Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 54

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$2.50 Capped Bust

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 3326		1796 $2.50 Capped Bust. No stars. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. The more "plentiful" of the two die varities for the type, if such a word is appropriate for this prestigious numismatic gold coin. Well struck on a mostly problem-free planchet. We note a few very minor hairline adjustment marks in the unprotected right obverse field and these are well concealed by the lovely rich natural golden toning. The reverse is brilliant and semi prooflike. A Premium Quality coin for the given grade. It is believed -- based upon estimates by Walter Breen -- that only 963 examples were struck of the first quarter eagle. Interestingly, these were of a one-off design, a motif that would be discontinued after these 963 coins left the press. Within this small population there are two die varieties -- two different reverse dies differing from each other only by minute details. Believed to have been designed by Robert Scot, the 1796 quarter eagle features the capped head ("bust") of Liberty facing right. The field is plain, framed only by a low raised rim, with the date 1796 below the bust. The reverse is of the Large or Heraldic Eagle design similar to the one used on all gold and silver denominations of the period. It was adapted from the Great Seal of the United States. The main motif depicts an eagle with a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows in its claws, and in its beak a ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM. An array of stars lies above, with clouds forming an arc from one wing to the other. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark indicating the denomination. Of the 963 pieces believed to have been minted, it has been estimated by David Akers, a student of the subject, that perhaps as many as 30 to 40 survive today, although other estimates put the number lower, into the range of 15 to 20 pieces. Others have suggested the 100 mark. Irrespective of which estimate one chooses, the 1796 quarter eagle is famous as an elusive and sought-after early Capped Bust American gold coin. Pop 14; 7 finer, 3 in 61, 3 in 62, 1 in 65. (PCGS # 7645) . Estimated Value $110,000 - 120,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3327		1796 $2.50 Capped Bust. Stars. PCGS graded AU-55 BD-2, Breen-6114. Lightly toned with some luster visable. A worldly dose of pleasing golden color enlivens the broad expanse of open fields and raised devices on this Stars on Obverse quarter eagle struck the first year of issue. The fields are essentially well cared for so desirable a grade as AU55, with the strike bold enough to warrant special mention. Careful scrutiny with a magnifying glass reveals the following minor points: minor wear on the forehead and front of cap where the two merge together (more than likely due to strike); a little patch of crosshatch adjustment lines in the shield on reverse. The fields are remarkable for their smooth freedom from marks. We not a tiny lint mark touching the cloud below (O)F. That is all. The coin is gorgeous! It is believed -- based upon estimates published by Walter Breen -- that only 432 examples were struck of the second or "Stars Obverse" quarter eagle. Interestingly, these were of a design motif that would be discontinued after only a few short years, 12 to be exact. Within these 432 there is a single die variety. Designed by Robert Scot, the 1796 quarter eagle features the capped head ("bust") of Liberty looking right. The field has 16 stars arranged 8 + 8. The reverse carries the familiar Heraldic Eagle design similar to that used on gold and silver denominations of the late-1700s to early 1800s era. Adapted from the Great Seal of the United States, the center motif depicts an eagle with a shield ("escutcheon") on its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons, and in its beak a ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM. A "crest" of stars is above, with a row of clouds in an arc extending from one wing to the other. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark indicating the denomination. Of the 432 pieces believed to have been minted, it has been estimated by students of the subject, that perhaps as few as 40 or 50 survive in all grades. Pop 5; 4 in 58; 1 in 61; 1 in 62; 1 in 63. (PCGS # 7647) . Estimated Value $100,000 - 110,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3328		1808 $2.50 Capped Bust. . BD-1, Breen-6125. NGC graded AU-58. Popular first year type coin. 2,710 struck. According to numismatic researcher William T. Gibbs, "On the obverse, Liberty faces left, wearing a soft headgear that resembles a nightcap, inscribed LIBERTY on the headband. Her bust is lightly draped (the cap and drapery give the coin one of its names). Seven six-pointed stars appear in front of Liberty's face, with six stars behind her head. The star at the lower right, the 13th (counting clockwise from the lower left), is