Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 54

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$5 Capped Bust/Small Eagle

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 3351		1795 $5 Capped Bust. Small eagle. PCGS graded MS-62. Well struck on a problem-free planchet and shimmering with frosty mint luster. Delicately toned and a very impressive Small Eagle $5.00. Only 8,707 struck for our first half eagle. One of the most important early type coins for the advanced gold-collecting numismatist to acquire. The fields are not prooflike like some others of this issue but frosty, while the devices are also well frosted. The Philadelphia Mint took extra care to produce really beautiful gold coins for their first year of issue, and this one was nice enough to be saved for over 210 years! Very well struck by the dies, with no adjustment marks whatsoever, the only weakness we can find in the design is atop the eagle's breast (a usual high point that often fails to show all of the fine feathers). We do note minor hairlines from handling but the coin remains very eye appealing. PCGS has graded only a couple of dozen this high of the date. A solid coin for the grade, and worthy of a strong bid. Pop 30; 20 finer, 12 in 63, 6 in 64, 2 in 65 (PCGS # 8066) . The BD-10 variety is a fairly available coin featuring the 1795 Small Eagle pairing, since this is the only use of this reverse, it must have incurred some damage, currently not reported by the Dannreuther reference, "so one can envision a coin with further cracking." The only known obverse state with this combination has the obverse heavily lapped with most of the stars attenuated and the lowest curls next to star 1 quite thin. The L of LIBERTY appears to be slightly farther from the cap than on BD-9 (which shares the same obverse), and again the lapping thins letters, stars, hair, and other details. Estimated Value $65,000 - 70,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3352		1803/2 $5 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-65. Condition Census. A gorgeous well struck gem that glistens with semi-reflective surfaces throughout. We note some faint adjustment marks on the bonnet as made. Nonetheless, easily one of the finest known. An impressive coin that will undoubtedly be well contested. High on the list of collector favorites are the overdate Half Eagles struck in 1802 and 1803. A curiosity is that neither year seems to be available without overdate. There were apparently no perfect-dated dies made or used. Die notes: Star near and points to upper beak tip, and is free of ribbon. On the obverse, 3 just free of Liberty's bust, missing right foot of T of LIBERTY. Early die state b (lightly clashed) but no cracks having yet developed. "The terminal state for this reverse should indicate a short production run for this variety," explains Dannreuther, "but this variety is fairly available, over 150 examples still exist. Only 33,506 pieces struck. Pop 2; 2 finer, 1 in 65 star, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 8084) . Estimated Value $65,000 - 70,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $80,500
Lot 3353		1803/2 $5 Capped Bust. Sharpness of Extremely Fine. Cleaned and used as jewelry. This is one of the early Capped Bust/Heraldic Eagle fives that might have been found in circulation during the formative years of America's expansion. For the most part, half eagles were used in inter-bank transactions and for paying exporters who sold goods to the East Coast merchants. Many found their way to Europe and Britain where they were later melted. The 1803 overdate is especially interesting in having a bold 3-over-2 overdate visible with the unaided eye. Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3354		1806 $5 Capped Bust. Round 6. . BD-6, Breen-6448. NGC graded MS-65. Well struck and untoned with intense frosty mint luster throughout. We note some light mint-made adjustment marks running vertically thru the center of the obverse that does not detract from the beauty of this wonderful gem quality half eagle. A total of 54,417 were minted for all varieties. Virtually blinding-golden fields stream light out in every direction of this beautiful specimen. The strike is crisp in most peripheral areas, though some lack of detail may be found at the hair curls in the center as well as at the left and right sides of the shield on reverse, typical of the coins of 1806 including those from other denominations as well. A small tic mark at Liberty's chin. The Round 6 (a.k.a. Knobbed 6 in many reference books) is a one-off variety, the only use of this obverse. In the date, all four numerals are small and squat, with 8 and 0 leaning left. Small letters in LIBERTY. There is a die crack through N of UNITED to the arrowheads. Dannreuther (and others) consider the Round 6 coinage "by far the most commonly seen 1806 variety and also the most seen variety among all the Draped Bust Large Eagle coins." Possibly as many as 35,000 to 50,000 of the entire 64,093 pieces minted that year are comprised of this variety, with perhaps 600 to 900 known today in various (usually much lower) grades. "As with the 1806 half dollars, the Pointed 6 half eagle varieties had the obverse die in the hammer and the reverse die in the anvil position. For the Knobbed 6 half dollar issues and this half eagle variety this die alignment was reverse, resulting in better struck obverses." [Dannreuther, p. 299.] Pop 1; none finer (PCGS # 8089) . Estimated Value $65,000 - 70,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $80,500
Lot 3355		1807 $5 Capped Bust. Bust left. . BD-7, Breen-6453, feather tip over Center of Flag of 5. NGC graded MS-62. Very well struck with Liberty's hair fully defined. Rich golden toning adds to its appeal, as does the abundant frosty luster. A popular first-of-design issue, this is a very scarce die variety, although it has received little attention since this year is considered to be a realtively available one in the early gold coins. According to Dannreuther-Bass (who have produced the most authoratative reference on early gold die varieties), "There are hundreds of 1807 half eagles of this design, but this variety may not have 40 examples remaining." This obverse paired with a second reverse creates the other variety (BD-8). The failure of the reverse die on BD-7 is already evident in a long die break from the rim through the E of states, passing through the scroll to the eagle's head and neck and on into the shield. A few light adjustment lines affect only the left reverse rim. Pop 58 (PCGS # 8092) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $11,500
