Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 63

The Pre-Long Beach Auction of US, World Coins and Currency

Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 867		1794 B-1, BB-1 Rarity 4. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 6 finer, 1 in 62+, 1 in 63+, 1 in 64, 2 in 66, and 1 in SP66. A marvelous example of this extremely important United States coin! Iridescent blue and green shades can be seen tucked into the devices beautifully. The date is quite bold. According to Martin Logies (the author of the book "The 1794 Dollar"), this could easily qualify as a MS61. While adjustment marks are evident on both sides, they aren't distracting but rather add to the sensational originality. Silver dollar mintages were small throughout 1794-1803 because little demand existed domestically for this coin. The first United States Mint struck coins to order, for the most part. Bankers and others deposited silver and gold with the Mint, which the Mint's workers turned into coinage and then delivered to the owners of the precious metals. Those depositing silver with the Mint in the first years showed a preference for the more convenient half dollars than for the silver dollars, ordering more of the smaller denomination than the larger. As best as we can understand, the silver was too large for small transactions but too small for convenient transportation or storage of large sums. Many 1794-1803 silver dollars were melted. Striking silver dollars that were only going to be melted (or exported) was wasteful of the Mint's production capacity. Production of this denomination ceased after 1803, possibly under the orders of President Jefferson. The halt in production for the silver dollar proved more than temporary. It wouldn't be struck for circulation again until 1840, at the second Philadelphia Mint. In the Beginning. In 1794, the mint did not have a coining press powerful enough to strike Dollar-size coins, the largest being used for Large Cents and Half Dollars. Therefore, this Half Dollar press was employed to strike the first American Silver Dollars. It was soon revealed that it could not fully strike the design on the left side of the coin (the dies being slightly misaligned). Although the left hand stars and upper portion of the left side reverse letters are normally weakly impressed, they are completely visible to the naked eye. All known strikes of this issue were made on October 15, 1794. The designs were by Robert Scot, originally from England, who also personally cut the dies. All silver specimens known to us show weakness in the strike at the left obverse and reverse, as described, due to skewing or oblique alignment of the dies; the unique copper specimen with lettered edge, apparently intended as a Proof or Pattern, does not show this skewing and therefore may have been struck first or on a separate occasion. It is conceivable that a few silver strikes were made before the skewing occurred and thus would have a full strike at the left sides, but we cannot recall having seen any, nor do we have any record of sale of such a specimen (PCGS # 39972) . Historic Note: Mint records indicate that only 1,758 silver dollars were minted in the initial year of production, 1794. Of that number probably no more than 90-100 pieces are believed extant today in all grades. This coin has very little actual wear, but there are innumerable adjustment marks around each side that detract somewhat from its overall desirability. The adjustment marks that are so prevalent were commonly done in the early days of the mint to planchets that were overweight. A file was drawn across the surface and excess metal removed by this method until the planchet was brought down to the desired weight. It was a crude method, but such practices give early American coins an undeniable charm. This piece is most readily identifiable by a toning spot in the exergual area above the space between the 1 and 7 in the date. The unique configuration of the peripheral adjustment marks also help identify this as the Connecticut Historical Society specimen. Estimated Value $500,000 - 600,000. Ex: CT Historical Society/Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $575,000
Lot 868		1795 B-9, BB-13 Rarity 4. PCGS graded AU-53 PQ. Silver Plug. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Taking into account the Silver Plug, this coin is quite possibly a Rarity 6 or 7. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. Appealing multi-dimenstional toning covers both sides beautifully. The Silver Plug is quite pronounced and can be easily seen with the naked eye. Flowing hair in six curls; the third one from the top turns downward and touches the fourth curl. Two points of the first star touch the lowest curl which ends at star point. The last star or lowest one on the right is mostly under the bust, and a point nearly touches. (The dies for these were hand-made rather than from complete punches as in post-1830s coinage, hence the great variety in the spacing of the stars and date digits, etc.) Noteworthy is the Close date; outlines from repunching appear at top of 5 and right top of 7 (most visible on early impressions from the die). I closer to L than to B with L slightly low. This workhorse obverse die was used to strike 1795 BB-11, BB-12, and BB-13. Reverse C: Two leaves