Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 54

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$20 Liberty/No Motto

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 3445		1851 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Well struck with lustrous surfaces which are slightly reflective and light golden in color. A small mark below the eye serves as identification for this particular specimen. The coin's gleaming bright fields rise and fall with original golden mint bloom. Against this are set serious, frosty elements, clearly seen on Liberty. Deficiency isn't in the cards when it comes to this coin's detail; in fact, outstanding is the word we would choose to describe the striking detail on the main stars and central features, with only minor flattening on a couple of the upper stars in the array of 13 on the obverse. Pop 55; 11 in 63, 2 in 64 (PCGS # 8904) . Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 3446		1851-O $20 Liberty. PCGS graded VF-35. Pleasing golden toning; uneven strike at top causes the stars and rim dentils to fade out (PCGS # 8905) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,415
Lot 3447		1852 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded EF-40. Evenly worn with some scattered marks on the obverse (PCGS # 8906) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 3448		1853 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-53. Delicate golden toning rests within the devices, there is ample evidence of original luster. Choice surfaces throughout. Clearly, our consignor knew a thing or two about hand-picking his gold coins if this handsome twenty is an indication (PCGS # 8908) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,860
Lot 3449		1855 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded EF-45. Well struck with traces of luster and all, lightly toned. Pop 61 (PCGS # 8914) . Estimated Value $1,150 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,668
Lot 3450		1862-S $20 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Mostly untoned with lots of mint luster intact, upwards of 95% coverage, in fact, with the soft golden glow covering the devices and extending across the fields. Both sides show evidence of their careful handling since falling into collectors' hands. Desirable Civil War period coin. And while gold pieces were hoarded in the war-torn East, out West, it was business as usual -- which is why these large pieces are generally found well circulated today. Pop 134; 32 finer (PCGS # 8938) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,290
Lot 3451		1863-S $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. A well struck example, fully lustrous with very few marks for this grade. Splendidly original, both sides of this fresh-golden example exhibit oscillating frosted effects. According to our observations, including the key highpoints of Liberty's hair curls and the eagle's wings, the strike is above-average, in fact sharp, in all areas, evidence of the San Francisco Mint's meticulous workmanship in this decade. Rarely offered above Extremely Fine grades. Pop 10; 56 finer at NGC of non shipwrecked coins (PCGS # 8940) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,670
Lot 3452		1870-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded VF-35. Lightly toned and moderately worn from its use in circulation. While gold wasn't plentiful on the East Coast in the 1870s, it did circulate widely West of the Rocky Mountains as the main high-value currency (PCGS # 8959) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,260
Lot 3453		1873 $20 Liberty. Open 3. VF-20. Toned. Estimated Value $900 - 925. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,208
Lot 3454		1876-CC $20 Liberty. PCGS "Genuine" Filed Rims. Our grade is sharpness of EF-45 (PCGS # 8977) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 3455		1882, 1886, 1897 and 1899. $10 Liberty. Coins will grade VF to EF. Lot of 4 coins. Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,650. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details	Realized $2,530
Lot 3456		1882-CC $20 Liberty. PCGS "Genuine". Our grade is VF-30 lightly toned with a copper color streak on the reverse. Only 39,140 struck (PCGS # 8997) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3457		1888 $20 Liberty. Each EF-45. Each naturally toned. The 1888 is a slightly better date. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details	Realized $2,473
Lot 3458		1893-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Desirable light golden toning and quite nice for the grade. Pop 1205. (PCGS # 9024) . Estimated Value $2,800 - 2,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,163
Lot 3459		1895 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Light golden toning. Typical smooth (and attractive) frostiness as seen on most Philly Mint $20s in the 1890s (PCGS # 9027) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,668
Lot 3460		1895 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Brilliant and untoned (PCGS # 9027) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 3461		1895 $20 Liberty. AU-55. We note a few scratches on the check, still pleasing and frosty. Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323
Lot 3462		1896 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Rich golden mint luster, though some scuffing on the cheek which takes a point away from the grade (PCGS # 9029) . Estimated Value $1,150 - 1,200. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,524
Lot 3463		1896 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Frosty with light golden toning (PCGS # 9029) . Estimated Value $1,150 - 1,200. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 3464		1896 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-61. Frosty mint luster (PCGS # 9029) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 3465		1896 $20 Liberty. Sharpness of MS-60 plus. Sharp bold strike, we note some discoloration on Liberty's cheek. Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,668