Lot 3356		1807 $5 Capped Bust. Bust left BD-8, Rarity 2. NGC graded MS-61. Basically untoned. A lustrous example representing the new design with large Capped Bust obverse, the bust facing left. Frosted devices and luster in the field with light abrasions on surfaces. Very light hairlines. Two reverse dies were used in connection with the mintage of this issue, the presently offered reverse being the more available of the two. Free of clashmarks and adjustment. Pop 43; 121 finer (PCGS # 8092) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 8,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 3357		1807 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Bust left BD-8, Rarity 2. NGC graded MS-62. A decent strike on a problem-free planchet and light golden in color. A lustrous and very presentable example of the first year of John Reich's capped bust to left design, a motif that was used only through 1812 before modification. The obverse has a truly needle-sharp strike with no areas of compromise. This includes all locks of hair, the star centers and radials, dentils, indeed, a virtual demarcation of this design, while the reverse is remarkable similar including full neck feathers, complete field stripes and horizontal bars, claws, arrow shafts, etc. The luster is satiny and beautiful, the color a warm light golden hue with subtle tints toning. All told this is one of the choicer MS62 half eagles of the date we have been fortunate to offer for sale. For the type set enthusiast it will certainly be a special occasion. John Reich designed the issue of 1807-12. Of German stock and an early immigrant to America, Reich did contract work for the Mint in the 19th century, and by 1807 was signed as an assistant on the staff. He worked for a decade under Chief Engraver Robert Scot, creating new motifs including the capped bust coinage as here. This used to be called the "turban head," but is now better referred to as "classic draped bust" similar to the uncapped cents of 1808-14 (a motif he adopted on for the half cent of 1809). Reich was a talented engraver who secretly "signed" his dies with a tiny nick in the outer point of the 13th stars (the final star on the right) on all half eagle dies while he was employed at the mint. After he left, the "signature" mysteriously disappears, never to return. Pop 58; 63 finer (PCGS # 8101) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 8,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3358		1808 $5 Capped Draped Bust BD-3, Rarity 4. PCGS graded MS-61. Lightly toned. Has a few light hairlines on the face. An attractive example, sharply struck in deep frosted orange-gold to greenish gold with lovely frosty mint luster. Certainly one of the highlights among coins in the present collection of early Capped Bust Left dates when aesthetic aspects are considered. This specimen is one of the nicest quality coins for the grade that we have offered in quite awhile. Pop 14; 56 finer (PCGS # 8102) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,075
Lot 3359		1808/7 $5 Capped Draped Bust BD-2, Rarity 4+. NGC graded AU-58. Semi-reflective surfaces and basically untoned. Natural greenish color gold. Two 1808/7 die varieties are known, both sharing a common reverse die with a tightly spaced denomination. The obverses for BD-1 and BD-2 appear similar, but can be told apart by the position of the dentil below the date. BD-2, this variety, has an open curl above the 0 in the date while BD-1 does not. The surfaces are a pleasing yellow-gold with ample luster in the protected areas. The strike is relatively strong on the obverse and a little less so on the reverse, mainly at the neck feathers. The piece offered here is easily within the top half of the AU58 population with respect to surfaces, detail, and overall visual appeal and it is highly doubtful that more than a handful of such specimens are available for sale at any one time! Pop 12; 28 finer (PCGS # 8103) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3360		1809/8 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded MS-65. A well struck frosty mint gem on a problem free planchet. The brilliant untoned surfaces sparkel with intense frosty mint luster. A total of 33,875 were minted. A golden, mint-fresh example, as crisp and glossy as when it was first released from to the Treasury for distribution nearly two hundred years ago. Hard to believe such a thing is possible. Fortunately for the strike, it, like the luster, is outstanding, in fact, exceptional. A well-struck example with good details. There are no bothersome abrasions or points of wear. One of the nicest specimens of this date we have seen, a coin that will be admired by those who to see it. A short mark left of star #10 along with a faint line in the field extending up from the first star can be used as identifiers; dutiful searching with a glass reveals little else other than a stray faint scuff in the frost or short hairline, the sort of unintentional flaws that are part and parcel of the trip from coining press to the bullion depositor's moneypouch. A great beauty in Gem Mint State compared to lesser quality early gold pieces that may be technically Mint State; we hesitate to call it "world class" quality but where in the world would you locate a finer specimen? A coin for a real connoisseur. Pop 9; none finer (PCGS # 8104) . Die note: One interesting feature about this piece that Dannreuther mentions in his die variety guide is the large 9 punch employed on this die. It is much larger than the other digits, possibly from the punch set that was used for the Large Date varieties in 1810. The partial numeral under the 9 does not seem to match the curve of an 8 or this 9. As with many other early gold issues, one sometimes has to draw the best conclusion that can be found from the existing examples. Traditionally, all 1809 half eagles are described as 1809/8. As with the other dies made during the employ of John Reich at the mint, star 13 has a small notch out of one point (that which is closest to the rim dentils). Some believe this is his "secret signature" as such an anomaly could not be explained otherwise. (Reich worked at the mint from 1807 until 1817.). Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $83,375