under each wing. 17 berries, nine on left branch, eight on right. A berry is on the outside of the wreath midway between S and T of STATES, the only variety in which this occurs; the arrangement is similar to that used on the 1794 dollar. This reverse die used to strike 1795 BB-13 and BB-14 (PCGS # 39991) . Historic note: When David Rittenhouse was hired to be the Philadelphia Mint's first Director, he had a twofold task to accomplish. The first was to begin production of silver coins, especially silver dollars, that would compare favorably in weight to the widely circulated Spanish (Carolus) dollars. Second, the coins had to present well. The first goal was much easier to realize than the second. Adjustment marks and even silver plugs (as here) were used to make early silver dollars conform to weight specifications. How the coins appeared was a matter of considerable experimentation in the first few years and was a process that continued until the Gobrecht design was adopted and modified in the 1830s. Estimated Value $60,000 - 70,000. Ex: Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $74,750
Lot 869		1795 2 Leaves B-9, BB-13 Rarity 4. PCGS graded AU-55 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. The obverse die clash marks are quite intriguing. This attractive example is blanketed with lovely golden shades on both sides. A superior specimen with eruptions of faint afterglow on both sides associated with the turtle-shell gray patina. Nearly fully struck for this era, however just a hint of limitation in the detail at the eagle's wings and body. Perfectly centered on a choice, smooth planchet. Head of 1794. Obverse 1 same as in BB-11. Sometimes seen in a late die state showing die clash marks from the wings and wreath behind Miss Liberty's head, as here. Obverse die used to strike 1795 BB-11, BB-12, and BB-13. Reverse C: Two leaves under each wing. 17 berries, nine on left branch, eight on right. A berry is on outside of the wreath midway between S and T of STATES, the only variety in which this occurs; the arrangement is similar to that used on the 1794 dollar. Reverse die used to strike 1795 BB-13 and BB-14. The die state usually seen. Specimens are often seen with varying degrees of bifurcation on obverse and reverse, and sometimes (but not here) indistinct denticles. About 300 to 500 specimens exist of 1795 BB-13, a figure considerably more liberal than the Bolender suggestion of R-5 (31 to 75 coins, if he meant R-5 on the Sheldon Scale), or the 1881 Type-Table designation of "very rare." (PCGS # 39980) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000. Ex: Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $46,000
Lot 870		1795 B-4, BB-14 Rarity 3. PCGS graded EF-40 PQ. Silver Plug. Housed in a new secure plus holder. With the addition of the Silver Plug this coin is quite possibly a Rarity 6 or 7. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. Pleasing antique grAy tones with a trace of golden colors cover both sides. All the finer detail present with the sole exception of the hair waves below Liberty's ear due to the high relief on the die in this region. The Bowers Encyclopedia notes that the rims on this issue are higher than most other 1795 dollars, giving them a somewhat more "modern" appearance than the typical variety of this year. "Planchet adjustment marks are not often seen on BB-14." It may well be the 1795 BB-14 was included among the first dollars minted in 1795. As such it helps verify the varieties listed in Striking Period 1 were the first struck. On the Flowing hair style dollars, Liberty is facing right, flowing hair behind her head, LIBERTY above, date below, with stars arranged eight to the left and seven to the right. Reverse with eagle perched on a rock, enclosed by a wreath, open at the top, and with three leaves projecting upward beneath the wing of each eagle. Designer: Robert Scot. The Flowing Hair type was produced only in 1794 and 1795. No doubt a greater mintage would have occurred in the former year, except that a press of insufficient capacity was all that was on hand, and the coins could not strike up satisfactorily. Accordingly, mintage in quantity was postponed until proper equipment could be obtained in 1795. The Flowing Hair dollars encompass many interesting die varieties (PCGS # 39992) . Estimated Value $30,000 - 40,000. Ex: Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $21,850
Lot 871		1795 B-4, BB-14 Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-55. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS for the variety. Peripheral toning exhibiting blue-green and hints of russet shades are noticeable on both sides of this almost uncirculated piece. Highly attractive and carefully preserved with warm antique accents around the rims on both sides. All but fully struck, with just a insubstantial touch of weakness at the lowest point of the eagle's right wing (viewing) and on the perch. Wreath is finely detailed. Hair waves on Liberty complete and in bold relief. A few light hairlines on the portrait in in the fields. Obverse 2: Star 15 is "hidden " entirely under the bust, where Miss Liberty cannot "see" even a part of it; the only 1795 obverse with this characteristic. Flowing hair in six curls; lowest curl ends faintly above two points of first star, and close to one point. Close date, figures 9 and 5 closest, and the distance between the 1 and 7 about the same as between the first star and figure 1. The 9 and 5 are lightly repunched. Two center dots; the larger is higher, slightly farther to the right, and closest below ear. Star closer to date than in any other variety, about 1.5 mm. Obverse die used to strike 1795 BB-14 only. Reverse C: Two leaves under each wing. 17 berries, nine on left branch, eight on right. A berry is on outside of the wreath midway between S and T of STATES, the only variety in which this occurs; the arrangement is similar to that used on the 1794 dollar. Reverse die used to strike 1795 BB-13 and BB-14. 