Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 62

The Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Half Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1409		1795. O-113a. NGC graded MS-64. Struck on a problem-free planchet with nice broad denticles. A frosty white coin. Overton-113 is an interesting variety where the A is over an earlier E in STATES. The obverse die is identified by a die chip between the 5 and final star. The engraver may have been inattentive when he produced this die, or, having selected his letter punches and laid them out on his workbench, accidentally picked up the E first when he meant to use an A-punch. In most areas in life, a mistake of this kind is easily rectified. However, in the 1790s post-colonial America, die steel was costly and its supply limited. It had to be used sparingly. Many other such preparation "errors" occur on dies in the 1790s to 1830s, so this one fits the precedent. All die engravers in those days used hand tools and special punches rather than the various hubs that are used today. They employed them to insert the stars, letters, date digits, and the like, even to the individual berries on the branches. Hence, the tendency to make mistakes. The obverse is cracked through the tops of LIBERTY as noted in Overton. These are three distinct die cracks, in fact: (1) through the tops of LIB (2) through the tops of ER, and (3), through the tops of TY. Cracks 2 and 3 merge between R and T. A heavy die chip is seen between the 5 and star 15, below the bust tip, with further cracks or die flaws through the final four stars on the right. Light clash marks occur in the obverse fields. The reverse has light die rust and some faint clash marks, but no die cracks. This is the famed Eliasberg specimen, considered the finest known 1795 O-113 half dollar of either the early or late die state. Only two or three Mint State examples of the variety are known. According to the cataloger of the Southwest Collection, "Faint champagne toning over brilliant and frosty silver surfaces. Peripheral obverse and reverse rim disturbances are from the edge lettering process and are strictly as made. Considerable central obverse and reverse weakness is evident, with stronger peripheral details." In the Eliasberg catalog, the coin is described as "Brilliant and highly lustrous with just a whisper of delicate golden toning. An extremely pleasing coin from a visual aspect. This coin could not have appeared much different during the era in which it was struck!" Today, close to two decades later, the coin remains virtually unchanged. We can only surmise but it does look as it must have on the day it was made 216 years ago! An amazing accomplishment. Pop 6; 5 in 65 for the date. Estimated Value $120,000 - 130,000. Ex Eliasberg Collection, Southwest Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1410		1795. . O-108. PCGS graded Fine-12. Nice original even toning on both sides, the smooth fields having attracted medium antique gray hues while the devices are a lighter shade of what numismatists sometimes call rubbed-silver where the interaction of human hands slowly wear the surface down decade by decade. Since it offers choice rims, damage-free fields and devices, and a pleasing balanced appearance, bidders will likely conclude that this is a coin to seriously consider (PCGS # 6052) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. The William Pannier Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1411		1795 O-119. ANACS graded Fine-12. Nicely struck on a problem-free planchet with even grey toning on both sides. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,070
Lot 1412		1795. . O-108. NGC graded Good-6. Even wear on a smooth planchet and decent detail for the grade. On O-108 the Berries are arranged 9 x 8, R.4. This much scarcer variety is characterized by several die defects around star 1 and a rim break on the reverse that covers several segments of the milling just before the second ribbon end. Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,208