Lot 3361		1809/8 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck. Nice golden toning. When it comes to early half eagles, this coin has what collectors prefer to see: a no-compromises extremely sharp strike, deep rich frost, layers upon layers of which possess attractive gold color, high quality planchet, and finally, superb eye appeal. Of course, the overdate feature is a center of focus that will grab your notice as well. It is truly wonderful to imagine the talent that went into minting superb strike and clarity that this coin possesses. Pop 32; 9 in 65. (PCGS # 8104) . Note: the mintage of the various Capped Bust to Left dates is a fairly good predictor of relative rarity. Thus, the 1809 issue, with the lowest mintage of the type, turns out to be the scarcest of the 1807-12 series. All examples from this year are overdates, although the undertype faded as more and more coins were produced. Oddly, roughtly half the certified examples are Mint State per Garrett & Guth, with the warning "that number may be inflated because of resubmissions" to the grading services. The finest know is a single MS66. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3362		1809/8 $5 Capped Draped Bust BD-1, Rarity 3+. NGC graded AU-58. Untoned. Luster reaches from the margins and around the devices to well out into the field on both sides of this captivatingly attractive early five. What's more, Liberty's hair curls have only a faint trace of wear; all are sharp and finely detailed. A view through a magnifying lens fails to locate any marks of importance, save, perhaps, for a think line extending upwards from the 13th star. Devices are sharp in all areas of the reverse, as well, which is the desirable outcome wished for by collectors. It is clear that the grading service has taken this into consideration in assigning the high-end AU58 grade. Most of the mintage of 33,875 pieces was melted at or near the time of issue (PCGS # 8104) . Historic note: Under the act of April 5,1792, the legal ratio of silver to gold was fifteen to one, a ratio that undervalued gold. Since 1803, France and the Latin countries adopted a legal ratio of fifteen and one-half of silver to one of gold, and as a consequence, gold, being undervalued in the United States, was withdrawn from circulation here, and sold abroad at a profit by the bullion brokers who were ever on the alert for gain. By 1821 the ratio of gold value to silver had changed to the point where all United States gold coins then circulating (by then consisting of the $2.50 and $5 denominations), cost more than face value to produce. All older coins disappeared from circulation and newly minted ones were used in the export trade. There it made no difference, as a $5 half eagle was not valued at $5 American money, but by its gold weight and fineness. When gold coins were exported it was the custom at the destination to melt them and recoin the metal into gold pieces of the new country. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3363		1810 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Small date, large 5 BD-1, Rarity 3+. PCGS graded MS-63. A frosty mint example struck in natural greenish color gold, all delicately toned. There is a short double-mark below the cap. Also noted is a small X-shaped mark below the eagle's beak. This would make an excellent choice for the type collector as this date and variety are one of the more plentiful issues of the 1807-12 Capped Draped Bust Left half eagle period. The surfaces are outstanding for the grade, with all devices well defined overall including sharp stars and curls on the obverse, while on the reverse details are just as inviting including the centers, rather than a soft, mushy strike as sometimes seen in this area of the reverse. We note an added windfall of the rich mint frost seen on all surface areas. Die engraving varieties occur all the time in the early period of American coin design. These add greatly to the charm of half eagle collecting in particular, showing that despite the best efforts at mechanizing the coining process to thwart counterfeiters, the human element constantly appears even in government work such as the 1810 issue with its various date and denomination sizes. A lovely coin would certainly make a welcome addition to any advanced collection. Pop 8; 6 finer, 5 in 64, 1 in 65 (PCGS # 8106) . On this variety, the 5 in the denomination is quite large, with the dentils having had to be foreshortened in order not to touch the long loop of this digit. Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3364		1810 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Large date, large 5 BD-4, Rarity 2. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck and quite choice exhibiting heavy mint frost throughout, all lightly toned. Though relatively plentiful in circulated and low-end Mint State grades, the half eagles of 1807-12 are indeed scarce in choice Mint quality. Date and type collectors wishing to complete the set in choice condition will find the Capped Bust Left type to be a difficult one. Over its entire six-year run most of the mintage was exported and promptly melted by the recipients to recover its bullion. The few that have come down to us are often cleaned or otherwise damaged by the uninformed populace. Compared to post-1834 half eagle types, few exist with this level of beautiful frosty cartwheel luster. Most Mint State 1810 half eagles also seem to be deficient in luster on the high points where rub first occurs, even when the open fields are more than adequately frosted. This MS64's unabashed and booming luster puts it well ahead of your run-of-the-mill Uncirculated Capped Bust Left $5. As expected from the grade, marks are negligible, while the fields on the other hand shine with the sort of alluring look that defines the quality of this high-end piece. The strike is excellent. There is only some slight rounding present on the neck feathers of the eagle, as well as on a few horizontal lines in the shield. The type or date collector who has the ability to acquire a full-fledged MS64 should make the most of the present offering! Pop 34; 2 finer, 1 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 8108) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 27,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3365		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust BD-2 Rarity 3. NGC graded MS-65. Boldly struck, untoned, and very frosty. Identifiable by a shallow flake in the luster beneath the eagle's beak. The Capped Bust Left device made its first appearance in 1807 soon after the Mint hired John Reich as Assistant Engraver. Reich's design, which is seen on the 1807 half dollar as well, was a change for the United States Mint in that it marked the first time the denomination appears on silver and gold coins. In his 1988 Encyclopedia, Walter Breen writes that only about 1% of the original mintage in the Capped Bust Left half eagle series is extant today. He goes on to observe that, "Unlike later gold coins, the vast majority of specimens of this design will grade Extremely Fine or About Unc." It is significant, therefore, that this 1811 example is Gem Mint State 65. And it is even more significant that the surfaces have been preserved carefully enough to have secured a high Condition