Curiously, all 1796 and 1797 half dollars are thought to have been minted in 1797 as part of three deliveries. Mint records show that the first delivery was made on February 28, 1797 (60 coins), the second delivery on March 21 (874 coins), and the final one on May 26 (2,984 coins). Breen (Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins), makes the assumption that the February delivery contained those with 15 stars; while the coins minted in March included some 1796 with 15 stars and others with 16 stars (Later production in May consisted mostly of 1797-dated pieces but may have included the last of the 1796's with 16 stars.) Fewer than 4,000 small eagle half dollars were struck in 1796 and 1797 combined. Of these, no more than 5% exist in collectors' hands or in museum collection, the vast majority of which show extensive wear, often with retooling or plug-filled holes. This piece compares favorably with the very best survivors, and it is not far removed from the finest 1796 half dollar, the MS-66 graded by PCGS that now resides in a well known collection that may never be sold. A shimmering, pewter-gray to steel toned coin radiating mint prooflike glow on gorgeous almost medallic-gem quality silver surfaces. There are some adjustment marks criss-crossing the eagle's breast. Sharp detail on all devices is typical for this issue; however, with present Mint State 64 we see a wonderful crisp strike found on the stars, hair curls, and Liberty's drapery. The eagle, barring the inconstancies of the adjustment lines, shows great depth of detail, as do the supporting branches of the wreath, with laurel represented at the left, and a palm branch on the right. A marvel of preservation! Pop 1; 1 better in 66. Only 2 Mint State examples graded by PCGS (PCGS # 6058) . Estimated Value $350,000 - 400,000. Ex: ANR's 3/2004 Haig Koshkarian Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 928		1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded VF-35. Light to medium grey toning that deepens in areas at the rim, especially on the reverse. Production of half dollars resumed after an approximate four-year hiatus. A totally new type of reverse is now combined with the obverse of 1796-97. Mintage, spread over a single obverse and two reverse die varieties, was 30,289 pieces (PCGS # 6064) . Estimated Value $3,500 - 3,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 929		1807 Draped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded AU-50. Overton-105. Chip from die between S-O on reverse. Uniform grey and light silvery toning on both sides. Evenly struck on a nice clean problem-free planchet. An attractive, lustrous coin for the Type Set buyer (PCGS # 6079) . Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 930		1807 Capped Bust O-112. ANACS graded Details of AU-50. Net EF45. This is the first of a new type half dollar with bust facing left known as the Capped Bust or, in earlier catalogs, the Turban Head variety. Number minted in 1807: 750,500 pieces. Light hairlines including on on Liberty's face and neck. Beginning to tone a light shade of silver-gray. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $656
Lot 931		1808 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Nice blue toning around the edges. The estimated production of 1,368,600 half dollars dated 1808 was accomplished using ten obverse dies and nine reverse dies. This combination, or marriage, of nineteen dies produced ten die varieties. On this scarcer O-102 variety, the obverse has the 08 in the date distinctly closer than 180 and there are sharp crosslines in the bottom of L. A die crack extends from the rim through the left side of the 0 in the date and to the base of the bust, tracing lightly on up into some curls above. As on most seen thus far, a broad die break or chip joins the lower left wing to the tail feathers. A frosted white Gem whose color is mainly silvery except nearing the periphery, one of the rare 1808s in that it has a sharp strike and flashy luster. Circumstances with the bloom off the dies being what it is, sharp-edged devices and lettering throughout add nicely to the coin's merit. Pop 3; 5 finer; 4 in 66; 1 in 68. Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $13,800
Lot 932		1808 Capped Bust Half Dollar. . Overton-104, R-2. NGC graded MS-63. Lovely electric blue around the borders with lilac toning in the centers. A frosty specimen with eruptions of color that will grab your attention, and on both sides the surface is very choice. Nearly fully struck, however just a hint of limitation in the detail at the hair and eagle's feathers near the center. After five minutes of silent and intense study at lot viewing, the collector will likely say to himself "You should consider bidding on this remarkable coin. You really should!" It would be maddening to let this one get away. Pop 12; 23 finer. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. Ex Superior's Auction '87, lot 1749. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,370