Lot 1413		1796. 16 stars. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck with gorgeous reflective surfaces throughout. Only 1 finer which is graded MS66 in a Texas collection. The finest example we have ever handled in 50 years. The gorgeous Mint State coin offered in this sale is part of the illustrious, and very rare draped bust, small eagle series of early half dollar. This Type consists of only two dates, 1796 and 1797, each of which is represented by two die varieties. The 1796 issue with 15 obverse stars is Overton 101, that with 16 stars is categorized as Overton 102. The 16 stars coin was said to be made after the admission of Tennessee to the Union on June 1, 1796. Tennessee became the 16th state, hence, 16 stars. Curiously, all 1796 and 1797 half dollars are thought to have been minted in 1797 as part of three deliveries. Mint records show that the first delivery was made on February 28, 1797 (60 coins), the second delivery on March 21 (874 coins), and the final one on May 26 (2,984 coins). Breen (Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins), makes the assumption that the February delivery contained those with 15 stars; while the coins minted in March included some 1796 with 15 stars and others with 16 stars (Later production in May consisted mostly of 1797-dated pieces but may have included the last of the 1796's with 16 stars.) Fewer than 4,000 small eagle half dollars were struck in 1796 and 1797 combined. Of these, no more than 5% exist in collectors' hands or in museum collection, the vast majority of which show extensive wear, often with retooling or plug-filled holes. This piece compares favorably with the very best survivors, and it is not far removed from the finest 1796 half dollar, the MS-66 graded by PCGS that now resides in a well known collection that may never be sold. A shimmering, pewter-gray to steel toned coin radiating mint prooflike glow on gorgeous almost medallic-gem quality silver surfaces. There are some adjustment marks criss-crossing the eagle's breast. Sharp detail on all devices is typical for this issue; however, with present Mint State 64 we see a wonderful crisp strike found on the stars, hair curls, and Liberty's drapery. The eagle, barring the inconstancies of the adjustment lines, shows great depth of detail, as do the supporting branches of the wreath, with laurel represented at the left, and a palm branch on the right. A marvel of preservation! Pop 1; 1 better in 66. Only 2 Mint State examples graded by PCGS (PCGS # 6058) . Estimated Value $300,000-UP. Ex: ANR's 3/2004 Haig Koshkarian Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $345,000
Lot 1414		1801. . Overton-101, Rarity-3. PCGS graded VF-25. Only 30,289 minted. Nice blue and gray toning with balanced wear (and striking details) on the devices. One obverse was used on both die marriages this year, the the date large and close; on O-101, the second A in AMERICA does not touch wing feathers. The start of the 19th century marked a new beginning for U.S. half dollars. After a three-year hiatus, the large silver coins returned in 1801 with a new design: the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle type. The United States Mint wasn't yet 10 years old at the time, but this was already the third different design to appear on the 50-cent piece, the two earlier series having lasted just two years apiece. Clearly, federal officials were casting about for just the right combination of symbolism and artistry to showcase on the young nation's coinage. The Heraldic Eagle style was produced from 1801 to 1807 (PCGS # 6064) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1415		1801. ANACS graded Fine-12. Lightly toned. In an old ANACS holder. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 1416		1802. PCGS graded AU-53. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Even toning. The surfaces and color on this rare date are very attractive. We note steel gray tones with more than enough golden luster within the devices on both sides to entice buyers. Sharp and well preserved, with full sharp curls on Liberty and sharp details on the eagle's wings. Most of the stars are also well formed. A true rarity in this grade, it deserves a place in the finest collection. An valuable conquest for the energetic Bust Half Dollar specialist. In a series where there are many die varieties and subvarieties, the 1802 half dollar mintage stands out for its uniqueness: the 29,890 pieces were struck from a single die pair. There are no others varieties for the date. Pop 5; 10 finer, 1 in 55, 7 in 58, 2 in 62 (PCGS # 6065) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. Ex: Pryor Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,225
Lot 1417		1803 NGC graded XF Details. . Overton-104, Rarity-3. Small 3. Improperly cleaned. Nice toning all the same, a desirable early draped bust, heraldic eagle issue with the desirable Small 3 in date (a distinct Red Book variety). Only 188,234 minted in 1803. Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 1418		1803. Large 3. . Overton-103, Rarity-3. PCGS graded AU-50. A total of three die marriages exist for 1803, all of which use the same obverse. A lustrous untoned example which as great eye-appeal from careful handling by its former owners. Well detailed on the devices. Mintage of 188,234 pieces. On Overton-103, a reverse leaf nearly touches the base of I in AMERICA; there are 13 arrow, and of the 5 berries, the lowest one has a very short stem. Early die state before the faint crack at STATES formed (PCGS # 6066) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,485
