Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 53

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Commemorative Gold Coins

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1436		1922 Grant Gold Dollar, with star. PCGS graded MS-66. Rich golden toning. Only 5,016 minted. A boldly struck gold-surfaced coin whose high-end depth of detail in the portrait complements the equally fresh mint bloom. Where an ineffectual imprint is sometimes left by the rebound of the dies that struck certain Commemorative gold pieces, the opposite is in fact the Grant Dollar here: devices show crystal clarity and all the fine detail in the centers. Bidders be advised, you may face strong competition. A coin that has everything going for it (PCGS # 7459) . Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,800. The Mark Gordon Collection Ex: Benson Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 1437		1922 Grant Gold Dollar, no star. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. Rich golden toning. Only 5,016 minted. Strong metal flow augments the already showy mint luster that covers the surfaces on this handsome Grant Memorial Dollar, giving the coin a brand new, glowing appearance. The mint brilliance is only broken up by an rare overlay of pale orange patina. A sharp impression is nearly always the rule for Grants imprinted by the stamp of the dies that had no star on them; we are happy to say that the present example is a grand illustration of that rule being applied to Gem-quality luster and surface originality. Collectors will be drawn to its beauty automatically! Pop 412. (PCGS # 7458) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,500. The Mark Gordon Collection Ex: Benson Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1438		1904 Lewis and Clark Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Rich golden toning. 10,025 struck. This fully struck near-Gem has glowing gold surfaces and no problems to mention on either side other than a faint hairline or two. Very elusive in such choice condition and with intact mint color. Having covered the mint bloom, we take stock of the coin's detail. Clockwork precision seen in the hair and coat detail of the two portraits. The simple motifs for the Lewis & Clark commemorative dollar was the handiwork of the mint's assistant engraver at the time, Charles E. Barber (PCGS # 7447) . Estimated Value $2,800 - 2,900. The Mark Gordon Collection Ex: Benson Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 1439		1905 Lewis and Clark Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. Lovely rich golden toning on both sides. A wonderful looking coin. Engraved by Charles E. Barber and struck for the exposition held in Portland, Oregon. The Lewis and Clark Dollar honored the Corps of Discovery which explored the Northwest in 1803 to 1806 at the behest of President Jefferson. They were sold for between $2.00 and $2.50 apiece, with the proceeds earmarked for completion of the bronze memorial to Sacagawea, part-time guide and full-time interpreter between the Corps of Discovery and the Indian tribes. Mintage figures show 10,025 dated 1904 and 10,041 dated 1905. Collectors had very little interest in the Lewis and Clark gold dollars as it followed closely on the heels of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Those that were sold mainly went to the public and were not handled with care. Today the 1904 and 1905 Lewis and Clark dollars are several times rarer in Mint State grades than are the other pairs of commemorative gold dollars -- the 1903 Louisiana Purchase, the 1916 and 1917 McKinley, and the 1922 Grant varieties. Gleaming, satiny gold luster with light peach-colored ting and excellent detail. The surfaces are magnificent. Keen-edged devices throughout, including both portraits. Spot-free Gem. Pop 69; 2 finer in 67 (PCGS # 7448) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. The Mark Gordon Collection Ex: Benson Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1440		1903 Louisiana Purchase-Jefferson Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely rich toning. 17,500 minted. Has a few light flakes or surface voids in the luster left of Jefferson (as made). This exceptionally pleasing MS65 example has lovely pinkish apricot patina over each side with not so subtle full frosty luster from top to bottom. Well struck in all areas with pinpoint detailing on the collar and ruffled front of Jefferson's shirt, as well as other areas of the design. Certain rules have to be followed when bidding on this piece. Rule #1: expect lots of competition (PCGS # 7443) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. The Mark Gordon Collection Ex: Benson Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1441		1903 Louisiana Purchase-McKinley Gold Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. Housed in an Old Green Holder. A wonderful Brilliant Proof example with glittering mirror fields and frosted cameo devices; all delicately toned. Truly a lovely Proof example and quite choice for the grade. To commemorate the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, a hundred brilliant Proofs were struck of both the Jefferson and McKinley types. It often happens that when coins are sold to collectors as well as the general public many were mishandled over the years, and today few exist in choice, undamaged condition. There are no obvious surface blemishes on either obverse or reverse. The only ripple in the fabric of the coin, so to speak, are a few light planchet flakes, which from the outside resemble abrasions. A thrilling and very rare Proof commemorative gold dollar.Pop 6; 28 finer (PCGS # 7483) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 8,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1442		1903 Louisiana Purchase-McKinley Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. Lovely rich golden toning. 