Lot 933		1811 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small 8. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Overton-110a. R-1. Well struck and nicely toned. A satiny specimen with faint rose and sky blue surfaces on a base of shimmering old-silver iridescence that explodes atop the smooth and hard-working luster beneath. A couple of light lines in the obverse field. No weakness of strike seen at either the hair curls or on the eagle, which causes this lovely specimen to jump right to the head of the line for 1811-dated pieces. Pop 17; 1 in 65, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 6097) . Die note: There is a die crack from the edge below the olive leaves on the reverse to the top of UNITED to the edge above the first S in STATES in this variety. The 5 is slender and well formed. Center dot between crossbars 4 and 5. AM joined solid at base. Arrowheads slender and well separated. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 934		1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-63 Overton-111, R-1. Old holder. Nice gold and blue toning. This variety is easily differentiated from the others by a die line dropping down from the ribbon end, and by the 7th star away from the head with one point pointing to the bridge of the nose. A choice lustrous example of this desirable early date, the colors overlay frosty surfaces and no abrasions; excellent condition. Pop 16; 19 finer. Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,473
Lot 935		1819/8 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small 9. NGC graded MS-64. Overton-101. R-1. Well struck with gorgeous blue and golden toning. Beautifully toned, yet some silver-white luster strikes through the overlay in many places more than improving the appearance. Almost none of the usual few wispy abrasions for this grade, so nothing that distracts from the overall pleasing eye appeal of this O-101 Overdate. A razor-sharp example. Pop 9; 2 in 65, 3 in 66. Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 936		1820/19 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Curl base 2. Sharpness of Good-5. Cleaned long ago. We also note a small X by the eagle's neck. Estimated Value $70 - 90. View details	Realized $81
Lot 937		1821 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-61 Prooflike Overton-102, R-2. A superior looking example whose display of golden to russet-gray seems to amplify the central devices with their vivid display of frosted contrast on both sides. Much bolder than later dates in the series, with the reverse especially magnificent in showing all the intricate feathers on the eagle's neck, wings and legs, as well as full feet and claws. Identifiable by a small mark in the field before the face. Pop 1; 2 in 63PL; 2 in 64P. Die characteristics: ME joined at top and there are small lumps in the field below I in UNITED. This is the same reverse used in 1820, O-106. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex: David Queller Auction. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 938		1822 Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-62 PQ. Extremely well struck.with the stars complete including their center points. Beautifully toned, also, as clearly shown in the photographs, the color features a natural blending of electric blue and violet hues. Purely and simply, one heck of a gorgeous specimen thus our Premium Quality designation (PCGS # 6129) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. Ex Meyer Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,697
Lot 939		1823 Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64 Overton-103, R-2. First generation holder. Nice original toning. An exciting coin. A high degree of cartwheel luster spins gracefully on the satiny, naturally toned surfaces of this otherwise bright and elusive early Capped Bust half dollar. The reverse is the side with more developed patina. Meanwhile, the strike is crisp in most central areas, though some light weakness occurs at the obverse stars. Pop 35; 6 finer; 5 in 65; 1 in 66. (PCGS # 6131) . Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 940		1825 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-65 O-115. The surfaces have a lovely "antique gray" metallic quality to them from the overlay of natural toning on top of smooth, mark-free luster. The fields are satiny smooth. Devices the same, and gorgeous, suggestive of an even higher Condition Census grade! No need to worry about an unsuccessful strike left by the rebound of the dies that coined this, either, since even a cursory examination of the coin reveals nice clarity of detail, including the centers and most stars. On this Rarity-3 variety, the date is evenly spaced and of medium width, with the 5 tipped sharply to the left and sharp points on the curl and serif at 2. The 1 shows recutting by the small sharp bar just to the right of the base, but not connected. Pop 2: None finer at NGC. Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. Ex: Eliasberg Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 941		1827 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base 2. . Overton-106, R-2. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Lovely neon blue toning. Although uniformly frosted, the fields are slightly flashier than the devices on both sides due to the "cartwheel" effect rendered to them by the way the metal flowed against the dies. Wonderful toning as described is noted throughout, with the overall appearance one of immense beauty. Pop 82; 18 finer (PCGS # 6144) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. Ex Superior's Auction '87, lot 1751. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,600
