Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 62

The Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$2.50 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2053		1834. No motto. PCGS graded MS-63+. Well struck with dazzling golden sunset toning. A Premium Quality example for the grade. Quarter eagles and half eagles of the Classic Head type, from dies by William Kneass, were made their appearance in 1834 and with that date, and made their début in circulation in August. They were struck under the auspices of the Mint Act of June 28, 1834, sponsored by Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton. Until that time (August 1834) no gold coins other than private Bechtler pieces had been in American circulation since the very early 1820s, and the sight of them must have been unfamiliar to just about everyone. A specimen of the new Type whose eye-popping beauty shows that the present piece is well struck on the obverse and reverse, offers excellent clarity in the stars, full dentils, and is attractive in all respects. The luster is bold as any seen in MS63. Among gold coins of the William Kneass design, few are rarities in the normal sense. All the same, this is one of the choicer graded and also a resplendent pick for a Type Set that we have seen in some while. A few small scattered marks are seen upon close inspection. Pop 1; 35 in 64, 5 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 7692) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,913
Lot 2054		1834. No motto. PCGS graded AU-58. Semi-reflective surfaces. Nice golden toning with a light scratch above Liberty's brow. Much luster remains. All stars are very sharp. First year issue, designs were by William Kneass (PCGS # 7692) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,185
Lot 2055		1835. ICG graded AU-53. Light golden toning with reflective surfaces and abundant luster. A minor scuff is noted above the date, and a tiny mark beside the fourth star. A couple of further light marks noted around the eagle, all are consistent with the light circulation this received. Second year of issue. Only 131,402 minted (the high point in mintage occurred the next year, 1836, when over half a million were made). Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2056		1839-O. PCGS graded AU-50. CAC Approved. A nice full strike with light even gold toning on both sides. A popular design and the only Quarter Eagle featuring an obverse mintmark. New Orleans began producing coins in 1838 (half dimes, dimes, and a few specimen half dollars), but only began gold production in 1839 with this lovely quarter eagle issue. Lustrous and quite attractive. Only 17,781 struck (PCGS # 7701) . Humorous sidenote: How social traditions have changed over the years! On March 3, 1839, the year this quarter eagle made its debut, The New York Mirror printed the following program for a dinner conversation: "When you are seated next to a lady, you should be only polite during the 1st course; you may be gallant in the 2nd; but you must not be tender till the dessert." Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,335
Lot 2057		1861 New Reverse. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved. Boldly struck and intensely lustrous. The very choice surfaces are overlaid by gleaming reddish-golden finish, with Liberty being particularly frosty as well as virtually free of marks. Sharp devices, too (PCGS # 7794) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,438
Lot 2058		1869-S. NGC graded AU-58. Lightly toned. We note some tiny ticks about the obverse rims. Very scarce in this condition, with only 29,500 struck. Pop 54; 16 finer (PCGS # 7810) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2059		1878. NGC graded MS-63. Frosty and untoned, this is a relatively early issue that is rarely seen or offered in choice Mint condition (PCGS # 7828) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 2060		1885. PCGS graded AU-58. Low mintage of only 800 struck and one of the most desirable dates from this period along with the similar low mintage 1881. Mostly untoned with prooflike surfaces. Pop 13; 24 finer (PCGS # 7837) . Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,875
Lot 2061		1892. NGC graded Proof 67 Ultra Cameo. A stunning white gem. Only 105 Proofs struck. Knife-edge, deeply frosted legends and design elements are surrounded by gleaming, fully mirrored fields. The appearance of this lovely coin is for all intents and purposes perfect, and even close inquiry with a magnifier reveals a very limited number of minor shortcomings. Perhaps only fifty percent of this Proof issue have managed to make it down to the present in all grades. A typical specimen falls within the 62 to 64 range. An elite few (see below) rival the condition of the distinctive coin offered here, and none surpass it; as a consequence we feel quite secure in placing this example within the condition census for Proofs of this date. Proof Quarter Eagles are a favorite with numismatists. Most display a cameo appearance. Their design elements and beauty combine to make the collecting of them a worthwhile pursuit. Proof Liberty heads were made at the Philadelphia Mint and were sold to collectors from 1858 until 1907. Assembling a date run of them, especially in Proof, would be a fascinating challenge. In closing, the present coin will certainly be a highlight. Pop 3; none finer at NGC. Estimated Value $25,000 - 27,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $29,900