Lot 1419		1805. . Overton-106, Rarity-3. NGC graded VF-25. Nice light golden toning. 211,722 minted. Half dollars were not struck in 1804, but there is an 1805/4 overdate in the variety group this year presumably intended for use in that year but overpunched with a 5 when no orders came in for half dollars. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $633
Lot 1420		1806. Pointed 6, stem through claw O-116 Rarity 3. NGC graded AU-58. Smooth medium on what in other fields would be award-winning surfaces. We note a small diagonal line streaming down from the L in LIBERTY. A touch of weakness is seen at the central curls on the obverse and on part of the neck and ribbon of the reverse, but here it is probably that the dies given slightly less than enough power by the strong-armed press operator to prevent stronger metal flow in the central areas; the obverse details elsewhere are quite sharp, as are the clouds, leaves, arrows and legends on the reverse. A handsome coin to represent the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle type. (Early half dollars, pre-1808) have no denomination inscribe on the surfaces of the coin. Instead, the edge is lettered FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR to denote the value.) Pop 2; 1 finer in 65 Star. Estimated Value $4,500 - 4,800. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1421		1806. Pointed 6, stem not through claw. . Overton-109a. Rarity-3. PCGS graded AU-50. Lustrous and light gray patina. A later state of the die with extensive die break through star 12. "This late state of the die usually exhibits only partial milling and stars drawn to edge," explains the Overton variety book. Pop 25; 66 finer (PCGS # 6073) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,990
Lot 1422		1807. . Overton-105, Rarity-1. NGC graded MS-62. Light blue and gold toning. A lustrous, well struck exmaple of the popular Large Eagle (or Heraldic Eagle) Type, in production for only a few years from 1801-07. This die marriages pairs Obverse 4 of 1807 (1 jointed to curl) with reverse C having the beak and star joined point to point with a visible small lump from a chip in the die near the milling between S of STATES and O of OF. A die crack joins STATES OF at top. Condition Census (65,64,62,58, 55). Pop 10; 52 finer. Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,050
Lot 1423		1807. PCGS graded VF-20. Even wear and even antique grey toning (PCGS # 6079) . Estimated Value $475 - 525. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $604
Lot 1424		1808. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Nice original toning and well struck for this date. A lovely coin that should be regraded. Pop 12; 32 finer (PCGS # 6090) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,200
Lot 1425		1808. PCGS graded Genuine Surface Damage. Our grade is Sharpness of VF cleaned (PCGS # 6090) . Estimated Value $70 - 80. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $173
Lot 1426		1810. O-101. NGC graded XF Details, improperly cleaned. Estimated Value $100 - 110. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $219
Lot 1427		1811. Small 8. O-108. NGC graded XF Details, improperly cleaned. Estimated Value $100 - 110. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $173
Lot 1428		1812 and 1825. Coins grade as follows: 1812 NGC XF Details; 1825 NGC AU Details. Both improperly cleaned. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $150 - 170. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $316
Lot 1429		1820. Curl base 2, small date. O-103a. NGC graded VF Details, rev spot removed. Estimated Value $80 - 90. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $121
Lot 1430		1823. O-112. NGC graded XF Details, improperly cleaned. Estimated Value $120 - 130. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $161
Lot 1431		1826 Capped Bust Half Dollar PCGS graded Genuine. Questionable color. Our grade is MS60. We like the toning (PCGS # 6143) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $564
Lot 1432		1826. PCGS graded Genuine. Our grade is Sharpness of AU with obverse scratches. Attractive blue and gold toning (PCGS # 6143) . Estimated Value $100 - 110. The Haveland Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $184
Lot 1433		1827. Square base 2. PCGS graded AU-58. Deep original antique toning on both sides, with luster a-plenty throughout the fields and devices (PCGS # 6144) . Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,955