17,500 struck. A golden bright specimen glowing with original mint bloom. The original Louisiana Purchase authorization called for one coin with Jefferson's portrait on it. But due to the assassination of President William McKinley in the summer of 1901, after the design had been authorized, the Congress decided to add this memorial striking to the martyred President. In time, the Congress would authorize a second memorial issue to McKinley (1916-17). Pop 428; 76 finer; 75 in 67; 1 in 68. (PCGS # 7444) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. The Mark Gordon Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1443		1903 Louisiana Purchase-McKinley Gold Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck and choice. A solid example of this early commemorative gold coin with minimal abrasions or marks. In a new NGC 4 prong holder (PCGS # 7444) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 1444		1916 McKinley Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. A nice example. Only 15,000 minted. Lustrous with dominant pinkish-golden frostiness. Sharp-edged devices and lettering throughout (PCGS # 7454) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. The Mark Gordon Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,696
Lot 1445		1917 McKinley Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. Rich shades of gold toning. Only 5,000 struck. Pinkish gold luster with sharp definition and none of the usual tiny marks. A truly exceptional piece. The sale of the McKinley dollars aided in paying for a memorial building at Niles, Ohio, the martyred president's birthplace. The obverse, showing a profile of McKinley, was designed by Charles E. Barber; the reverse, with the memorial building, was designed by George T. Morgan. Pop 347; 49 finer in 67. (PCGS # 7455) . Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,700. The Mark Gordon Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 1446		1917 McKinley Gold Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. A bright sparkling gem example with one tiny mark on the cheek below the eye keeping it a point or two lower than it might have been. Desirable with this meticulous strike, the MeKinley Memorial issues of 1916 and 1917 are as a rule sharply struck (although there never was much design detail in the fallen President's hair in the first place. A simple yet suitable design paying tribute to the 25th President of the United States. In a new 4 pronged NGC holder (PCGS # 7455) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1447		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely gold toning. Only 15,000 struck. A well struck, immaculately preserved, and lustrous Gem that has lovely mint bloom that seesaws with every angle. Charles Keck designed the gold dollar, the obverse of which has the head of a man, representing a Panama Canal laborer. Two dolphins encircle ONE DOLLAR on the reverse (PCGS # 7449) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. The Mark Gordon Collection Ex: Benson Colleciton. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 1448		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. Delicate pastel toning on both sides. The surfaces on this handsome coin are judged by us to be mellow gold in color, and quite satiny, with the grade acting on behalf of its outstanding Gem quality. Don't expect anything but a sharp impression left by the striking of the dies that made this Panama-Pacific dollar, since we are happy to report the issue is always well made. This is a very bold coin with sharp centers (PCGS # 7449) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1449		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely golden toning. Glistening fields rise and fall with original mint bloom and the subtle changes radiated by the range of colorful hues. Against this are set serious, frosty design elements. A bold Gem (PCGS # 7449) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 1450		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Nice golden toning. Clearly the most visually arresting aspect of this coin is its colorful mint luster, warm and glowing. Full spinning luster on both sides, in fact (PCGS # 7449) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $863
Lot 1451		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63. The golden hue reciprocates between levels of frost and satin-texture. Lustrous and well struck with rocking-fresh surfaces. A lint mark below the ear confines it to this grade (PCGS # 7449) . Estimated Value $600 - 625. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $604