Lot 2062		1893. PCGS graded Proof 63 Deep Cameo PQ. Well struck with lovely golden toning. Small lint mark on the reverse. Only 106 Proofs struck. Well struck and choice for the grade. The golden toning is immensely attractive. As certain as night follows day in the Northern Hemisphere, the 1893 Proof quarter eagle is a coin that is elusive in this coining format, with barely over one hundred pieces minted and sold. Its scarcity is beyond reproach since as a Proof, very few survive (see population numbers below). Survivors might almost be scarcer than many long-time experts suppose. The coin has razor-sharp details and smooth, swirling reflectiveness in the field on both sides. Just a few hairlines show while the devices are covered in micron-fine satin frost. The devices display rich mint color giving the coin a pronounced beauty surpassing its modest Proof 63 numerical condition. Collectors of Proof gold will want to follow it closely on the auction block, for it may be many auction cycles before another such choice example will present itself. Pop 2; 9 finer (PCGS # 97919) . Preparation of a Proof striking usually involves polishing of the dies. The finished coin can usually be distinguished from normal circulation ones by its sharper rims and design, as well as much smoother "fields" -- the blank areas not part of the coin's design. The dies for making 19th Century Proof gold were often treated with chemicals to make certain parts of the design take on a frosted appearance, with the polished fields taking on a mirror finish. Several other methods have been used in recent times to achieve this effect, including sand blasting the dies, and matte proofs. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900
Lot 2063		1897. PCGS graded Proof 66. Lovely rich golden toning. Only 136 Proofs struck. A strikingly beautiful gem of the sort that could easily draw one's attention from across a crowded bourse floor, for that's how beautiful it truly is! Heavily frosted motifs and deeply mirrored rich golden-colored fields exhibit a nuance of fresh reflection rarely seen, at the rims and throughout the fields as well as the balance of the coin. The present survivor must easily be among the more gorgeous 1897 Liberty quarter eagles, or quarter eagle Proofs of any date for that matter. Amazingly, a half dozen grading events have been registered at this level or finer, though we cannot imagine how they could be any more extraordinary, for such is the lot of the present beauty. Pop 5; 1 finer in 67 (PCGS # 7923) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $20,125
Lot 2064		1900. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Housed in a First Generation Holder. Well struck with deep orange toning over very frosty fields and devices (PCGS # 7852) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 2065		1903. NGC graded MS-66. A well struck satiny mint gem. This is a pleasingly bright and lustrous, both sides are warmly colored in fresh-gold hues. Devices were struck with energy and full oomph by the dies imparting all design elements boldly. Pop 291; 89 in 67; 4 in 68 (PCGS # 7855) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,898
Lot 2066		1903. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Well struck. Radiant and exhibiting little if any toning color other than original beaming gold. A very pleasing example of this year (PCGS # 7855) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,050. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,121
Lot 2067		1904. PCGS graded MS-63. Light gold toning. Only 160,790 minted (PCGS # 7856) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. The Dr. Charles Richman Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $891
Lot 2068		1905. PCGS graded MS-67 PQ. CAC Approved. Well struck with rich golden toning. Full mint luster shimmers over both sides with a gorgeous satiny sheen. The color is a rich, original, reddish-gold shade that highlights the uncommon absence of abrasions. Like most which are fully struck, this marvel of precision minting shows all regions crisply detailed including the centers of the stars, the hair and LIBERTY at the coronet, with impressive detail throughout the eagle and shield as well. A superb specimen! Pop 48; 1 finer in 68 (PCGS # 7857) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 2069		1905. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck with light golden toning, the fully brilliant example we now hand over bidders beats (from a technical angle) practically all of the other MS64s that have passed through the various grading services (PCGS # 7857) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. The William Pannier Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 2070		1906. PCGS graded Proof 64. Only 160 proofs struck. Rich golden toning. A few minor marks in the fields. The present 1906 Liberty quarter eagle shows the sharp detail characteristic of Proofs, as well as the high date that slants down slightly toward the right. The vibrant-gold surfaces are well mirrored, providing considerable contrast against frosty devices. This coin offers broad appeal, both numismatically and aesthetically. Pop 25; 43 finer (PCGS # 7932) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,038
Lot 2071		1906. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lovely golden toning, frosty luster throughout (PCGS # 7858) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $891
Lot 2072		1906. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck with near immaculate surfaces thus a Premium Quality coin for the grade (PCGS # 7858) . Estimated Value $825 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 2073		1907. NGC graded Unc Details damaged. Our grade is MS63 with one small obverse mark near star one and two similar marks on the reverse. Estimated Value $300 - 325. View details	Realized $265
Lot 2074		1908. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely golden color, the surface on this first-year Indian head being satiny frosted over both sides (PCGS # 7939) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,064
Lot 2075		1910. PCGS graded MS-62. Lustrous example of the Type (PCGS # 7941) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $604
Lot 2076		1911-D. PCGS graded AU-58. Boldly struck with a nice clear mint-mark, all, delicately toned with luster beaming from the surface. The price line of this key date Indian quarter eagle has a steady rise over the last 60 years or more as collectors discover the ease of obtaining the other 14 coins in the set to make a complete collection of Indian quarter eagles. Sharp examples draw bidder attention from all points of the compass (PCGS # 7943) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,750