Census grade. There is much to say about the beautiful surfaces of this coin since they are nearly perfect, a quality almost unimaginable. The mint frost is aglow with bright intensity over each side. There is no toning. In a new NGC 4 pronged holder. The Philadelphia Mint employed two different die marriages to deliver 99,581 Half Eagles in 1811. The present variety with a Small 5 in the reverse denomination is a bit more common than its Tall 5 counterpart, but no early half eagle like this can be said to be common in Gem condition! An extremely important offering for the advanced numismatist, and a coin that is sure to raise eyebrows when it appears at auction this Summer. Pop 4; 1 finer in 66. Estimated Value $70,000 - 75,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3366		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Small 5 BD-2, Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck and frosty, all moderately toned with some trace adjustment across the cheek. Minor surface marks are visible on most early half eagles in this condition, but we had to search hard to find a few in the field around the eagle, and these are insignificant. This is the more common of two die varieties for 1811, both offered in the present sale. Both were struck from a single obverse die paired with two different reverse dies. This Capped Draped Bust Left format, which debuted in 1807 on the half eagle, was continued through 1812. The brief span of this design yielded a coinage estimated at 399,013 pieces. Although there are some scarce die varieties within the 1807-12 years, there are no rare dates. The type set collector can pick and choose from virtually any date desired. What's more, coins are available in all grades, with Very Fine to About Uncirculated coins predominating and available with some frequency (relatively speaking, of course). Mint State examples are offered now and then and, if choice in appearance, like the present MS63 1811 Small 5, are highly prized. These typically have frosty rather than prooflike surfaces. Pop 37; 13 finer in 64 (PCGS # 8109) . Estimated Value $16,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3367		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Small 5. . BD-2. Sharpness of AU-55. Although probably cleaned and untoned, this example is quite frosty with luster. The Small 5 punch used in 1810 was used for this reverse, but this is a different die, unique to 1811. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,440
Lot 3368		1811 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Tall 5 BD-1, Rarity 3+. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck in natural slightly greenish color gold and all delicately toned. This wonderful frosty specimen is among the most affordable examples of the Type, and a date well within the means of a serious buyer of early U.S. gold. To say it is very sharply struck with frosty luster is to point out the obvious, and only a few minor abrasions in the fields are detected. Probably a good many Capped Bust Left fives are not as carefully struck as this piece, which has no suggestion or even a whisper of weakness at the stars or hair curls. An attractive example of this variety, there should be only one real obstacle to bidding, that being the certainty of stiff competition from others wishing to acquire it. Pop 13; 8 finer, 6 in 64, 1 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 8110) . The two varieties of 1811 are easily distinguished by taking a look at the reverse. The Tall 5 reverse die has the digit 5 encompassing most of the space above the border, with the tip or flag of the 5 left of the lower right corner of an arrow feather. (The Small 5 variety, by comparison, has a smaller size numeral whose flag of this digit is centered below the lower right corner of the feather.). Estimated Value $16,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3369		1812 $5 Capped Draped Bust. NGC graded MS-65. Well struck on a problem-free planchet in natural light greenish color gold. The untoned frosty mint surfaces are remarkably clean. A total of 58,087 minted for all varieties. More often than not frosty for the issue, as seen here, though rarely with near-pristine surfaces, the bright golden surface is nearly superb with few distracting bagmarks. We note a tiny mark above the eagle's head; a faint scuff line in the frost lies behind the head on the obverse. These can serve as identifiers. And so next to the devices, which are sharply struck on obverse and reverse, including full stars, most hair curls crisp (barring a few that are nearby the drapery clasp) and an impressive eagle whose only softening in the device is at the back of its neck. The extraordinary Gem MS65 we offer is tied with a handful of others for the finest Wide 5D, and is one of the most delightful we have ever sold at auction. It ranks high among all Mint State Capped Draped Bust survivors of this sought-after Type. Pop 9; none finer at NGC. (PCGS # 8112) . The Wide 5 D variety (there are two 1812 die varieties known) is the more available of the two, and it is also one of the more often seen varieties of the Capped Draped Bust type of 1807-12. For connoisseurs of numismatic minutiae (but of little relevance to the active buyer of rare high quality early U.S. gold), there are two curious die lines seen on the reverse of many coins of this variety. According to the Dannreuther reference, "they may be graver's marks or some other 'injury' to the die. One begins at the rim about two o'clock, passes to the left of A(MERICA), and ends in the wing. The other is curved through the horizontal shield lines and ends in the left (observer's) wing. Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $69,000