Lot 1452		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar. NGC graded MS-61. Untoned and lustrous. Some light marks in the canal-laborer's cap (PCGS # 7449) . Estimated Value $475 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $489
Lot 1453		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $2.50. PCGS graded MS-66. Nice original toning. Only 6,749 minted. A lustrous Gem whose golden color shoots out beams of frost in every direction, and a downright bold strike. Even the scales on the hippocampus show. The quarter eagle of this issue was the work of Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. The obverse shows Columbia with a caduceus in her hand seated on a hippocampus, signifying the use of the Panama Canal. An American eagle with raised wings is shown on the reverse. Pop 404; 19 finer in 67. (PCGS # 7450) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,400. The Mark Gordon Collection Ex: Benson Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900
Lot 1454		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $2.50. NGC graded MS-64. In an old holder. Lightly toned. The surfaces are rocking fresh with warm golden color, and quite lustrous. The ceremony of striking these was a clever marketing event, and coin-collecting-promoter Farran Zerbe was on hand when many of the 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition gold pieces were minted. This is one of the pieces that survived the vicissitudes of time with little diminishment, as seen in the outstanding features. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,175
Lot 1455		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Round. PCGS graded MS-65. A splendid gem example with lovely original golden toning on both sides. Only 483 struck. The goddess Minerva or Athena wears the crested helmet found on numerous depictions of her in ancient Greek coinage; it is pushed back off her face, to signify peaceful intentions. According to the Breen-Swiatek history of these important $50 coins, "We have not found the exact Greek coin used as prototype of this head, though the crested helmet is of the Athenian type, and there are numerous silver coins of Velia and Corinth showing her in this type of helmet, sometimes wreathed as here, often with other devices on it. Most such types have a long tailpiece to the crest, which is omitted here." On her shield is MCMXV (1915), only the second use of Roman numerals for date in United States coinage history up to that time (the first was the various types of Saint-Gaudens double eagles of 1907). Why Athena or Minerva? She was the goddess of wisdom, skill, agriculture, horticulture, spinning and weaving, crop rotation, among other things, and she taught her followers to grow and use olives, whose oil was long indispensable in cooking and providing light by night. All these were important in early California.Pop 9; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7451) . Estimated Value $110,000 - 125,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1456		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Round. NGC graded MS-65. A gorgeous untoned example. Only 483 pieces struck. The Panama-Pacific International Exposition $50 round is one of the most incredible coins ever envisaged -- and that it was offered for sale made it a milestone event in American numismatics; the coin is replete with symbolism, although the symbolic nature is mostly lost on the current generation of numismatists. Stuck at the brink of America's involvement in the European "Great War," the Greek helmet is lifted back on Minerva's head in a ready but not fully combative pose, similar to the helmeted head seen on the famous Corinthian staters of ancient times featuring Pegasus the flying horse. The owl on the reverse signifies watchfulness. With respect to the coin's overall condition, this is a resolutely gorgeous Gem example! No question about it: one of the few full MS65s we think deserves a lasting impression on anyone who has the good fortunate to view it in person at lot viewing. Many collectors young and old dream of owning such a solid Gem $50 Round of this type. Now is your opportunity. The surfaces are immaculate, which is only to be expected given the Gem MS65 grade. The luster envelops all areas in a smooth, bright, satin-filled embrace. This coin has clearly been carefully handled "with kid gloves" as it were since the day it was sold to some fortunate buyer back in nineteen-and-fifteen. Extremely desirable in such Gem condition. Watch the action mount as bidding progresses! Pop 44; 23 finer, 1 in 65 star, 19 in 66, 3 in 67. The Panama-Pacific International Exposition: In 1915 visitors from all over the world converged on a veritable new city that had been built of lath and plaster on the San Francisco shore front. Building upon the tradition established by the 1876 Centennial Exhibition (Philadelphia), 1892-1893 World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago), the 1900 Paris Exposition, the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, and other such events, the Panama-Pacific International Exposition showcased marvels of technology, art, history, and