Lot 1434		1827. Square base 2. PCGS graded EF-45. Nicely toned (PCGS # 6144) . Estimated Value $130 - 140. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1435		1830, 1834 and 1836. Coins grade as follows: 1830 NGC AU Details; 1834 NGC VF-35; 1836 NGC VF Details. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $140 - 160. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $288
Lot 1436		1832. . Small Letters. O-103, Rarity-1. NGC graded MS-66. A grogeous well struck gem with stunning rainbow toning on both sides. A difficult issue to find this frosty, this spectacular, with eruptions color whose beauty further enhances the coin's significance. Sharply and fully struck, without any hint of limitation in the detail at the hair curls (which are bold), Liberty's cap and clasp, but noteworthy, nor on the eagle and shield. All shield lines and strips are full. Among the most beautiful mint state Bust Halves we have seen! Pop 7; 5 in 67. Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,500
Lot 1437		1832. PCGS graded MS-62. Well struck and totally white, a lovely (and lustrous) example of this Type Set date. Small letters reverse (PCGS # 6160) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,956
Lot 1438		1833 O-103 Rarity 2. NGC graded MS-65. A frosty white coin. The surfaces are bright with moon-glow freshness and show none of the muting often affecting on dates in the 1830s. We could spend hours describing the luster. However, the grade says a lot about its freshness, its originality. Such, then, for luster. Turning to the other key indicator, a coin that is desirable with this meticulous strike on the hair curls and cap, Liberty's drapery as well. The eagle shows abundant detail in its plumage. If any weakness is to be found, it runs down the right-hand side of the shield and impacts (slightly) the claws on that side. Spot-free; gleaming, and a solid Gem MS65. Pop 21; 5 finer, 2 in 66, 2 in 67, 1 in 68. Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 1439		1833. PCGS graded MS-62. A frosty white coin. Choice for the grade with medium to sharp detail on the devices (only a few hair curls are rounded on their tops); four of the 13 stars are weak, but the others show most of their detail (PCGS # 6163) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,725
Lot 1440		1836. Reeded edge NGC graded Fine Details. Obverse graffiti. Popular date. Approximately 1,200+ struck. Based on Mint delivery figures for December 1836, and for the first half of 1837, as well as on the relative ratios of the two weights for specimens whose weights are known to us, it is believed that some 200 Halves were struck and delivered in December (on the old standard), and 1,000 more in February 1837 (struck on the new standard). Since the weight differential between the two issues was only one and three-quarters grains, circulation would quickly blur the distinction. Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $949
Lot 1441		1837, 1838 and 1839. All NGC graded VG Details, cleaned or scrached. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $150 - 170. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $219
Lot 1442		1839. PCGS graded AU-58. Frosty and white with close to 95% luster sill evident. Pop 38; 92 finer (PCGS # 6179) . Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $661
Lot 1443		1839-O. NGC graded Proof 65 Robison. Needle sharp. Georgeous irridescent hues of violet and blue. Exceedingly rare branch mint Proof. Not listed by PCGS. Rarity-7. One of five or fewer known. A fantastic example of this extraordinarily rare branch mint Proof. The surfaces are, expanding on the above, richly toned in shades of iridescent blue and dark champagne color with traces of delicate green and purple-laden russet all blended together. There is not a thing to report that would tend to limit the technical grade, and, as the photographs clearly show, the coin's overall appeal its tops in its class. For identification, there is a minute nick below Liberty's chin at the upper throat. The coin is encased in NGC holder with certification number 1720540-001. (See the Population statistics below.) The piece is struck with the one die pairing found on the other Proofs as well as most of the circulation 1839-O mint half dollars. In this early Proof state the obverse shows no indications of a later die crack that developed through the stars. The Mintmark is bold, as well as being double-punched along the lower curve. Although apparently both dies cracked very early in the production run of the Branch Mint Proofs, with the 1838-O coins being struck from this same reverse die (prior to the striking of the 1839-O Proofs), this example shows no signs of die deterioration. It may have been one of the first 1839-O Proofs minted. The Breen Encyclopedia (1988) lists "5 known Proofs." Stack's which offered a "Choice Brilliant Proof" 1839-O in its October 2006 sale, kindly provides the following up-to-date provenance listing of the 4 known specimens as derived from Breen's earlier Proof Encyclopedia (1977): 1) Ex Stack's Sale, September 1992, lot 358; Krouner Collection (Lester Merkin, February 1971, lot 736); Stack's Sale, October 2006. 