Lot 2077		1911-D. PCGS graded AU-58. Strong "D" mint mark. Very close to full Mint State. Popular Key Date. The 1911-D has become much scarcer in recent years due to increased pressure from buyers of rare, low-mintage gold like this. Should offer many hours of enjoyable study and contemplation by the new owner. Once a 1911-D is acquired, choice examples of the other 14 coins in the Indian Head Quarter Eagle set are a breeze to find in AU or Mint State grades (PCGS # 7943) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,635
Lot 2078		1911-D NGC graded AU Details. Polished. A popular key date and one of only three years in the Indian quarter eagle series to bear a D mintmark: 1911-D, 1914-D, and 1925-D. Scarce (PCGS # 7943) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2079		1911-D. NGC graded AU Details, improperly cleaned. The mintmark is sharp. Only 55,680 minted. Popular key date to the series (PCGS # 7943) . Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,990
Lot 2080		1913. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved. Well struck and frosty for this innovative coin design. Bela Lyon Pratt designed the Indian $2.50 and $5 gold pieces. The mint translated his vision into these "recessed relief" masterpieces. Choice lustrous coins like this 1913 always get a lot of attention (PCGS # 7945) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $949
Lot 2081		1913. PCGS graded MS-62. Lightly toned and quite frosty, a Premium Quality coin for the grade (PCGS # 7945) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $575
Lot 2082		1913. NGC graded AU-58. Toned (PCGS # 7945) . Estimated Value $240 - 250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $345
Lot 2083		1913. AU-50. Toned. Estimated Value $220 - 230. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $253
Lot 2084		1914. NGC graded MS-61. A frosty mint example. A slightly better date in this state of preservation. An advertisement in the New York Times for July 28, 1914, reported that a golf club cost $2.50. Thus, nine irons plus a putter cost about $25. A driver and fairway woods would be extra (PCGS # 7946) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. The William Pannier Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $690
Lot 2085		1914-D. PCGS graded MS-63. Lightly toned and deserving a strong bid (PCGS # 7947) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,050. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 2086		Harshly cleaned. The "D" mint mark is partial and mostly struck on the edge. Quite unusual, possibly due to stress on the die since the mintmark placement on Indian $2.50s was close to the edge of the die, a vulnerable point (PCGS # 7947) . Estimated Value $300-UP. The William Pannier Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $322
Lot 2087		1915. NGC graded MS-63. Well struck with nice golden toning. A slightly better date in this high grade (PCGS # 7948) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $949
Lot 2088		1915. NGC graded MS-63. Mostly untoned. A slightly better date in this state of preservation (PCGS # 7948) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. The William Pannier Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 2089		1915. NGC graded MS-61. Frosty and lightly toned (PCGS # 7948) . Estimated Value $325 - 350. The William Pannier Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $391
Lot 2090		1915. PCGS graded MS-61. Frosty (PCGS # 7948) . Estimated Value $325 - 350. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $472
Lot 2091		1925-D. PCGS graded MS-63. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lovely golden toning. Splendidly lustrous, both sides of this orange-gold Indian $2.50 exhibit oscillating cartwheel effects (PCGS # 7949) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,064
Lot 2092		1925-D. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely light golden toning. The 1925-D is one of three D-mint quarter eagles in the set. All others were made at Philadelphia and so carry no mintmark (PCGS # 7949) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 2093		1926. PCGS graded MS-64. Attractive honey color mint luster, the frosty glow blossoms all over the coin. Well struck, too (PCGS # 7950) . Estimated Value $1,150 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 2094		1927. PCGS graded MS-63. Choice and frosty with honey color gold surfaces (PCGS # 7951) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 2095		1928. PCGS graded MS-64. Lovely golden toning and quite frosty. Flattering mint bloom that pulsates with vivid-gold color. Struck with controlled precision throughout. The obverse on the Indian $2.50 depicts a realistic-looking Indian brave in a war bonnet, with the date, 13 stars and the motto LIBERTY forming a circle around this central device. The reverse shows an eagle in repose, perched upon fasces and an olive branch, the intertwined symbols of preparedness and peace. Through judicious sizing and placement, designer Bela Lyon Pratt succeeded in incorporating four different inscriptions on this side (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST and the statement of value) without causing the coin to seem unbalanced, cluttered or cramped (PCGS # 7952) . Estimated Value $1,150 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,121
Lot 2096		1928. PCGS graded MS-63. Lightly toned (PCGS # 7952) . Estimated Value $725 - 750. The Dr. Charles Richman Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 2097		1928. PCGS graded MS-62. Delicate golden toning (PCGS # 7952) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $546
Lot 2098		1928 NGC graded Unc Details. Improperly cleaned. Light golden toning (PCGS # 7952) . Estimated Value $300 - 325. The William Pannier Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $311
Lot 2099		1929. Both AU-55. Each exhibits light signs of cleaning. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $500 - 525. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $506
Lot 2100		Partial Set of $2.50 Indians. 1908-1929 Complete lacking only the 1911-D. Coins range in grades from EF to AU. Housed in a customl red plastic holder. Lot of 14 coins. Estimated Value $3,400 - 3,600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $4,600
Lot 2101		Partial Set of $2.50 Indians. Consists of: 1911, 1912 and 1929. All are EF to AU and housed in a special Lucite blue holder. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details	Realized $805