Lot 3466		1896-S and 1906-S. Each VF-25. Each naturally toned. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,850. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details	Realized $2,415
Lot 3467		1896-S $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Attractive subdued rose gold toning is delicately displayed on both sides. Frosty S-mint coin (PCGS # 9030) . Estimated Value $1,150 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 3468		1896-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58 (PCGS # 9030) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,438
Lot 3469		1898-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-61. Nice golden toning with luster still visible (PCGS # 9034) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,524
Lot 3470		1899 and 1901. Each AU-50. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $1,850 - 1,900. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details	Realized $2,530
Lot 3471		1900 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Frosty with original toning on both sides. Carries only a small % premium over its melt value (PCGS # 9037) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 3472		1900 $20 Liberty. AU-58. A few too many minor marks and dark specks for us to grade strictly Mint State. Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,265
Lot 3473		1900-S $20 Liberty. PCGS "Genuine". Our grade is AU-55 (PCGS # 9038) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 3474		1902 $20 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 65. A gem all brilliant Proof example and warm golden-orange in color. Only 114 proofs struck. The display of warm golden toning ingratiates itself over both sides. Exceedingly choice for the grade, 1902 also happens to be a rare date as a Proof with few of the pieces struck 106 years ago in this outstanding Gem condition. Of the original number perhaps 30 or 40 still remain locked away in collections, high grade examples being especially rare (just run your vision over the supplied population figures at the end of this text). We are under the certain presumption that 1902 deserves exclusive mention, due in part to the scarcity of existing business strike population figures, but chiefly from the paucity of certified samples from the main the grading services. This is an attractive piece that shows some light field-to-device contrast but not enough to give it a cameo dimension. The deep, watery mirrored fields display a plethora of visible mint sparkle and dancing light when the coin is tilted at various angles, a common occurrence for the few remaining high grade Liberty double eagles. All things considered, a very attractive example of a very elusive year. Pop 1; 2 finer, 1 in 65 star, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 9118) . How to explain the so-called "orange peel" surface on America's Proof gold coins? After the dies are hubbed and the date is applied, the die is given multiple polishes with progressively finer and finer polish. The last polish given to the dies prior to being hardened gives the field a surface quite like a mirror. This is the deepest mirror attainable on the dies. When the die is hardened, the metal shrinks slightly creating a wavy effect on the polished surfaces. It looks somewhat like the surface of an orange. When you see orange peel on a Proof issue like this 1902 $20 you can be sure that it is one of the first examples struck from those dies. Later polishing to the already hardened dies will produce a flatter and shallower mirror. Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $57,500
Lot 3475		1902 $20 Liberty. PCGS "Genuine". Our grade is AU-58, we note some moderate "chatter" marks in the obverse field. Only 31,140 struck, a most difficult date to acquire (PCGS # 9041) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3476		1903 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Both sides display a touch of light golden to pinkish rose toning. In an old green label holder. What is most noticeable when one first examines this twenty is its swirling mint luster -- it bounces from side-to-side unimpeded by heavy abrasions and unscathed by even a hint of copper spotting (that bane of twenty-dollar gold pieces). A specimen of singular beauty and desirability to the collector (PCGS # 9043) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,990
Lot 3477		1904 $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. A nice untoned mint state example, well struck, lustrous. Starting at the stars and working inwards, we see that every device is smartly struck by the dies. Turning next to the reverse, everything from the center outwards continues the same theme of excellence and sharp detail, as consistent with this date and mint (PCGS # 9045) . Estimated Value $1,750 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,128
Lot 3478		1904 $20 Liberty. MS-60. Lots of tiny contact marks, still Mint State. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323
Lot 3479		1904 $20 Liberty. Sharpness of About Uncirculated. Lightly cleaned but still shows satin luster around the devices. Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323
Lot 3480		1904 $20 Liberty. MS-60 Plus. Light golden toning. Lustrous well struck coin (PCGS # 9045) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 3481		1904-S $20 Liberty. EF-45. Together with: $5.00 1898-S Fine 15. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,050. View details	Realized $1,610
Lot 3482		1906 $20 Liberty. MS-60 Plus. Some light hairlines, probably from an old cleaning, still quite nice looking. Low mintage date, 69,596 struck. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323