notched on the point that points to the dentils. The stars in the same position on other designs and denominations of that era are also notched in the same way, even when from different punches. Researchers believe [mint engraver John] Reich "signed" his dies in that unusual way. The reverse introduced on the half eagle in 1807 and on the quarter eagle in 1808 features an eagle with wings outspread, head turned to look over its right shoulder. It grasps an olive branch (representing peace) in its right talons and a bundle of three arrows in its left talons (representing war). The eagle's gaze in the direction of the olive branch implies heraldically a preference for peace rather than for war. A shield rests upon the eagle's breast. The denomination appears below (the first denominations to appear on U.S. gold coins; the earlier gold coins bear no denominational markings). On the quarter eagle, it appears as 2 1/2 D. Similarities and differences. Reich recreated the $5 designs for the smaller denomination in 1808. A comparison of an 1808 Capped Bust Left quarter eagle to any of the Capped Bust Left half eagles reveals minor design differences between the two. A lovely About Uncirculated 58 specimen, and worthwhile acquisition by any standard, the luster is somewhat timid around the main devices, but clearly present, while pale golden color blossoms on both sides. The strike, like the luster, is more than adequate for what is often a poorly struck issue, indeed, as bold as even some higher grade specimens of the date sold in recent years. Pop 13; 16 finer. Estimated Value $75,000 - 80,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $89,125
Lot 3329		1808 $2.50 Capped Bust. NGC graded AU-55. Well struck on a far better than average planchet with the only defect a minor imperfection at stars 8 thru 10. Untoned with plenty of mint luster to justify this lofty grade. Only 2710 struck and always in great demand as a one year type. The reason for the short duration of the rare and coveted "Capped Draped Bust" quarter eagle is this: Shortly after the Philadelphia Mint began striking the coin, it ceased quarter eagle production entirely due to lack of demand from bullion depositors. When production of quarter eagles resumed 12 years later in 1821, new designs had been introduced for half eagles of 1813 through 1820, which designs the quarter eagle copied. (Sharing designs among different denominations of the same metallic content had a long tradition at the United States Mint.) The engraver responsible for the 1808 Capped Draped Bust Left design (as it is called) was John Reich, a German who sold himself into indentured service in order to travel to the United States. Reich became an assistant engraver at the Mint in 1807 and assisted the aging Robert Scot with design and die preparation. It was Reich who was mainly responsible for the designs used on the 1808 quarter eagle (first for the half eagle, on which they were introduced in 1807). On the obverse, Liberty faces left, wearing a soft cap similar to the fashionable headgear worn by women of the day. It is inscribed LIBERTY on the headband. Her bust is lightly draped (the cap and drapery give the coin one of its names). The reverse first used on the half eagle in 1807 as well, and on the quarter eagle in 1808, has an eagle with its wings outstretched, head over its shoulder. It grasps an olive branch (representing peace) in the right claw and three arrows in the left (for war). The eagle's head direction towards the olive branch implies a preference for peace in heraldry. A shield overlays the eagle's breast. The denomination appears below. This is the first instance of a denomination on a U.S. gold coin. Reich made this single obverse and reverse die pair for the quarter eagle. Once he finished the dies production occurred early in the year; the 2,710 coins were all delivered February 26, 1808. No more were produced. Pop 5; 29 finer (PCGS # 7660) . Estimated Value $70,000 - 75,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3330		1836 $2.50 Classic Head. Block 8. PCGS graded AU-55. A nice untoned example. Normally found much more worn than this, a coin with abundant luster remaining in the field and around all devices. Pop 17 (PCGS # 97694) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 3331		1843-C $2.50 Liberty. Small date, crosslet 4. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck and quite lustrous. Struck from slightly buckled dies and untoned. This is the rarest C" mint coin in the series with a mintage of only 2,988. A splendid specimen of one of the more elusive and also most distinctive quarter eagles in the Liberty series. There is a noticeable die bulge at the point of the bust of Miss Liberty, as struck, as always seen, and no doubt this bulge was responsible for the early demise and replacement of this die, seemingly after only so few were struck. Rare this issue is, so rare that the Harry Bass sale offered an AU58 example. On this variety, the date in small numerals, all in the same size font. The logotype was punched into the die quite high, about three times closer to the neck truncation than to the dentils. The aforementioned bulge is very distinct, and likely was caused during die preparation. Walter Breen writes that the 1843-C Small Date, Crosslet 4 quarter eagles were delivered on April 28, 1843, struck from a pair of dies shipped from Philadelphia on December 23, 1842. The small date numerals are similar to those used 1840-1842. Pop 3; 2 better in 62 (PCGS # 7729) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $19,550