Lot 3370		1812. Wide 5 D. BD-1. NGC graded MS-65. In NGC holder 1776966-015. A magnificent well struck frosty mint gem. The surfaces are golden-orange that deepens slightly at the peripheries. John Reich's Capped Bust design made its appearance on the half eagles in 1807 and continued through 1812. This design type is also known as the Bust Left design, for the direction that Liberty faces. John Dannreuther discusses the problem of nomenclature in his reference on the early gold varieties: "This type was the result of hiring John Reich as an assistant engraver. His new design with a floppy cap has traditionally been called Capped Bust, but the previous type by Robert Scot also has a capped bust. This design also has drapery, so the nomenclature has bee confusing, to say the least. The definitive difference is the direction Miss Liberty is facing. The previous type has her facing right, while this type has her facing left. So, some have referred to the first series (1795-1807) as Capped Bust Right and this series (1807-1834) as Capped Bust Left. To avoid confusion, we have labeled the two designs as Draped Bust and Capped Bust--no matter what they are called, they are the pinnacles of early American gold coinage." This example is from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, and before that from the Nathan M. Kaufman Collection. Dallas businessman Harry Bass spent over three decades collecting coins, primarily gold coins, beginning with the purchase of an 1876 gold dollar that he acquired in 1966. Over the next 32 years, he acquired over 7,000 U.S. gold pieces, along with patterns, remarkable currency, and other desiderata. Kaufman was from Marquette, Michigan, and collected in the earliest part of the 20th century with his last acquisition taking place in 1927. After that time, the collection was displayed in the board room of a Marquette bank. The Wide Denomination variety is one of two different die marriages coined with the 1812 obverse, and it is somewhat more plentiful than the Close 5D variety. This example is sharply struck with frosty luster and fully brilliant yellow-gold color. A thin scratch in the upper right reverse field, between the eagle's head and the scroll, provides an instant pedigree identifier. Pop 9; none finer (PCGS # 8112) . Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000. Ex: N.M. Kaufman Collection (RARCOA, 8/1978), lot 802; Harry W. Bass, Jr. (Bowers and Merena, 5/2000), lot 312; Bowers and Merena (7/2002), lot 780. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3371		1812 $5 Capped Draped Bust. . BD-1, Breen-6466. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck with intense frosty mint luster on a lovely problem-free planchet. Lovely natural golden-orange overtones add to its beauty. A highly glossy example that has extra frosty surfaces plus lovely patina with a bold, if not quite a razor sharp strike. No more than the luster comes a desirable strike on these early pieces, since the mint's quality suffered by a lack of more sophisticated equipment at the time this was made. This piece is struck with almost scientific exactness throughout the stars, hair curls and cap folds, on the obverse, and even the small clasp at Liberty's shoulder has its central squiggle visible. The reverse eagle is where the sharpness falls down a bit, with indistinct feathers on the neck and one wing, as well as some softening of the shield lines, about on par with other MS64 examples seen. Partly this is due to a few faint adjustment marks across the center of the reverse. All in all a first-rate specimen of the Type for the dedicated numismatist. Pop 34; 9 finer by a point (PCGS # 8112) . Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3372		1812 $5 Capped Draped Bust BD-1, Rarity 3. NGC graded MS-62. A frosty specimen. Pale gold in color. On the Wide 5D variety, a short die crack from the border passes left of the first A in AMERICA to the wing. Diagnostic. Brilliant, frosty yellow gold luster dances around the surface that shows some light abrasions. There is a luster graze in the field below UNUM, with some fine adjustment lines in the shield. This is a generally well-struck example with good details, however. The dies left their partly rigid impression behind with some modest weakness or imprecision only at the eagle's neck and left wing feathers. Sharply struck examples are the exception. Generally available variety in circulated grades, though still scarce in Choice Mint State grades. Pop 62; 85 finer, 42 in 63, 33 in 64, 1 in 64 Star, 9 in 65 (PCGS # 8112) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3373		1813 $5 Capped Head. . BD-2. PCGS graded AU-53. Popular first year of the Capped Head to Left Large Diameter type. Well struck with plenty of luster still present, all enhanced by touches of natural golden-orange toning. In spite of a fairly high mintage (most were melted, of course), there are only two die varieties recorded for 1813. A single obverse was paired with one of two reverses. BD-2 is characterized by having the E of the motto more or less centered below the first S in STATES. The 1813 introduces a new larger capped head of Liberty than in 1807-12. Besides the modification of the portrait and the eagle by John Reich for this type, the arrows are completely different, broad and spread apart. A nearly continuous circle of stars around Liberty, the first starting above the bust tip and the final one ending just above the back curl for those of 1813 through 1815 (PCGS # 8116) . Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,763
Lot 3374		1834 $5 Classic Head. Plain 4. . BD-1, variety with low 5D. NGC graded MS-61. Very rare date. A coin with significant claims to a higher grade. This coin's exacting strike is enhanced royally by a uniform, finely frosted luster of the greatest beauty and delicacy. Magnification and close scrutiny may find a mark or two along with some granular contact marks on the reverse, but none of this counts as a significant demerit or visual distraction. Here is a lustrous, eminently desirable instance of the final date of this Capped Head, No Motto type, combining outstanding characteristics with significant rarity for magnificent effect. Despite a coinage total of 50,141 pieces, the 1834 Capped Head Left issue is today very rare. Most specimens were melted due to the reduction of fineness/gold content marked by the change to the Classic Head type. Perhaps no more than 30 to 40 exist in all grades of the Plain 4, spread among (and permanently locked away in) the largest "name" collections in America. Pop 1; 3 in 62; 5 in 63; 2 in 64. In a new NGC 4 pronged holder. Note: The mintage for the six dates of this No Motto type, mid-1829 to mid-1834 is actually higher than that of the previous type that was intermittently struck, although for more years, from 1813 through 1829. Most of the earlier production was exported and melted, as the gold content exceeded the face value until the reduction in mid-1834. After 1821, no gold was seen in local circulation until the lighter-weight coins were introduced after August 1, 1834. Most of the examples of this type found are in high grade due to hoarding and melting with low-grade examples seldom seen. Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $44,850