2) Proof, deeply toned. Planchet defect over eagle's head. F.C.C. Boyd ''World's Greatest Collection'' (Numismatic Gallery, May 1945, lot 411; Allenburger Collection (B. Max Mehl, March 1948); R. E. Cox Collection (Stack's, April 1962, lot 1875). 3) Reported by Breen in Philip G. Straus Collection (1951). Not later sold in New Netherlands #53, June 1959 or Stack's, May 1959. Not seen. Medal turn die alignment. 4) This Specimen. Private collection, possibly #1 or #3 above or another specimen--Robison Collection (Stack's, February 1982, lot 1607). Pop 1; none finer. Only 4 proofs graded by NGC. Estimated Value $200,000-UP. Ex Stack's 2/1982 Robison Collection, Lot 1607. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $264,500
Lot 1444		1839-O. PCGS graded Genuine. Our grade Sharpness of Very Fine, lightly cleaned (PCGS # 6181) . Estimated Value $250 - 275. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $322
Lot 1445		A lot of Bust Half Dollars. Consists of: 1821, 1825, 1826, 1830 (2), 1832. All are toned and will grade from Good to Fine. Lot of 6 coins. Estimated Value $300 - 350. The Haveland Estate. View details	Realized $380
Lot 1446		A lot of graded Bust Halves. Consists of: 1830 SEGS AU-53; 1830 NGC XF Details; 1832 NGC VF Details; 1834 NGC VF Details; 1834 NGC Fine Details All improperly cleaned. Lot of 5 coins. Estimated Value $250 - 275. View details	Realized $403
Lot 1447		A lot of NGC graded Bust Halves. Consists of: 1822 XF Details; 1829 VF Details; 1829 XF Details; 1829 XF Details. All improperly cleaned. A nice looking group. Lot of 4 coins. Estimated Value $225 - 250. View details	Realized $368
Lot 1448		A trio of Bust Halves. Consists of: 1812, 1813, 1834. Coins rannge from VG to VF. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $200 - 220. The William Pannier Estate. View details	Realized $311
Lot 1449		A trio of NGC graded Bust Halves. Consists of: 1808 NGC VF Details; 1810 NGC VF Details; 1814 NGC VF Details. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $175 - 200. View details	Realized $334
Lot 1450		1850 NGC graded AU Details. Whizzed. Scarce date. Still a nice looking coin, one of just 227,000 made (one-tenth the number of the 1850-O). Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $483
Lot 1451		1851-O. NGC graded AU-55. Lightly toned. Boldly struck and a lustrous example. Although 402,000 were made (a respectable number), many were later melted and recoined into Arrows coins of the new 1853-55 standard. Estimated Value $225 - 250. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $552
Lot 1452		1852-O. PCGS graded VF-35. Natural grey toning (PCGS # 6269) . Estimated Value $160 - 170. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $604
Lot 1453		1853. Arrows and Rays. Together with: Half Dollar 1854-O. Both coins grade EF to AU, cleaned. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $150 - 160. The William Pannier Estate. View details	Realized $403
Lot 1454		1855-S. Arrows NGC graded VG Details. Improperly cleaned. Scarce date. Light even toning. First S-mint date in the half dollar series, only 129,950 were produced. Scarce. Estimated Value $200 - 220. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $311
Lot 1455		1856-S NGC graded XF Details. Improperly cleaned. Scarce date, mintage 211,000. Estimated Value $200 - 225. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $322
Lot 1456		1859. PCGS graded Proof 62 Cameo. Only 800 Proofs struck. Untoned. The collectible No Motto dates in this series are 1858-65. Earlier Proofs were minted, but in small numbers and they weren't offered officially to collectors. This is a sharp, keen-edge specimen with all the design details in clear relief. Pop 4; 15 finer (PCGS # 86413) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. Ex: Stack's Auction 3/1982 Lot 856; The Dr. Charles Richman Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,150
Lot 1457		1866. With Motto PCGS graded Genuine. Questionable color. Our grade is MS60 probably retoned in the 1980's. Still attractive (PCGS # 6319) . Estimated Value $250 - 275. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $345
Lot 1458		1874. Arrows. PCGS graded Genuine Proof. Our grade is Proof 64,beautifuly toned. Desirable two-year Type with arrows at date. Only 700 Proofs struck. From an old time collection acquired in the 1940's (PCGS # 6435) . Estimated Value $600-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610

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