science. After the event ended, nearly everything was torn down. An exception was the Palace of Fine Arts, which, while never intended to be a permanent structure, survived to be used to store fire engines and other municipal equipment. In recent times it has been restored. This building in 1915 was the numismatic focal point of the Exposition. Under its huge dome was Farran Zerbe's Money of the World exhibit and, after the fair's closing, his concession to sell the remaining Panama-Pacific coins by mail order. America's fairs and expos usually revolve around a theme. For 1915, the fair organizers paid tribute to the discovery of the Pacific Ocean (1513) and the completion of the Panama Canal (1914) as the dual anchor points for their theme. A series of 5 coins was struck for the occasion, including complete sets mounted in metal frames or leather cases sold for $200. Many sales were made to banks and other novices; for this reason, high grade examples, especially of the two $50 gold denominations, are a challenge to find. The larger the denomination, the harder to locate. Some were also carried as souvenir pieces, in fact. When all was said and done, only 483 Round $50 gold pieces were sold. And it can be assumed (though no separate records were kept in this regard) that numerous specimens in the hands of the public were melted after the federal government seized American gold coins in 1933. We estimate there are 200 or so of the round $50 pieces remaining. Estimated Value $100,000 - 110,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1457		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Round. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Lovely natural toning on both sides. Only 483 struck. Lovely soft satiny gold luster on both sides with only a few light hairlines away from a higher grade. Always in demand. Smooth-as-silk natural luster graces the surface on the $50 Pan-Pacs, and is similar in texture to the luster found on the $2.50 gold pieces of this issue as well: satiny, dynamic golden surfaces throughout. What also sparks our interest is the even hue of gold that mingles broadly with rich artistic devices. An attractive specimen that shows off its bold themes proudly. The goddess Minerva or Athena wears the crested helmet found on numerous depictions of her in ancient Greek coinage; it is pushed back off her face, to signify peaceful intentions. According to the Breen-Swiatek history of these important $50 coins, "We have not found the exact Greek coin used as prototype of this head, though the crested helmet is of the Athenian type, and there are numerous silver coins of Velia and Corinth showing her in this type of helmet, sometimes wreathed as here, often with other devices on it. Most such types have a long tailpiece to the crest, which is omitted here." On her shield is MCMXV (1915), only the second use of Roman numerals for date in United States coinage history up to that time (the first was the various types of Saint-Gaudens double eagles of 1907). Why Athena or Minerva? She was the goddess of wisdom, skill, agriculture -- with some adding in horticulture, spinning and weaving, crop rotation, among other things -- and she taught her followers to grow and use olives, whose oil was long indispensable in cooking and providing light by night. All these were important in early California. Pop 119; 89 finer; 80 in 64; 9 in 65. (PCGS # 7451) . Estimated Value $60,000 - 65,000. The Mark Gordon Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $63,250
Lot 1458		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Round. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely golden toning. Only 483 struck. Because of its limited original mintage the 1915-S Panama-Pacific Round $50 is rarely obtainable without a long search. Virtually all survivors are in the various Mint State grades, HOWEVER. This is because collectors emerged from the San Francisco celebrations having spent a great deal of money for even a single $50 specimen (the retail price was double face value, or $100 each) so that even 50 years later on these were still found only in wealthy individuals' collections. A decent number of Choice Uncirculated specimens exist. Almost without exception, however, Mint State coins display enough handling marks or soft luster from cleaning as to preclude the full "choice" designation we give to this particular coin. A full Gem rating by today's standards would be nice, but then it might double the price! With uncommonly lustrous surfaces and an overall bold strike that includes emerging definition in the centers of Minerva's stylized garland on the helmet, the coin in this lot may have entered numismatic channels from a source such as an old estate. It is spot-free. It is just a more fortunate survivor from those days of yore; fortunate in that it survived nearly a century stored with care by its former owners, noteworthy for its lack of abrasions. This Pan-Pacific $50 stands as one of the most outstanding 1915-S specimens available in its grade. There are many avid collectors who specialize in this popular series. Pop 119; 80 in 64; 9 in 65. (PCGS # 7451) . Estimated Value $55,000 - 60,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $63,250