Lot 3375		1834 $5 Classic Head. Plain 4. NGC graded AU-58. Toned. There was some discussion as to how the coins of the new weight standard minted after August 31, 1834 should be differentiated from the earlier ones, particularly those with the same date. One proposal was that the inscription AUGUST 1 be added. Other ideas came to the fore. In the end, it was decided to change the portrait to remove the cap, causing some wags to say that Liberty had been "decapitated." On the reverse the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM was deleted (PCGS # 8171) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3376		1836 $5 Classic Head. PCGS graded EF-40. Lightly toned around the devices, a well-struck example of the limited-issue William Kneass Type of 1834-38 (PCGS # 8174) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 3377		1840-C $5 Liberty. Sharpness of VF-30. Cleaned at one time with some minor marks about. Any Charlotte Mint gold piece has to be respected for being scarce. Mintage was low in the 1840s, though climbing by the late-1840s. As these were put into circulation and used hard, the average grade seen tends to be Very Fine. Curiously, at the same time these were current, a private manufacturing firm in North Carolina was striking competing gold coins made from locally mined gold in competition with the Charlotte Mint: The Bechtler establishment, whose years of operation were 1830 to 1852. Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,006
Lot 3378		1842-C $5 Liberty. Small date. PCGS graded MS-62. Well struck and lustrous exhibiting rich mint bloom colors on both sides. Certainly among the finest known. Interesting over-lapping of metal on the rim at 12 o'clock. An incredible rarity and The Key "C" mint to the Half Eagle series. Extremely choice surfaces and broad, framing rims with nearly complete dentils (only those at the lower left obverse lack detail). A satiny beauty from the Charlotte Mint and a prize for the collector of C-mint half eagles. Nicely detailed in all places. What is important about a rarity like this is that so few are traced in high conditions. This attractive Mint State can be identified by a small mark at star 2, a thin hairline left of the date and another equally miniscule hairline extending from the upper arrow point into the field. Perhaps no more than five or six individual Mint State examples of the date are known in all grades. One of the most celebrated Charlotte Mint rarities in this sale. Pop 1; 1 finer in 63 (PCGS # 8208) . Walter Breen attributes a mintage of 4,595 pieces to the 1842 Small Date variety and 23,589 to the Large Date variety, indicating that the ratio was approximately 1 to 4. Douglas Winter estimates that 35 to 40 are known of the Small Date and 65 to 70 of the Large Date, a more conservative assessment. Concerning the date, during this post-Jacksonian period in our history, date sizes were in flux at the Philadelphia Mint, and certain denominations in the years 1842-1846 are found with variable sized date punches (as well as mintmark punches). Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3379		1842-C $5 Liberty. Small date. NGC graded MS-61. In NGC holder 1706409-001. An unusually well struck example with needle sharp details and nice high rims. The lustrous surfaces are slightly reflective while the fields are remarkably clean for this grade. A few very minor ticks are noted on the outer rims, none of which are significent. A major rarity in the Charlotte series and many times rarer than the Large Date variety. Perhaps just five to 10 Mint State examples of the Small Date variety are known. Douglas Winter gives this date a High Rarity-7 rating in Uncirculated. One of the most desirable Charlotte Mint offerings in this sale. Walter Breen allocated a mintage of 23,589 to the Large Date variety, which is over four times that of the Small Date. Other experts estimate that 35 to 40 are known of the Small Date and 65 to 70 of the Large Date, the opposite assessment. Concerning the date, during this post-Jacksonian period in our history, date sizes were in flux at the Philadelphia Mint, and certain denominations in the years 1842-1846 are found from variable sized date punches. Pop 2; 4 finer, 2 in 62, 2 in 63 (PCGS # 8208) . Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3380		1843 $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-65. Well struck and probably the finest known. Although more than 600,000 pieces were struck of this issue, it is conditionally elusive in all strict Mint State grades and downright rare in Gem Mint State 65 (see statistics below). This is the finest 1843 we have offered in at least ten years. The striking details are sharp throughout and the luster is bright and frosted. Lightly abraded, the only mark of any note is a small tick on the cheek of Liberty to the right of, and below, the eye -- and that is just barely visible without a glass. Pop 1; finest graded at either service. The Liberty Head half eagle coinage (considering the present No Motto Type and the following Type with motto IN GOD WE TRUST added) has a unique distinction not accorded any other United States coin type or denomination. Specimens were struck from time to time in each of the seven different United States mints: Philadelphia, Carson City, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco. The type set collector will have no problem acquiring one of the more plentiful Philadelphia Mint dates in any desired grade from Very Fine through AU, with a typical grade encountered being Very Fine to Extremely Fine. Uncirculated pieces are scarce, and Gem Uncirculated coins such as this Finest Certified specimen are very rare. Estimated Value $24,000 - 26,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $25,300
Lot 3381		1843-O $5 Liberty. Large letters. NGC graded MS-64. A fabulous example displaying a nice detailed strike including full star radials and intensely frosty mint surfaces. We note some mint caused stray "hay" marks scattered about with a touch of delicate golden toning deepening just a bit about the borders. We will pass briefly over the details in the strike, for this coin is above-average in terms of the detail seen on the few known Mint State New Orleans minted half eagles, with full sharp stars, marginal softness at the centers, but highly detailed where it counts. A "fresh" and very choice example of this "O" mint rarity. We hardly need to just what a special coin this is, and how much attention it will attract from bidders near and far. A total of 82,000 minted of both varieties. Pop 8; 1 finer in 65 (PCGS # 8216) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $21,850
Lot 3382		1844 $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck and untoned. Surfaces display a degree of subdued luster and attractive golden color consistent with the grade. A rarity in Uncirculated despite a somewhat generous mintage of 340,330 pieces. Sharply struck and choice for the assigned grade. Pop 11; 20 finer, 8 in 62, 12 in 63 (PCGS # 8219) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,725