Lot 942		1828 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. Beautiful blue toning with reflective surfaces. Likely a early strike from carefully made dies, just estimating from the details and sleek reflective quality. The surfaces are much nicer than average, hence the '64 grade given to it by the grading service. Overton-115 is a common variety in which star 13 nearly touches the curl. On the reverse, there is a spike at the outer edge of the left wing. Also, several fine die cracks encircle the reverse contiguous to the legend, etc. Pop 2; 4 finer; 2 in 65; 2 in 66. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,875
Lot 943		1828 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Square base 2, small 8's, large letters. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. Lightly toned with nice semi-reflective obverse fields. A frosty example whose detail is comparable, and in many ways superior, to better grade examples of this variety. Very attractive and worth a premium. Pop 45; 60 finer (PCGS # 6151) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. Ex: Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $719
Lot 944		1829/7 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. Star. Lovely blue and golden toning. A lovely near-Gem that has radiant blazing white color underlying the color, sleek and free from bothersome marks. Liberty's profile is especially smooth, a thrilling exception to most that are offered. Lustrous surfaces and sharply struck devices with top-quality fields -- this is the dream of any bust half dollar buyer. For its own part, there are keen-edged devices throughout, including a clear 9 over 7 overdate which distinguishes this variety. Pop 1; 5 finer in 65. Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 945		1829/7 Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Very well struck including all the letters in the motto. The lustrous surfaces are overlaid with light mottled toning on both sides. Pop 9; 5 finer with 3 in 65, 2 in 66 (PCGS # 6155) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 946		1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-64 Overton-102, R-3. Nicely toned in even shades of "antique silver" gray. Struck with exactitude rarely found on a bust half dollar of this vintage, all of the hair curls clearly defined, as are the star points and radials. Furthermore, it is also nice to see strong letters in E PLURIBUS UNUM above the eagle. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 947		1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-62 Overton-113, R-3. Nice golden toning on lustrous surfaces; minor weakness at PL(U) on the reverse as this point lies opposite the curve of Liberty's breast and is a usual weak spot. O-113 is noteworthy for its reverse die cracksin including one that spans the top of UNITED and another joining the top of S OF and AM. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 948		1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded EF-45. Toned. Estimated Value $125 - 150. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $219
Lot 949		1830 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small 0. . Overton-115, R-2. PCGS graded MS-67. Old green holder. Well struck with lovely shades of gold, green and blue toning on both sides. Totally original and spectacular! Probably the finest known 1830 Capped Bust half dollar and if not, clearly the finest known for Overton-115. Pop 1; the finest graded at PCGS. (PCGS # 6156) . Total minted in 1830, 4,764,800, with 23 die varieties registered. Overton-115 is noted for having die defect lines below and around the end of Liberty's bust (diagnostic of Obverse 8). On the reverse 50C is well struck and just slightly high. The 5 has an open loop and a short straight V shaped top. Left sides of T-I in line. Stripes and crossbars are sharply struck and the latter slant upward to the right. Since the Condition Census (64,63,63,60,60) doesn't include this specimen, it clearly stands in front of the rest. Estimated Value $30,000 - 40,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $37,950