Lot 3332		1852-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Well struck and untoned. Nice for the grade. A marvelous and highly important specimen of this major rarity, and an eye-appealing coin. Not only is this piece important for its grade, but in contrast it seems to stand well ahead other 1852-D quarter eagles with reference to overall quality. Douglas Winter notes: "Most examples have very heavily abraded surfaces…there are usually conspicuous marks in the field." Again, here is something for the connoisseur and high-quality buyer. On the 1852-D, the date is set very high and about three times closer to the neck truncation than to the dentils. Higher grade specimens show a raised die line from border through star 3 as noted here. On the reverse the D mintmark is high. About half of the interior is covered by a diagonal arrow feather. Only 4,078 pieces minted. Pop 14; 20 finer (PCGS # 7765) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,175
Lot 3333		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-50. Very well struck and lightly toned. Some luster remains around the devices and within the letters of the legends. Only 7,295 struck, which puts it into the scarce category; odd, then that the census is higher than one might expect. This is possibly due to duplicate submittals. Pop 7; 69 finer (PCGS # 7770) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3334		1870-S $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Nice golden toning. Only 16,000 minted. Frosty golden surfaces display much residual luster with natural patina. Sharp and appealing for this scarce, low-mintage San Francisco Mint issue. Pop 24; 12 finer. (PCGS # 7812) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3335		1887 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Mostly untoned with copious luster over both sides, enough to fullfil any collector's dearest wish for a coin in this grade. Complex emotions come into play when evaluating the scarce quarter eagles of the 1880s: Low mintage date as only 6,160 were struck (PCGS # 7839) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. Ex Mayflower Auction, circa early 1960's, Lot 1192 The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 3336		1902 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. A very choice example with hints of natural golden toning. Small mark at Liberty's lip (PCGS # 7854) . Estimated Value $500 - 525. Ex Mayflower Auction, Dec. 1968, Lot 1084 The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 3337		1904 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-68. A spectacular superb gem! Well struck and sparkling with mint luster. The devices were struck with such determined force by the dies, in fact, that all design elements show boldly. This beauty features delicate golden centers highlighted by natural olive overtones and is in the top NGC grade for its year: Pop 4, none finer (PCGS # 7856) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3338		1905 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Intensely lustrous with delicate hints of golden toning. A few copper spots (PCGS # 7857) . Estimated Value $425 - 450. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $633
Lot 3339		1905 Liberty $2.5. Sharpness of MS-60. Several large edge nicks. Estimated Value $100 - 110. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $265
Lot 3340		1907 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Delicate golden-orange mint luster, choice and glistening (PCGS # 7859) . Estimated Value $500 - 525. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 3341		1908 $2.50 Indian. PCGS graded MS-63. Delicate golden toning makes this an attractive Indian quarter eagle (PCGS # 7939) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 3342		1912 $2.50 Indian. PCGS graded AU-58. Frosty (PCGS # 7944) . Estimated Value $210 - 220. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $483
Lot 3343		1915 $2.50 Indian. PCGS graded MS-61. A grease stain at 2:00 obverse. Nice Golden toning (PCGS # 7948) . Estimated Value $300 - 320. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $368
Lot 3344		1925-D $2.50 Indian. PCGS graded MS-62. Pleasing golden toning and one of only three years in this series in which Denver struck Indian quarter eagles (PCGS # 7949) . Estimated Value $400 - 425. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $460
Lot 3345		A trio of $2.50 Indians. Consists of: 1908, 1911 and 1913. Coins range from EF to AU. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $525 - 550. View details	Realized $661