Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 54

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$10 Capped Bust

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 3421		1796 $10 Capped Bust BD-1, Rarity 4. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck and exhibits beautiful semi-reflective surfaces. Delicate sunset golden toning rests about the surfaces on both sides. Just one die variety is known for the 1796 capped bust eagle. The obverse stars total 16, reflecting Tennessee's admittance as a new state, arranged 8 + 8. LIBERTY is positioned higher on the obverse than on the 1795 varieties, starting from the peak of Liberty's cap (farther left than on the 1795 coin) and ending adjacent her forelocks. The palm branch on the reverse now bears 11 leaves instead of 13 or nine as in 1795. The mintage is 4,146. Here is a rare coin in About Uncirculated 58 condition. The surfaces retain much of the original luster and we note virtually no signs of the usual scattered ticks on either sides. Indeed, the surface is as clear and choice as any found on a 1796 early Eagle in this grade! Struck on a perfect planchet with smooth, even surfaces on both sides, noticeable both in the fields and on the devices, which lends immensely to the pleasure of studying it with a magnifying glass. If one wanted to pick out a point of reference, then perhaps a thin hairline through the eagle's neck extending toward the right wing might be offered. Hardly surprising on a coin fast approaching 214 years old. Adjustment marks are also not an issue on the smooth surfaces. Regarding this date, the clearest details are found throughout the peripheral areas such as the stars, lettering and rim dentils, but also encompassing the key centers which are crystal clear as noted in the cap folds and hair waves, the eagle's wing and chest feathers. There is a good chance that this coin is well within the top few known of the grade in terms of eye-appeal as well as the aforementioned untouched surfaces (certainly of those certified). It would make a worthy acquisition by a specialist in the series, or a date collector who wants an extraordinary example of this early small eagle $10 offering superb aesthetic appeal as well as sharp technical quality. A very special example of the Small Eagle Type. Pop 28; 16 finer, 1 in 60, 9 in 61, 4 in 62, 2 in 63 (PCGS # 8554) . Die State: Struck from the only die marriage known for the date, this is from a middle die state where a faint progressive die crack forms vertically through the bust from the cap to the base of the bust above and (later) strengthens to the right of the 9 in the date. Much later still, after the reverse was used to coin issues of 1797, these two dies were recombined to strike more examples, both dies then showing advanced deterioration with additional cracks. Estimated Value $60,000 - 65,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3422		1799 $10 Capped Bust BD-7, Rarity 3. NGC graded MS-62. Well struck with some "chatter" marks in the obverse field. Production of gold Eagles improved to 37,449 coins for 1799, giving this issue of capped bust eagle the second highest mintage for the series. While all of the obverse dies of 1799 bear 13 stars arranged eight and five, two different star punch sizes were used; the resulting varieties are known as Small Stars and Large Stars. The numerals in the date are spaced variously: Some coins have a Close Date, some a Wide Date, and others an Irregular Date. Ten die varieties are known for 1799, representing the combinations of five obverse dies and seven reverse dies. BD-7 uses the Small Stars obverse in which the 17 in the date is tilted right, while star 13 is away from the ribbon and another star is away from the beak. The 1799 is among the more frequently encountered Eagles of this classic 18th century/early 19th century type, a mentioned, being the second most common Capped Bust Right $10 after the 1801. Yet, all pre-1838 U.S. gold Eagles are rare from an absolute point of view, the survivors being narrowed to possibly 1% to 2% of the original mintage. This is certainly the case with the popular 1799 issue, and the rarity of survivors such as the present Mint State 62 is a constant reminder to specialists in the series. Solidly graded for the issue, this lustrous coin ranks with a fair number of other representatives at or around this grade. A rich endowment of greenish-gold color attracts the viewer on both sides, and it is fully appreciable even after a perfunctory glance at the surfaces. Also readily visible is a mint luster that precludes even a hint of friction on the high points. A sharply struck, well preserved offering that would make a appropriate addition to an early type set of U.S. gold. Pop 43; 114 finer, 61 in 63, 48 in 64, 5 in 65. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3423		1800 $10 Capped Bust BD-1, Rarity 3+. NGC graded AU-55. A late die state with some crumbling about the obverse denticles. We also note some adjustment marks about the reverse rims. Production fell in 1800, with 5,999 1800 capped bust eagles believed struck. Just a single die variety is known. The obverse die broke early, Breen notes, possibly ending production early. A fair quotient of luster still adheres. Reasonable well struck with considerable aesthetic appeal. This is the only die variety of the date. The reverse die was reused in 1801 with this example, from a late die state, being struck after the 1801 issues. Not as common as the 1799 or 1801-dated issues, this is a plentiful issue all the same in spite of its mintage, with a number of higher end examples known. Of course, in an absolute sense all 1800-dated $10 pieces are rare. Indeed, in the past, this 1800-dated issue has been catalogued as a rare issue, perhaps because it is the only variety known for the year. Star 7 on the obverse is sharply double punched. Some obverse and reverse cracks. Most noticeable is an obverse crack through the tops of LIBERTY and stars 9 and 10. Minor die crumbling, as noted, on the obverse border at 3:00. Pop 22; 67 finer (PCGS # 8563) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3424		1801 $10 Capped Bust BD-2, Rarity 2. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck in honey color gold. A fertile layer of healthy mint bloom evenly spreads evenly over both the obverse and reverse of this well struck 1801 specimen. Particularly strong are the hair curls, shield detail, scroll definition, and we see precision in the strike at the feathers as well. All further enhanced by the brilliant surfaces. This specimens seems to have escaped nearly all adjustment, which categorically warrants mention. We note a trace of adjustment lines at the lower curve of the bust as well as a few faint lines through LI of LIBERTY. There is a shallow depression (as made) near the cheek and lips. This is a presentable example of the date. We therefore can confidently proclaim that the luster coin offered here is easily among the more attractive 1801 Eagles extant. Pop 63; 145 finer (PCGS # 8564) . Die diagnostics: Points that define this variety include star 8 near the cap with two points pointing to it; star 13 is near the bust. Dannreuther estimates mintage at from 30,000 to 40,000 (out of a total 44,344 total for the date), noting, "this is the most available early eagle variety, as the dies were among the most productive of the type." Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3425		1803 $10 Capped Bust. Small reverse stars BD-3, Rarity 4. PCGS graded AU-58. A golden beauty loaded with luster and eye-appeal. Beginning with coins dated 1797, the Heraldic Eagle reverse (first used in the gold series on the 1796 $2.50) was paired to the obverse style used earlier. In keeping with silver and other gold denominations of the early 19th century, the reverse, adapted from the Great Seal of the United States, depicts an eagle with a shield on its breast, holding in its talons a bundle of arrows and an olive branch and in its beak a ribbon inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM. A galaxy of stars and an line of clouds is above. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. There is no mark of denomination or value. The obverse remained the same as the 1795-1797 style, except that the star configuration varies on certain issues. The type set collector seeking a representative coin of the era will find that issues of 1799, 1800, 1801, or 1803 will be the most likely candidates. Examples are typically found in Very Fine to About Uncirculated condition and some, like the present 1803, are extremely attractive. Pop 27; 60 finer (PCGS # 8565) . Die characteristics: On BD-3, the upper beak is near the star point; the right foot of E in STATES over a cloud space. Danreuthers estimates no more than 150 to 200 are known (Rarity-4), with 93 auction appearances between 1990 and 2005. Estimated Value $16,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3426		1803 $10 Capped Bust. Extra star BD-5, Rarity 4+. NGC graded AU-55. We note some minor marks about the rims at 10:00 o'clock. We recommend viewing this coin before bidding. Rose color toning rests about the devices. Definitely attractive all the same with sharp interior design details, slightly stronger than average along the borders where the stars are well formed. Of course, any other AU-55 coin in existence would by definition have a few surface marks, so mentioning them may be a waste of space. Pop 6; 36 finer. The Philadelphia Mint struck an estimated 15,017 1803 capped bust eagles from a single obverse die and several different reverse dies. The reverses are known with Small Stars and Large Stars. This one variety for the Large Stars has faint traces of a fourteenth star punched into a cloud! Estimated Value $13,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3427		1842-O $10 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Nice golden toning on both sides. 27,400 struck. Collectors will affirm (after seeing this coin's photographs) that very few early O-mint Eagles look as bold and original as this one. The coin boasts nice, even shades of color, has only minimally abraded fields and devices, and best of all, the rims are unbroken by marks or bumps (a major plus for collectors). Any rug is limited to the high points of the hair and feathers, pointing to the lightly circulated condition in a date that is normally found much more worn. Examination also confirms the grade, there being no areas that criticism needs to focus on. One to expand the collection of any devoted No Motto buyer hoping to lock-in a choice New Orleans Mint 1842 ten. Pop 27; 22 finer. (PCGS # 8587) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,565