Lot 950		1831 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-66 Overton-103, R-1. Lovely rainbow toning. A highly lustrous Gem that has exquisite color obtained over more than a century of cautious storage by its former owners. And what's more, confirming the smooth luster, we report excellent sharpness on all devices. A "must" for any advanced bust half dollar buyer. Pop 14; none finer at NGC. Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 951		1831 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-61. Delicately toned. An attractive Mint State. This coin has excellent eye appeal. Half Dollars of the first 45 years of the 19th century were the workhorses in terms of circulation internally within America's borders as well as for use in payment for imports. For this reason, most circulated heavily; very few were saved in Mint condition. Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $863
Lot 952		*1832 Capped Bust Half Dollar NGC MS65. NGC graded MS-65 Star; Overton-112, R-2. Lovely rainbow toning on both sides. Virtually bursting with frosty luster in the fields and topping the devices. Fully struck in many areas with adequate detailing in the centers, the letters on the reverse somewhat stretched towards the rim as though from an overworked die. What is most noticeable when one first examines this coin is its beautiful color -- it swirls around each side unimpeded by obvious spotting and untouched by even a hint of mishandling. A Gem bust half dollar of singular beauty and importance to the collector. Pop 1; 8 finer; 5 in 66; 2 in 67; 1 in 67 Star.** Estimated Value $9,000 - 9,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 953		1834 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Small date and letters. . Overton-116, R-1. PCGS graded MS-63. Delicate antique toning rests within the protected areas. This is a choice, presentable Mint State example of the later style when the Mint was experimenting with different size date, star, and letter punches. Pop 39; 68 finer (PCGS # 6166) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 954		1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Well struck with full hair detail. Frosty mint surfaces throughout and touches of light natural toning spread around. An excellent gem example of the Reeded Edge type. This is indeed a beautiful gem example, with outstanding natural toning associated with flaw-free luster. Small splashes of russet are present on the obverse and reverse, indicating that this lovely Gem 65 is in exactly the same state as when it was released, barring the 172 years of natural patination. Every detail of the design elements is fully and sharply defined providing an almost medallic appearance especially on the eagle whose neck and claws are unbeatable, and whose shield shows every horizontal line and vertical stripe. An extensive die break is noted on the devices from NIT of UNITED descending through the tip of the wing and leaves to the N of CENTS. This lovely example, because the luster is so pure and pristine, is likely to experience a large show of hands when bidding begins, so prepare accordingly. Pop 37; 12 better with 9 in 66, 3 in 67. The 1837 is one of only two issues of Christian Gobrecht's Reeded Edge, 50 CENTS Reverse half dollar. The scarcity of the low mintage 1836, which is technically a pattern, nudges most Type collectors in the direction of the 1837. Estimated Value $16,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 955		1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar. EF-45. Some original soft satiny luster on both sides. The coinage of 1836-39 with the modified Capped Bust of Liberty represents the first use of the Mint's new steam-operating stamping presses. Uniformity was achieved by the use of a "close" (as opposed to "open") die collar when striking the coins. The collar is what imparted the reeding on the edge. Estimated Value $160 - 170. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $264
Lot 956		1839-O Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65 Robison. Needle sharp. Georgeous irridescent hues of violet and blue. Exceedingly rare branch mint Proof. Not listed by PCGS. Rarity-7. One of five or fewer known. A fantastic example of this extraordinarily rare branch mint Proof. The surfaces are, expanding on the above, richly toned in shades of iridescent blue and dark champagne color with traces of delicate green and purple-laden russet all blended together. There is not a thing to report that would tend to limit the technical grade, and, as the photographs clearly show, the coin's overall appeal its tops in its class. For identification, there is a minute nick below Liberty's chin at the upper throat. The coin is encased in NGC holder with certification number 1720540-001. (See the Population statistics below.) The piece is struck with the one die pairing found on the other Proofs as well as most of the circulation 1839-O mint half dollars. In this early Proof state the obverse shows no indications of a later die crack that developed through the stars. The Mintmark is bold, as well as being double-punched along the lower curve. Although apparently both dies cracked very early in the production run of the Branch Mint Proofs, with the 1838-O coins being struck from this same reverse die (prior to the striking of the 1839-O Proofs), this example shows no signs of die deterioration. It may have been one of the first 1839-O Proofs minted. The Breen Encyclopedia (1988) lists "5 known Proofs." Stack's which offered a "Choice Brilliant Proof" 1839-O in its October 2006 sale, kindly provides the following up-to-date provenance listing of the 4 known specimens as derived from Breen's earlier Proof Encyclopedia (1977): 1) Ex Stack's Sale, September 1992, lot 358; Krouner Collection (Lester Merkin, February 1971, lot 736); Stack's Sale, October 2006. 