1795 BB-14 is one of the more readily available issues of the year. An estimated 350 to 550 exist in all grades combined. The specialist will have no trouble acquiring a specimen in just about any grade up to VF. At the EF level, BB-14 becomes somewhat elusive, but a specimen in this grade can usually be acquired easily with less than a year's search. AU coins are rare, and Mint State examples are very rare (PCGS # 39981) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 35,000. Ex: Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $31,050
Lot 872		1795 B-7, BB-18 Rarity 3. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. Silver Plug. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS for the variety. Taking into consideration the Silver Plug, this coin is likely a Rarity 5 or higher. Even antique grey coloration is highlighted nicely by golden undertones. The Silver Plug is emphasized well by a small area of deep blue toning. This sharply struck coin displays tremendous eye appeal and would be a fantastic addition to any high end collection. BB-18 incorporates Obverse 4 in which Liberty's flowing hair ends in six curls. The lowest curl is very small and perfect. It touches the innermost point of star 1, as it continues to nearly complete a tiny oval loop. The curl end is close to and extends toward the innermost point on star 2. Although the last star partly under bust, it is not as far under as BB-11, and also not quite as close, but it is near. (Note: In BB-14 the last star is entirely under bust.) Wide date, most space between 1 and 7. This obverse was used to strike 1795 BB-16, BB-17, and BB-18. The obverse is paired with Reverse F: Three leaves under each wing. The only 14-berry variety. Seven berries on each branch. There is only one berry on the left branch of the wreath between the eagle's wing and ribbon bow, and it is on the inside of the wreath. Two berries below the D in UNITED. Conspicuous die flaws at the end of the left ribbon are identifiers. E in AMERICA double punched at top. This reverse die used to strike 1795 BB-18 and BB-19 (PCGS # 39993) . 1795 BB-18 is one of the more available varieties of the year, but is hard to find in higher grades. Probably, about 500 to 800 survive in the estimation of the Bowers Encyclopedia. "In his 1881 Type-Table, J.W. Haseltine called this variety very rare," says Bowers. "By 1950, M.H. Bolender played the rarity down to the R-4 level, which, if the Sheldon Scale was intended, meant that Bolender felt that somewhere between 76 and 200 were known. Since then, many more have been identified." "Inasmuch as a Uncirculated specimen of BB-18 appeared in the Lord St. Oswald Collection as part of a group of coins acquired in America in autumn 1795, it is certain that BB-18 was actually struck in 1795." Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000. Ex: Cardinal/Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $138,000
Lot 873		1795 B-1, BB-21 Rarity 2. PCGS graded AU-50. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 3; 5 finer at PCGS for the variety, 3 in 53, 1 in 55, 1 in 58. Each side displays multi-dimensional toning. Impressive detail for the grade. A superior specimen with exceptional detail on both sides. Nearly fully struck is how these are typically found, however this beauty shows virtually no limitation in the detail at the hair and on the eagle, it's perch, or the leaves in the wreath. A very pleasing specimen with almost endless eye-appeal for the connoisseur of 18th Century Flow Hair coinage. 1795 BB-21 is a very affordable variety. Indeed, it is second only to BB-27 in terms of its widespread availability. Perhaps as many as 1,500 to 2,500 exist. Most of these have been bought and sold privately. However, as nearly every specialized collection has had one, many have crossed the auction block over the years. This variety can be found well struck, with sharp centers to the stars on higher-grade examples, as here, which is what often draws the attention of collectors since other varieties may not be so bold and detailed. 1795 BB-21 is especially plentiful in lower grades, with the average being in the range of VF20 to 35. EF specimens, while elusive, are not rare. About Uncirculated specimens occasionally are seen, and a dozen or more true Mint State coins exist in private hands according to the Bowers reference guide on this series (PCGS # 39986) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 22,000. Ex: Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $18,400