Lot 1459		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. Only 645 pieces minted. A choice example with lovely golden toning. A crisply original coin beaming with a wonderful glow from the fields and devices. Our observation of the luster ends, but pertaining to the devices, this coin was struck with methodical precision throughout. Minerva, a Roman god on the obverse, wears a Corinthian style plumed helmet for this depiction. She is paired with an owl-themed reverse perched on a pine branch surrounded by pine cones. In the eight corners of the octagon the designer, Robert Aitken, set dolphins as counterpoints to the intricately fashioned ring and dot-dot-dash inner borders surrounding the legend PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION SAN FRANCISCO. In our Ohringer Part II September 2008 Auction Lot #1327 a PCGS MS65 example realized $161,000 after spirited bidding. Pop 17; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 7452) . Estimated Value $110,000 - 125,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $126,500
Lot 1460		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Lovely rich golden toning. 645 struck. One of the nicer examples of this massive coin we have offered in this grade, bidders will do well to prepare carefully this time around. A satiny specimen with strong fundamental luster and choice surfaces top to bottom. Nicely struck, too, in fact totally so -- with such strikingly full devices on both side that special mention is merited. Indeed, the Premium Quality of the present coin easily rivals that of a higher-grade specimen. During planning for the Panama-Pacific Exposition's coin striking ceremony, the Philadelphia Mint shipped a 14-ton hydraulic press to the fairgrounds for the specific purpose of minting these large $50 gold pieces. (Research has not been able to ascertain how they managed it: probably the press went disassembled by ship.) On June 15, the first octagonal pieces were struck at a ceremony which attracted VIps from all over. The ceremony had been arranged by Farran Zerbe, then possibly the best known numismatist of his day. Zerbe had the political influence to have himself put in charge of the Exposition's Coin and Medal Department, which was named in the authorizing act as responsible for distributing the commemorative coins. Zerbe set up his own collection (over 20,000 specimens after he included additions) in a trellised display area of the Palace of Liberal Arts on the Exposition grounds labeling it Zerbe's Unique Money of the World. It became one of the more popular displays, and the Panama-Pacific Commemorative coins, each with its own story appended, were probably seen by several million visitors between the Exposition's opening February 20 and its close on December 4, 1915. Pop 118; 18 finer; 17 in 65; 1 in 66. (PCGS # 7452) . Estimated Value $70,000 - 75,000. The Mark Gordon Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $78,200
Lot 1461		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. PCGS graded MS-63. Nice golden toning. Only 645 struck. A highly lustrous specimen, somewhat satiny on both sides due to the treatment of the dies. A few light hairlines and marks at centers, as typical such a large, heavy and soft-metal gold coin. This commemorative often comes heavily cleaned, to which this is a pleasing exception. At the Mint State 63 level certified by PCGS, this is one of the most eye-catching gold pieces in the series, not only because of its size but also for the sheer beauty of the designs. As much as for any gold commemorative, the formation of a set of these requires a great deal of connoisseurship and a considerable outlay by the buyer. In addition to buying coins in labeled holders, this being our opinion, quality varies somewhat. There are some handy rules to follow, some of which can be found through long experience. Fortunately, the Panama-Pacific $50s were all pretty well struck since the press operator was striking coins surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. San Francisco was the center of attention during the months that the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition was open, with hundreds of thousands of visitors and a fair number of interested public visiting the numismatic exhibit at the show. Pop 153; 118 in 64; 17 in 65; 1 in 66. (PCGS # 7452) . Estimated Value $55,000 - 60,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $63,250
Lot 1462		1926 Sesquicentennial Gold $2.50. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. Rich golden frost on both sides. Luxuriant orange-gold color is seen over each side with light accents of yellow-gold shining through. Only the second gold commemorative using this denomination, the obverse has a standing female figure symbolic of Liberty, holding in one hand a scroll representing the Declaration of Independence and in the other the Torch of Freedom. The reverse bears a representation of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The coin was designed by John R. Sinnock.Pop 1665; 115 in MS66. (PCGS # 7466) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. The Mark Gordon Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,185