2) Proof, deeply toned. Planchet defect over eagle's head. F.C.C. Boyd ''World's Greatest Collection'' (Numismatic Gallery, May 1945, lot 411; Allenburger Collection (B. Max Mehl, March 1948); R. E. Cox Collection (Stack's, April 1962, lot 1875). 3) Reported by Breen in Philip G. Straus Collection (1951). Not later sold in New Netherlands #53, June 1959 or Stack's, May 1959. Not seen. Medal turn die alignment. 4) This Specimen. Private collection, possibly #1 or #3 above or another specimen--Robison Collection (Stack's, February 1982, lot 1607). Pop 1; none finer. Only 4 proofs graded by NGC. Estimated Value $250,000 - 300,000. Ex Stack's 2/1982 Robison Collection, Lot 1607. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 957		1842-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Medium date (reverse of 1842). PCGS graded MS-64 Eliasberg. Well struck and delicately toned. Radiant luster dominates the both sides, while there is a light overlay of natural russet to silvery patina. A lustrous and well struck specimen from this famous estate with pleasing preservation. 1842 is a transitional year for the Seated Liberty Half, since both Small Letters (Reverse of 1839 to 1842) and Large Letters (Reverse of 1842 to 1852) varieties are known. Small Date and Medium Date variants also exist. For the 1842-O, the Medium Date is always paired with the Large Letters reverse. The strikes exceeds all our hopes for an O-mint issue and what surface marks there are seem virtually undetectable without the aid of a magnifying glass. Pop 4; none better (PCGS # 6242) . Estimated Value $26,000 - 30,000. Ex Eliasberg Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 958		1854-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. NGC graded MS-66. Old holder. Well struck with wonderful original toning on both sides. Strong metal flow augments the already showy mint luster that covers the surfaces, giving the coin a fresh, uncleaned, and superb glowing appearance. The mint brilliance is only tempered a little by the overlay of "old silver" patina. Nicely struck with just outstanding detail at the stars, Liberty's hair and gown, and on both shields, to mention just a few areas. Indeed, the entire coin can be said to be razor-sharp. Certainly should be in a MS-67 holder. Pop 9; 1 in 67; 2 in 68. The importance of New Orleans as a commercial center was reinforced when the United States Federal Government established a branch of the United States Mint there in 1838, along with two other Southern branch mints at Charlotte, North Carolina and Dahlonega, Georgia. Such action was deemed necessary largely because in 1836 President Andrew Jackson had issued an executive order called a specie circular which demanded that all land transactions in the United States be conducted in cash, thus increasing the need for minted money. In contrast to the other two Southern branch mints, which only minted gold coinage, the New Orleans Mint produced both gold and silver coinage, which perhaps marked it as the most important branch mint in the country. The mint produced coins from 1838 until 1861, when Confederate forces occupied the building and used it briefly as their own coinage facility until it was recaptured by Union forces the following year. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,650
Lot 959		1855-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-64. Lovely gold and blue toning on both sides. Well struck and very frosty. Hard to imagine a more sharply original MS64 of this two-year issue, the underlying luster is radiant. At the moment when luster is a key ingredient of the grade, it goes without saying the devices should also be struck carefully by the dies. And here, the detail is attractive throughout. Pop 59; 21 finer. (PCGS # 6283) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,760