Lot 874		1795 2 Leaves B-10, BB-22 Rarity 7. PCGS graded VF-30 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 2 finer in 58 for the variety. A lovely example of this elusive variety which J.W. Haseltine referred to as "excessively rare." Both sides exhibit soothing antique gray hues with some russet shades splashed here and there throughout. Identifiable by a small planchet impurity indentation atop the first S in STATES. Choice, perfect rims; smooth, appealiing surfaces on both sides. 1795 BB-22 is a very rare variety of which probably no more than 25 to 50 are known. Virtually all are in lower grades through VF, a notable exception being the F.C.C. Boyd coin, later appearing on the market in other sales, which is a superb Uncirculated example. Bolender called this variety R-6 (13 to 30, if he was using the Sheldon Scale), which rating is essentially unchanged today. Obverse 6: Flowing hair in five prominent curls, with a thin faint additional curl below the third curl from the top. Innermost point of star 1 just touches lowest curl. The curl continues upward to half close the loop. Head high and closer to LIBERTY than on most other obverses. The date is wide, with more space between 1 and 7 than other figures. The 7 in the date was repunched over an erroneous 1, prompting some to catalogue the variety as 1795 over 1195. The erroneous 1 is especially visible on early die states. This die bears a very close resemblance to the die used to coin BB-15; especially with regard to the high position of the head and the relationship of the hair curl to the first star. As is the case with the obverse used to coin BB-27, the present obverse (also used to coin BB-22 and BB-23) had the head of Liberty deeply impressed into the die, causing it to be in slightly higher relief than most other varieties of the year; because of this, the hair details wore away quickly as the coins circulated. Reverse H: Two leaves below each wing. 18 berries arranged nine left and nine right. A berry is on the outside of the wreath opposite C in AMERICA, and only one berry opposite last A in AMERICA, that being on inside of wreath. Two berries on outside of wreath on right between eagle's wing and ribbon bow. Reverse die used to strike 1795 BB-22 only (PCGS # 39987) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000. Ex: Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $34,500
Lot 875		1795 2 Leaves B-13, BB-24 Rarity 5. NGC graded EF-40. Appealing multi-faceted toning covers both sides. Pop 1; 1 finer in 53 for the variety A lovely example of optimum quality for the grade: The surface condition is unbeatable for originality, as well, and the strike is nearly full, being quite crisp in most places. This from one of the high relief heads of Liberty. There is a small occlusion in the rim dentil above B in LIBERTY, probably from an impurity in the metal. Perfect rims elsewhere and very choice in this regard. Should attract strong bidder attention for being one of the finest seen in this grade. Head of 1795 with flowing hair in six curls, 3rd and 4th close together; lowest curl barely misses a point of first star, but continues on to touch and slightly pass a second point of same star. The second curl from bottom turns downward pointing to space between two points of second star. Wide date, 79 closest. E in LIBERTY punched over an earlier erroneous R. The Y in LIBERTY is higher than the adjacent T. Foot of R in LIBERTY shortened from a broken punch. Obverse die used to strike 1795 BB-24 (early state) and BB-25 (early and late states). Somewhere between 100 and 150 exist, most of which are in relatively high grades for a 1795 issue. In this regard, BB-24 is in sharp contrast to BB-26, the latter of which is usually seen in Fine. Most 1795 BB-24 dollars are in better grades such as VF or EF, or even finer. The problem of evaluating the rarity of early dollars, explains the Bowers encyclopedia, is akin to what large cent researchers were faced with 75 to 100 years ago, before popular references became generally available. Information in print is often contradictory. Common varieties are called rare, and rare varieties are sometimes sold for "common prices." Although the Bolender book is excellent, it has not served as a springboard for research in the silver dollar series to the same extent that Dr. William H. Sheldon's 1949 text, Early American Cents, did for large cents 1793-1814. Nor is there a very wide circle of friends of the early silver dollar, while, by contrast, there are at least a couple thousand or more numismatists who seek to acquire early (1793-1814) large cents by die varieties. In doing research for this book, one expert ventured the opinion that about 10 to 15 specimens of 1795 BB-24 existed, while another suggested that 80 to 100 was the correct range. Bolender knew of only three coins! All things considered, the 1795 BB-24 dollar is an excellent variety for further research. Why are most specimens in higher grades? How many are known to exist? Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. Ex: Miller/Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,775