Lot 3483		1907-D $20 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Subtle golden hues are evident on both sides of this final year $20 gold piece. Frosty (PCGS # 9053) . Estimated Value $1,150 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 3484		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. NGC graded Proof 67. Star. A superb flawless pale golden gem with satiny smooth surfaces which are slightly reflective. Charles Barber was the Mint Engraver when the U.S. government, at the behest of Theodore Roosevelt, contracted with Augustus Saint-Gaudens to prepare designs for the proposed new $20 gold coin. It was Barber who supervised Proof MCMVII High Relief double eagle production. Some Proofs were later sold out of Barber's estate. The Mint undoubtedly struck other pieces for presentation purposes, probably at several different times throughout the final two months of 1907. (Saint-Gaudens had died in August 1907.) According to sources, unlike the circulation strike High Relief double eagles minted with the Roman Numerals date, which received three impressions from the dies (some say up to five), apparently the Proofs were struck seven times by dies inserted into the Mint's hydraulic medal press in order to bring the features up to full detail. Many of the diagnostics of this beautiful issue in Proof are never found on the pieces meant for circulation. The present Proof reveals random die polish lines (as prepared) in the fields. The grade confirms it as one of the finest Proof High Relief double eagles certified, and it is solidly within the top examples known for the issue. Both sides exhibit gorgeous surfaces and color, bold devices, no marks of any kind, and aesthetic appeal that leaves all others back in the dust. Both the obverse and the reverse are silent on the subject of bothersome spots or discolored toning, a fact that one expects for the grade. Every element, every intricate feature of the design, is crisply made, and the overall strike is for all intents and purposes full. This is truly a superb representative of Saint-Gaudens' High Relief $20 in Proof condition and is identified by the NGC serial number on the holder: 191009-001. Pop 4; 2 finer, 1 in 68 star, 1 in 69. Historic note: In the summer of 1907, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who had been in failing health for some time, took a turn for the worse, and in August he died. Ironically, he never lived to see examples of his own double eagle design. After President Roosevelt had been appeased by the striking of 11,250 High Relief coins and an unknown number of Proofs of the same Type, the Mint obtained permission to revise its design, wherein the relief was lowered drastically, the Roman numerals purged from the obverse, and more familiar numeral punches used in their place. This was amenable to high-speed production and from then to the end of the series in 1933 Double Eagles were so made. Today, the MCMVII issues of 1907 are highly cherished by collectors and are among the favorites in all American numismatics. Proofs are the crème de la crème of the year. It came as no surprise, then when the Treasury Department proposed issuing new gold bullion coins in 1986, no finer design could be devised than to recreate Augustus Saint-Gaudens' 80-year-old masterpiece. The mint even incorporated the Roman numerals. Estimated Value $100,000 - 110,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3485		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. NGC graded MS-67. Star. A stunning superb gem example exhibiting beaming golden yellow surfaces deepening at the extreme borders. A spectacular star-rated gem whose razor-sharp devices rise like a phoenix bird from the pure-as-gold satiny surface. The fields and devices glow with an almost surreal golden radiance due to the pristine nature of the surface; there are neither handling marks nor spotting of any kind to impair coin's originality. If you as an advanced or specialist collector have been hankering for a first class example of America's most beautiful gold coin, one whose immense presence and technical excellence would be almost impossible to improve on, you will want to ready a bid for this Mint State 67 High Relief. Superb! As was true of the 1907 Indian designs for the $10 gold Eagle, the present Saint-Gaudens-inspired masterpiece was the end product of President Theodore Roosevelt's orchestration with the most famous American sculptor at the time. As originally envisioned, the mint would redo the entire spectrum of American coinage from the lowly bronze one-cent piece through the noble golden double eagle. In correspondence, Saint-Gaudens felt the 1857 Flying Eagle cent was the finest motif found on any American coin, which is probably the reason he chose a similar eagle for his High Relief $20 gold reverse. Pop 1; 2 finer. Estimated Value $100,000 - 110,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3486		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. NGC graded Proof 65. A magnificent untoned gem exhibiting a mixture of satiny and frosty mint luster. One of the most magnificent coins ever struck, this regal gem boasts creamy rich gold luster throughout and near-perfection surfaces. The strike is razor-sharp on all motifs. These were coined on the largest press then available, the Mint's medal press using hydraulic pistons to drive the dies, with maximum pressure to bring up the "high" relief cut deeply into the hardened die steel. Not just one strike, but many were essential to fully complete the minute details on Liberty's head, hand and the tops of the eagle's wing features. As seen here, the coin's devices jump right off the surfaces, or so it seems. Examining the towering rendition of Lady Liberty is like observing Switzerland's Matterhorn when compared to normally struck, post high-relief coins of this denomination. Collectors needn't be reminded that the High Reliefs were basically experimental pieces, and required surmounting several challenges to remain true to Saint-Gaudens stylistic design. Success was complete, as viewed here, but at a price. Only a few Proofs were made before the high relief devices were greatly reduced to a more high-speed-production friendly lower relief coin. While we haven't seen all of the other Proof 65s graded by NGC in this illustrious condition, we may assume that they are equally magnificent specimens. Certain to be the centerpiece of any collection and worthy of a strong bid. Pop 16; 23 finer, 10 in 66, 1 in 66 Star, 6 in 67, 4 in 67 Star, 1 in 68 Star, 1 in 69. Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $43,700