Lot 3383		1845 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck and shimmering with lustrous semi-reflective surfaces. A very choice example that sits high in the condition census. (Note, smudging on the PCGS holder precludes a clearer photographic image of the reverse on this coin.) Highly lustrous examples like this are extreme rarities and with satiny medium gold surfaces this one displays warm shimmering iridescence. Sharply struck. Surprisingly rare in Mint State despite a seemingly munificent mintage for the date of 417,099 pieces. Beyond doubt, a pleasing example of the date, high Condition Census, a coin of importance to numismatics, exceeded in quality by none other of which we are aware. The style, variously called the Braided Hair, Coronet, or Liberty Head motif, is by mint engraver Christian Gobrecht and features a small head of Liberty with her hair styled compactly, tied at the back into a bun with a string of beads. She wears a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround the border, and the date is below. The Liberty Head motif by underwent several modifications, and a study of the various forms used in the early days can be quite fascinating. The reverse by Gobrecht shows an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIVE D. surrounds. The denomination would not be spelled out in its entirety on $5 gold pieces until 1908 when the Indian head was introduced. Pop 10; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 8223) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3384		1846. Large Date. NGC graded MS-64. A gorgeous untoned example and boldly struck throughout. Highly lustrous vivid gold with traces of reflectivity on both sides interspersed with the mint frost. Considerably scarcer in Mint condition than its mintage of 395,942 pieces would lead one to expect. Most circulated; most known specimens range from Very Fine to Extremely Fine, to which can be added a scattering of About Uncirculated pieces. The present coin, graded MS-64, stands with only two others in this top grade quality among and is one of the nicest looking 1846 half eagles of which we are aware. Even the famous Harry Bass was able to locate only a Mint State 63 after years of aggressive buying. This may represent a once-in-a-decade opportunity for bidders. Pop 3; none finer (PCGS # 8226) . Events of the day: on June 19, 1846, a New York Knickerbocker baseball player, Davis by name, was fined 6 cents for swearing at the umpire. The umpire happened to be Alexander J. Cartwright, a bewhiskered surveyor, who had originated modern baseball two years earlier. Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3385		1848 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Well struck and fully lustrous, all lightly toned. A small chattermark at the eye and a light scuff across the cheek, well in keeping with the choice MS63 grade assigned by PCGS. With a mintage of more than a quarter million pieces, one would expect to see a fair number of high grade examples extant today of this issue. That, however, is not the case and the 1848 is seldom seen above Extremely Fine. This is the year of the gold discovery in California. Pop 6; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 8236) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3386		1849 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-61. A nice deep impression with unusual high rims. The golden lustrous surfaces are slightly prooflike. A most popular year due to the California gold discovery. Pop 4; 2 finer in 62 (PCGS # 8240) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,530
Lot 3387		1851 $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck and lightly toned. Satiny golden surfaces show rich natural frosted iridescence. Nicely struck in the key areas including all but the first two stars. Much scarcer in Mint State than its mintage of 377,505 pieces would hint at. Faint die cracks connect several of the obverse stars, with an additional crack that connects one star to Liberty's hair at top right. Pop 29; 33 finer (PCGS # 8246) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3388		1852 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. A bright, light golden, frosty mint example. Some iridescence present. Sharply struck. Scarce at the Mint State 62 level, as the PCGS numbers indicate. Not rare, but definitely scarce in Choice Uncirculated. The obverse numerals on the 1852 were impressed lightly in the die, and the 5 of the date is open between the ball and cusp of the numeral. A die crack unites the first four stars. Pop 34; 29 finer, 17 in 63, 12 in 64 (PCGS # 8250) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,703
Lot 3389		1853-D $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. An untoned example exhibiting a nice bold even strike at centers with a minor scuff in the luster before the face. Intense but still abundant frost, the coin brilliant with a soft golden color through which brighter gold radiance persists around the devices. Nicely struck for the date, perhaps not entirely so at the rims which tend to lack detail on the dentils, but certainly a coin that gets proper mention where completeness of design in a Dahlonega Mint half eagle of this decade is almost impossible to obtain. In a new NGC 4 pronged holder.Pop 19; 13 finer, 6 in 62, 4 in 63, 3 in 64. Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3390		1854 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck and quite choice with delicate golden-sunset toning. Has a faint graze in the frost at the mouth. Dazzling luster with intense cartwheel effects on the satiny surfaces. Nicely struck in almost all areas. Exceedingly choice for the grade. Much rarer in About Uncirculated or finer than its somewhat sizeable mintage of 160,675 pieces suggests. Half Eagles of the day were made strictly for utilitarian purposes, with no numismatic thoughts in mind, which is why within a few years nearly all examples were worn. Pop 8; 2 finer in 64 (PCGS # 8256) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3391		1855 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. A splendid satiny mint beauty, well struck with unusually clean surfaces; all delicately toned. Light die clash visible at the chin and lips. This outstanding example ties with a handful of others for finest certified in the reported population. The central devices are much bolder than average, in fact, this puts the Heritage July 2008 specimen, which sold for $14,375, deep into the shadows, since that coin was very weakly struck at centers. This coin is bold. Also, the fields here are just a few marks away from Gem quality. "As with many other mid-19th century gold issues, the 1855 half eagle is available in circulated condition but highly elusive with no trace of wear," explains the Heritage cataloger, which