Lot 3428		1851-O $10 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-53 PQ. Hints of delicate golden toning adds to this coin's appeal. A Premium Quality coin for the grade, frosty and attractive. Pop 32; 55 finer (PCGS # 8607) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 3429		1876-CC $10 Liberty. NGC graded AU-53. A hint of light toning. Very rare date. Only 4,696 struck. This lovely coin joins others in the Carson City Mint pantheon that have a shot at Condition Census class in being every attractive. Pre-eminent figures of the past in the collecting of American gold coins and research were always attracted to CC-mint gold, as they are today. This coin stands as one of the most admired due to its association with the Centennial year of American independence, 1876. The coin is natural dusky gold with the uncleaned appearance collectors respect and the grading service rewards. A prized grade rarity, examples are apt to be encountered in Very Fine grade. The Winter-Cutler reference notes: "From the standpoint of overall rarity, the 1876-CC is among the rarest of all eagles struck at this mint." Once the AU level is attained for this date, you have reached the pinnacle of the grading curve; there are no known Mint State examples. Pop 10; 8 in AU55; 3 in AU58. (PCGS # 8675) . Die note: Date logotype fully impressed, with numerals centered horizontally and vertically. The left edge of lower serif of 1 over left side of dentil. Die artifacts around first few stars. Reverse CC mintmark high and lightly impressed, both letters on the same plane with nearly a letter's space between E and N below, second C close to and nearly completely under tip of arrow feather above, just to right of center of N below. Estimated Value $17,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3430		1877-S $10 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. In NGC holder 9173901-008. Rich coppery-golden color. All three mints then in operation struck Eagles in 1877, but only in low numbers. The distinctive San Francisco pieces are all very well executed and, when lustrous, have nice frosty surface as those seen here. Most of the original mintage was not saved, and only a relative few examples are certified in Mint State by either NGC or PCGS. Straw-gold blending into nice rich warm orange-gold color, where glimpses of luster persist within and around all devices extending well into the field on both sides. A couple of minor scuffs at the date with a disturbance in the luster below the first A in AMERICA on the reverse. Only 17,000 struck. Pop 13; 2 finer with 1 in 60, 1 in 61. (PCGS # 8679) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3431		1879 $10 Liberty. EF-40. Together with: $10.00 1881 sharpness of EF polished. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details	Realized $1,100
Lot 3432		1886-S $10 Liberty. Sharpness of Very Fine. Worn as jewelry. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $516
Lot 3433		1893-S $10 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-61. A frosty example; were this an 1893-S Morgan dollar in the same grade it would be priced at 50x this coin's value! Attractive surfaces for the grade. Mintage: 141,350 (PCGS # 8728) . Estimated Value $600 - 625. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $748
Lot 3434		1894 $10 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Frosty and toned; light bagmarks as usual, the most noticeable of which is above the second T in STATES (PCGS # 8729) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 3435		1894 $10 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Frosty with delicate golden toning (PCGS # 8729) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $805
Lot 3436		1898 $10 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55. Nice even light golden toning (PCGS # 8740) . Estimated Value $500 - 525. Ex Mayflower Auction, circa early 1960's, Lot 776 The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $720
Lot 3437		1901 $10 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 63 Cameo. A golden-orange beauty glittering with mirror surfaces and cameo devices. Some minor hairlines scattered about. A splendid turn-of-the-century Gold Eagle, each side is certified as choice by the grading service. Proof gold coins of 1901 are slightly more frosted on the devices than those of adjacent years due to minor changes in the way the coins were produced. Estimated survival rates and auction frequency are both consistent with the various mintages for this post-1900 period. Only 85 Proofs struck. Pop 1; 3 finer (PCGS # 88841) . Estimated Value $8,500 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $11,788
Lot 3438		1906-D $10 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Lovely rose-gold color toning over frosty surfaces. First Denver Mint year of issue (PCGS # 8760) . Estimated Value $600 - 625. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $748
Lot 3439		1906-S $10 Liberty. AU-58. Delicately toned. Estimated Value $525 - 550. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 3440		1911 $10 Indian. PCGS graded MS-62. Delicately toned. Lustrous fields and devices (PCGS # 8868) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $949
Lot 3441		1914-D and $2.50 1911. Coins grade Extremely Fine. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $650 - 675. View details	Realized $863
Lot 3442		1926 $10 Indian. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely golden mint bloom colors; brimful of luster top to bottom. A few tiny marks on the face, eye and lips. The perfect date for a gold Type Set (PCGS # 8882) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,783
Lot 3443		1932 $10 Indian. PCGS graded MS-62 PQ. Attractive light golden toning on both sides, frosty, beaming. Whereas a 1932 double eagle is extremely expensive, the 1932 $10 eagle is well within the reach of the everyday collector looking to own a coin right out of the Great Depression. In an old green label holder (PCGS # 8884) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 3444		A trio of $10.00 Indians. Consists of: 1908 no motto, 1910-D and 1926. All are brilliant Almost Uncirculated examples. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details	Realized $2,128