Lot 960		1857-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Well struck with original silvery-grey toning on both sides. A Premium Quality coin for the grade. The 1857-O seated Liberty half dollar is a classic condition rarity. Its mintage of 818,000 pieces ranks it a bit below its New Orleans Mint contemporaries, but hardly low enough to hint at anything out of the ordinary. What's more, its relative availability in circulated condition continues right through the Extremely Fine grade level. High attrition rates in circulation in the bustling Antebellum South around the Mississippi River trade, no doubt saw to it that few examples have survived in About Uncirculated and Uncirculated grades. Pop 5; none better A truly marvelous example (PCGS # 6291) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 961		1858 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. Old green holder. Lovely original toning on both sides. One of the finest examples of this date in mint state we have ever seen. Another run-a-way coin. Any collector would gladly add this handsome coin to a U.S. 19th century Type collection or a specialized set of seated Liberty halves by date and mint of issue. A stellar example of this No Motto date and likely tied for the very finest known, per the following census: Pop 5; None finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 6293) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,075
Lot 962		1862 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 64 Cameo. Nice blue and lilac toning around the edges while mostly white in the centers. Judged from an aesthetic standpoint, the coin is also possessed of a much finer strike than is typically found for a Civil War-era seated Liberty half. All of the fine detail, including the stripes and horizontal lines on both shield, display razor-sharpness. Only 550 Proofs struck. Pop 8; 9 finer. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,220
Lot 963		1876-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-61. Mostly untoned with frosty white luster. Desirable Centennial Year issue. In a 1st generation PCGS holder. Pop 11; 109 finer. Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $489
Lot 964		1888 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Nice blue and gold toning. Frosted glass luster underneath and impressive, nearly superb fields an -- ideal situation for the earnest collector. It shouldn't be overlooked either that this scarce, low mintage 1888 half dollar was struck with mathematical precision by the dies. Only 12,001 struck. Pop 19; 9 finer; 8 in 67; 1 in 67 Star. Estimated Value $4,200 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,945
Lot 965		1890 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Lovely rainbow toning on both sides. Only 590 Proofs struck of this elusive later date in the seated Liberty half dollar series. Pop 59; 37 finer. (PCGS # 6451) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,840
Lot 966		1893 Barber Half Dollar. MS-66. A well struck frosty mint gem with light pale violet toning. Completely original with spectacular mint sparkle over pulsating surfaces. Quality like this, and toning like this, paired in such a way it delights the connoisseur in all of us. Pop 11; none finer (PCGS # 6465) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 967		1894-S Barber Half Dollar. MS-60 Plus. Well struck and untoned. Some minor hairlines are noted. A sharply struck example featuring needle-point stars and outstanding head detail on Liberty. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $483
Lot 968		1897-O Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64 CAC Approved. Mostly white with a hint of light gold tone. A beautiful silver-fresh coin with no objectionable marks or blemishes on Liberty's cheek or in the fields. As soon as one sees the frosted luster, it comes as no surprise everything is razor-sharp on all devices. Later New Orleans issues wouldn't be so carefully made (compare to dates such as 1906-1908, which are almost always mushy). Impressive as this coin is, we expect to see also an impressive show of bids when it crosses the block. Pop 17; 20 finer; 14 in 65; 3 in 66; 2 in 67; 1 in 68. (PCGS # 6478) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900
Lot 969		1903 Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 64. Nice light gold toning on both sides, choice and gleaming. 755 Proofs minted. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,013
Lot 970		1892-1915-S. Complete Set of Barber Half Dollars. Coins will grade AG-3 to VG-8. The 1896-0 is bent with marks, and the 1895-S has some marks. A very pleasing set housed in a deluxe Dansco album. Lot of 74 coins. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. View details	Realized $1,409
Lot 971		A lot of circulated Barber Half Dollars. Includes some slightly better dates and a good mixture of different coins. Coins grade Fair to Good. Lot of 89 coins. Estimated Value $525 - 550. View details	Realized $408
Lot 972		1916-D Liberty Walking Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-63. Well struck and mostly untoned, the swirling luster covers all areas of this first-year issue. In 1916, and for part of 1917, the mintmark appears on the obverse (below the motto). Later, this was move to a less conspicuous location on the reverse. Curiously, the 1916-30 quarter dollars, which also had the mintmark on the obverse, never went through the same change. Estimated Value $325 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $437

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