Lot 3487		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. NGC graded MS-67. An absolutely superb gem specimen with immaculate satiny mint surfaces throughout.The Flat Rim variety High Relief is harder to find than the Wire Rim. An issue that needs little introduction among numismatists, this coin is at the upper end of the Superb Gem grade level. The luster flows smoothly, evenly over both sides like molten lava flowing across Hawaii's Kilauea crater pool, and so too does the gorgeous, original, yellow-gold color flow evenly. The outward appearance brightens the entire coin as the viewer tilts the coin into a light. The strike is razor-sharp for a high relief coin that was given five blows from the dies. The surfaces are undeniably smooth with no outwardly noticeable handling marks, no copper spotting, and certainly nothing that would seem to preclude an even finer grade assessment. This is one of the most beautiful High Relief Twenties that this firm has ever sold, and it is destined to find a place of honor in an advanced U.S. gold collection. This exquisite gem should stir plenty of bidder excitment. Pop 12; 5 finer, 2 in 67 star, 2 in 68, 1 in 68 star. Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3488		1907. High Relief, Roman Numerals, Flat Rim. PCGS graded MS-65. A gorgeous gem example exhibiting delicate golden-orange luster on both sides. The flat rim variety is rarer than the wire edge, although many would-be bidders simply wish to own a representative sample of America's most beautiful gold coin. And an outstanding Gem example it is! This has a flat rim around the wide flat border (no wire edge evident). Mintage of the High Relief coins totaled 11,250 struck in November and December, 1907. Wire-edge examples, which are more plentiful than those with flat rim, have an approximate three to one ratio. It is understood 4,000 were struck with flat (not wire) rim. This was publicized in 1908, soon after delivery of the High Reliefs to the Treasury, and for a long time thereafter many listings included these as separate varieties. Warm golden surfaces exhibit the ever-desirable strong satin luster and fine swirling texture, which is the kind of quality that really engages the aesthetic sense with its beauty. The date, for the first time on an American coin, is in Roman numerals, MCMVII (The designer of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition $50 pieces imitated this device when dating his models.) Pop 93; 45 finer, 38 in 66, 6 in 67, 1 in 68 (PCGS # 9136) . Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $43,700
Lot 3489		1907. High Relief, Roman Numerals, Flat Rim. NGC graded MS-65. While we typically offer a few representatives of this popular first-year issue each auction season, we seldom have the pleasure to list one as unspoiled as the present Gem Mint State 65. In fact, bidders who are familiar with High Relief Saint-Gaudens double eagles will see that this is an awe-inspiring example. It has richly colored, satin-like features. In fact, the finish is such that one might confuse this coin one of the Proof High Reliefs. The absence of striations in the obverse field and a little rounding of detail in a few areas confirm this coin as a business strike. They key point to remember is that the focal features are razor-sharp in detail, and neither side reveals even trivial blemishes. A coin that needs to be seen to be fully admired. Pop 66; 74 finer, 57 in 66, 12 in 67, 2 in 67 Star, 2 in 68, 1 in 68 Star. Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3490		1907. High Relief, Roman Numerals, Flat Rim. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. The fields and rims are remarkably clean for this grade. A lovely golden toned beauty and worthy of our Premium Quality designation. One of several delightfully choice MCMVII High Relief $20 gold pieces in the sale, a Mint State 63 beauty with frosty yellow surfaces that display a wealth of attractive bright iridescence. The strike is bold and appealing, while the surfaces hold up extremely well to careful scrutiny. If Mint State 63 quality is your financial "sweet spot" then the present specimen will represent the grade commendably in your set. Definitely a coin anyone would be proud to own and display (PCGS # 9136) . Estimated Value $19,000 - 21,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $21,850
Lot 3491		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-65. A gorgeous golden-olive gem, not even the slightest hitch in the careful production or survival of this handsome coin! (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,750. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,473
Lot 3492		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-65. Lightly toned. The dies deposited multiple layers of swirling frost over the entire surface. A very beautiful coin (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,750. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,875
Lot 3493		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely golden-olive mint bloom color, a gem, a first-rate coin, exemplary, or words to that effect! (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,750. The Leo Wexler Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,818
Lot 3494		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. NGC graded MS-64. Lightly toned. Part of a two-year issue (along with 1907 NM) and needed for a gold Type Set. Tiny mark below EN of TWENTY; exceptionally choice wings and body, however (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,450. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,185

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