Lot 876		1795. Three leaves. B-5, BB-27. Rarity 1. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck and problem free. The lovely smooth planchet shimmers with luster and vibrant sunset colors favoring hues of soft violet and deep blue. This very pretty and well-preserved specimen of a common variety lies near the apex of the Condition Census for the variety. It is an ideal flowing Hair dollar for a Type collector. Deep with the above-mentioned attractive toning, the original luster spreads widely over both sides, the obverse dominated by absolutely exquisite surface quality while the reverse is just about as pristine. The reverse has an identifiable small surface depression (as though a flake of metal escaped during the minting process) that left a shallow void above the eagle's head. The cartwheel luster is very impressive. An exceptional strike is noted throughout, with the often weak breast feathers showing many individual outlines. The most recognizable aspect of BB-27 is a raised line some call a "die bar" common to all BB-27s and visible at the back of Liberty's hair at the top curl. A Type buyer with sophistication and discernment, someone like our consignor, would be fortunate in the extreme to have this specimen in his Type set. Variety Notes: BB-27 represents one of several varieties with the three-leaves reverse and the Head of '95 obverse. In this case, the portrait of Liberty is in a high-relief rendering on the finished coins. On the obverse, Liberty's lowest curl is open and distant from star one. The reverse displays 13 berries on the wreath, seven on the left branch and six on the right, with three berries beneath the eagle's wing on the left and two berries beneath the wing on the right. Pop 11; 2 in 65 for the 3 leaf variety. The detailed population report listed by die varities shows one BB-27 in 66 as finest for the variety. Rarity 1. Estimated Value $125,000 - 150,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $155,250
Lot 877		1795 3 Leaves B-5, BB-27 Rarity 1. PCGS graded EF-45 PQ. Housed in a new secure plus holder. Pop 3; 11 finer at PCGS for the variety. A significant amount of luster is still evident in the protected areas. Both sides are deeply toned with gold, russet, and a trace of magenta shades. Sharp detail, most of the rim dentils clear except for minor flattening on those below the date. All major detail evident in the wreath and eagle on this carefully struck coin. Obverse 9, head of 1795: Flowing hair in six curls, the 3rd and 4th close together; the 4th has a tiny curved "tail" extending downward, and visible on higher grade pieces. Lowest curl distant from star. A "bar" over 2 mm. long extends diagonally from close to top curl toward point of 5th star. Look for the "bar" near uppermost curl. (By contrast, BB-20 has the bar near 4th star.) Wide date, the 1 and 7 farthest apart. First star about as close to 1 as 7 is to 9. Most early die states show striking weakness at the centers. As is the case with the obverse die used to coin BB-21, BB-22, and BB-23, the present obverse had the head of Liberty deeply impressed into the die, causing it to be in slightly higher relief than other varieties of the year; because of this, the hair details wore away quickly as the coins circulated. Obverse die used to strike 1795 BB-27 only. Reverse J: Three leaves under each wing. 13 berries, seven on left branch, six on right. Three leaves under each wing of eagle. Two berries under first T in STATES, one on inside and one on outside of wreath. With four leaves below first S of STATES (late state of die, also used to coin BB-25, later state, and BB-26; the state used to strike BB-25, early state, has only three leaves). Reverse die used to strike 1795 BB-25 (two states; Die State I with three leaves and Die State Ill with four leaves under first S in STATES; presumably, one of the leaf recesses in the die was clogged, thus preventing one leaf from striking up), BB-26 (later state with four leaves under first S in STATES), and BB-27 (later state with four leaves under first S in STATES) (PCGS # 39977) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. Ex: Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $11,500
Lot 878		1795. 3 leaves beneath each wing. BB-27. Rarity 1. NGC graded EF-45. Outstanding detail from a firm strike and problem-free, all, overlaid by natural light gray toning. A lock-solid high-end Extremely Fine with strong primary surface smoothness that is free from marks on both sides. BB-27 is a famous die pairing and almost always comes more than adequately struck for the date, perhaps not 100% so, since this issue has a high-relief bust of Liberty. The coin definitely earns points where originaity is concerned. Variety BB-27 represents one of several 1795 reverses with the three-leaves below the wings and carries the representative Head of '95 obverse. In this case, the portrait of Liberty is in a high-relief rendering on the finished coins. On the obverse, Liberty's lowest curl is open and distant from the first star. The reverse displays 13 berries on the wreath, seven on the left branch and six on the right; three berries lie below the eagle's wing on the left and two berries on the right. Estimated Value $9,500 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 879		1795. 3 leaves beneath each wing. . BB-27. Sharpness of Very Fine. Light hairlines and slightly bent with natural antique grayish toning. A popular Three Leaves variety (in the Red Book as a distinct variety -- other 1795 Flowing Hair issues have only 2 leaves beneath each wing). Well centered on a problem free planchet. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,220