famous collectors like Harry Bass, were he alive today, would not doubt concur. Pop 4; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 8261) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3392		1856-D $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. An intensely lustrous beauty exhibiting rich golden sunset colors. The borders are nice and wide with most of the stars fully defined while the centeres are a trifle soft as made. Only 19,786 pieces minted. The 1856-C is a rare half eagle delivery of the Charlotte Mint. The issue ranks sixth in overall ranking among the 24 deliveries in this series. The strike is about as one could realistically expect for a gold coin from this coinage facility. There are a few central areas where incompleteness of detail can be seen on both sides. Warm color as mentioned flows over soft, satiny luster. With none but the most trivial abrasions scattered about, this coin is markedly choicer than the typically offered Mint State survivor with many detracting marks. Pop 3; 3 in MS64. (PCGS # 8268) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3393		1857 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. A very choice specimen exhibiting full mint bloom color and rich frosty mint luster. This handsome Liberty $5 has been off the market since 2005 where it appeared in a Heritage sale (Nov. 2005) described as: "One of the very finest graded of this date, and a beautiful coin in every way. Note the quality of the strike, with full and complete curls on Liberty, and each star boasting strong radial lines. Similar on the reverse, where the eagle's claws are complete and even the thigh feathers display bold definition. The surfaces however, are where this coin really shines…Despite the adequate mintage of 98,180 pieces, these were not saved in quantity at the time of issue, and hence very few Choice coins are known today. We do note a complex scuff below Liberty's eye which extends in a broken line to her nose, and this very shallow event probably kept this coin from a much higher grade. Nevertheless, this is a stunning example for the specialist, and a coin worthy of the finest collection." Pop 3; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 8271) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,225
Lot 3394		1858 $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. A rare date that is seldom seen in grades above VF. Copious amounts of mint luster justify the grade. Only 15,136 pieces struck. A well detailed example of this elusive P-mint date. Bright and lustrous with no signs of toning. Typical surfaces to examine as a few ticks are found. The strike is razor-sharp on the uppermost curls, and also sharp on the stars, eagle, shield and lettering. Business activity worldwide slowed in 1857-58 before rebounding into the early 1860s, and demand for gold coinage presumably fell. Add to this, the gathering clouds of war between the North and the South and one begins to understand why very few Mint States are in existence today. Pop 3; 10 finer (PCGS # 8276) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,530
Lot 3395		1858-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. A needle sharp strike on a slightly defective planchet (note some roughness in the reverse fields) and untoned. The 1858-C is a relatively obtainable issue in all grades but that does not mean it is frequent in Mint condition, not by a country mile! Choice Mint State pieces, in particular, are highly prized items and when available, tend to be the focus of strong bidding activity. The striking details are prominent for their crispness here. There is some minor weakening in the dentils on the obverse and reverse; centers are extremely bold. In line with the MS63 grade, the fields are bright and frosty with a slightly reflective sheen. The only significant surface marks are, as already described, a few rough areas around the eagle (done at the time of minting, more likely than not); otherwise there are no flaws, tarnish streaks, or edge bumps. In short, a very respectable high grade example. If you have allotted yourself only one C or D mint gold coin purchase out of this sale, and desire a choice one, then we direct your attention to the present 1858-C half eagle as it makes it a good candidate for such a purchase. Pop 2; 1 finer by a point (PCGS # 8277) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3396		1861 $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-65. Star. A splendid beauty! Well struck, frosty, and exhibits rich full mint bloom colors. Well deserving of the star rating and low population. Extraordinarily sharp strike with golden luster careening across the surface is what you discover once you start examining this handsome coin under magnification. All stars are 100% sharp, as is the eagle's neck. Indeed, so is every central detail fully defined on this remarkable Gem! A few discrete marks keep it from winning a grade in the superb gem category but just barely. The 1861 half eagle issue has the second highest mintage of any No Motto half eagle, 688,084 struck, yet very few survive in gem condition (see below). From the Harry Bass website research notes on 1861, we learn that the date logotype for the year is in "small numerals widely spaced, the general style employed since 1859." On the present die the logotype was fairly lightly impressed -- although very distinctly -- and somewhat low and to the left. Pop 2; 2 finer in 66 (PCGS # 8288) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3397		1866 $5 Liberty. With motto. PCGS graded AU-50. Low mintage of 6,730. Has a long mark by the chin. Bold hair and complete stars compensate, as do choice rims on both sides. A scarce post-Civil War P-mint half eagle. Pop 6; 9 finer, 2 in 53, 5 in 55, 1 in 58, 1 in 61 (PCGS # 8311) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,185
Lot 3398		1868 $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck and a pleasing golden-orange in color. Plenty of mint luster remains within the protected areas. A rare low mintage date as a mere 5,700 were coined. Most survivors are in much lower grades (VF or the occasional EF). This explains the low NGC census: Pop 14; 1 in 61, 1 in 62 (PCGS # 8315) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,773
Lot 3399		1869-S $5 Liberty. PCGS graded Good-4. Only 31,000 minted. Even wear and problem free. Pop 1. (PCGS # 8318) . Estimated Value $300 - 325. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $275
Lot 3400		1883-CC $5 Liberty. ANACS graded EF-45. Mostly untoned with slightly reflective surfaces. We note some marks about the obverse borders. Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,380

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