Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 63

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

Patterns

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1258		1836 Pattern Two Cents. Billon, plain edge. Judd-52. Pollock-55. Low Rarity 6. PCGS graded Proof 63 CAC Approved. In an old green label PCGS holder. Original silver-gray toning with all the devices sharp and well defined. The year 1836 is notable for the appearance of Patterns for two denominations which were not regularly issued until many years later, the two-cent piece and the gold dollar. The two-cent piece had been proposed first in 1806 in a bill introduced into the U.S. Senate by a Mr. Tracey. The proposal was defeated probably because of the strong opposition of the Director of the Mint, Robert Patterson.' By a strange coincidence, on December 12, 1836, his son, Robert M. Patterson, who had been appointed Director of the Mint by President Andrew Jackson, May 26, 1835, proposed the coinage of a two-cent piece, as well as a gold dollar, when he appeared before a Congressional committee considering the bill which became the Act of Jan. 18, 1837. Pop 4; 4 finer, 2 in 64, 2 in 65. (PCGS # 11194) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,600
Lot 1259		1852 Pattern Gold Dollar. Silver, plain edge, thin planchet. Judd-138. Pollock-165. Rarity Low 7. NGC graded Proof 65 CAC Approved. Lightly toned with natural patination, the simple design on this trial piece shows clear detail in the lettering and date. In 1852, the Mint experimented with increasing the size of the Gold Dollar without increasing the amount of gold in each coin. Two methods were considered - adding more metal (copper or silver) to the alloy or increasing the diameter of the coin and perforating the center. The first method was never tried because it was known that adding silver would turn the alloy white and adding copper would turn the alloy red. Thus, the second method was tried, first by perforating previously struck coins, then by creating new dies specifically designed to produce perforated or "annulated" coins. Judd 138 may have been one of the earliest types produced in silver. Oddly, one of the two known Judd-137 examples struck in gold is claimed to have been struck over an 1846 Quarter Eagle. It is believed that some of the issue was struck in 1859 or later, as the underlying coin of another Judd-137, is an 1859 Quarter Eagle. The question arises, Could the silver Judd-138s have also been minted as late as 1859? Pop 6; 1 in PF-66. Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1260		1852 Pattern Gold Dollar. Bronze, plain edge. Judd-148b. Rarity 8. PCGS graded Proof 63 CAC Approved. Extremely rare. Lustrous with natural color. Pop 2; none finer. Only 2 coins graded at PCGS for this Judd number (PCGS # 11618) . During this period the silver coins were disappearing from circulation due to the fact that they contained more bullion than their face value. Hence there was a demand for gold coins of the dollar and half-dollar denomination. Mr. Walter Breen found in the Archives a letter from the Director of the Mint, George N. Eckert, to Senator R. M. T. Hunter dated January 27, 1852, which shows that the half-dollar and larger ring-gold dollar were the first pieces made. He says, "In reply to your letter of the 17th, I herewith enclose planchets of perforated or annulated dollars and half dollars in gold, with such rude design as was possible without the construction of new dies. The planchets are rather larger, & the perforation consequently wider, than I think desirable for the piece, but we were limited by the time and means at our disposal, and have struck them with Dime and half dime dies. "Respecting the practicability of such a coinage, I find some difference of opinion among those familiar with the mechanical processes of the Mint. None doubt that it can be executed; the only doubt is as to the comparative rapidity with which it can be done. If Congress should approve such perforated coins, it appears to me that any law authorizing the issue should not be absolutely obligatory, but defer the matter to the ultimate decision of the President, which could be safely given after practical trials, and a report from the Mint. "I think any attempt to increase the size of the gold dollar by alloying it is quite impracticable. A very small addition of silver would make, to all appearances, a silver coin, so that counterfeiting would be readily accomplished. Copper would create a copper color, and be so much worse than silver. "In short, if the present gold dollar is unacceptable, the perforated coin appears the only feasible substitute. Better than all, however, is such an alteration in our laws as would restore silver to the circulation, & render such small gold pieces altogether unnecessary.''. Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1261		1855 Pattern Cent. Copper, plain edge. Original. Judd-167. Pollock-193. Rarity 5. PCGS graded Proof 40, Original. CAC approved. Pop 2; 21 finer (PCGS # 11709) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1262		1855 Pattern Cent. Bronze, plain edge. Original. Judd-168. Pollock-193. Rarity 4. PCGS graded Proof 64 Red & Brown CAC Approved. A very choice example of the large size Flying Eagle pattern cent. A blazing red and brown coin with possibilities for a gem grade as seen in the reflective surfaces and intense colorful detail, virtually as perfect as the day it made its first appearance at the mint coining press. Indeed, very few examples of this popular large Flying Eagle cent issue have been certified finer. No more, no less, just as fully struck, as attractive, as you could ask for, with complete detail at the body, leg and wing feathers (including complete detail on the eagle's left wing edge where the first signs of a weak strike often occur). The stars are bold. The reverse has a wreath to die for since this area, too, is incredibly detailed and crisp, unlike many where weak areas abound. Definitely a coin to consider if you are establishing a collection of high-quality United States Pattern coins.Pop 16; 2 finer in 65. (PCGS # 11721) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,795
Lot 1263		1856 Pattern Half Cent. Copper-nickel, plain edge. Judd-177. Pollock-205. Rarity 5. PCGS graded Proof 64 CAC Approved. Uniform soft reddish-brown. According to Judd: "During this year Congress was considering the bill which became the Act of February 21, 1857. This authorized cents weighing 72 grains to be struck from an alloy of 88% copper and 12% nickel. These were intended for the redemption of the large cents and the fractional parts of the Spanish and Mexican dollars, which had been passing freely throughout the country for a long time. "During this period the Melter and Refiner, Booth, had continued the experiments, trying to find a better alloy for the cent, under instructions from the Director of the Mint, J. R. Snowden. On July 11, 1856, Mr. Snowden reported to the Secretary of the Treasury, James Guthrie, that recent experiments had shown an alloy of 88% copper and 12% nickel to be far superior to bronze. "I have accordingly caused some specimens to be struck, fifty pieces of which I send you by Mr. Colmisnil, an agent of the Department. To prevent expense & delay we have used the half-cent dies. The specimens will show that the mixture receives a good impression from the dies, and exhibits its color and general appearance." Mr. Snowden then proposed that cents be authorized in this alloy with a standard weight of 72 grains, maximum deviation 3 grains. "Other half-cents were struck using an alloy of 90% copper and 10% nickel. Originally these had a gold-like color and weighed 69 grains. However, at this time it is very difficult to differentiate these from the first ones struck. Oxidation and cleaning have rendered color an unreliable guide and since there was a maximum deviation of 3 grains allowed for the 72 grain planchets, these pieces cannot be differentiated by weight either. Because they could only be differentiated by chemical analysis, no separate listing is given." Pop 14; 3 in 65 (PCGS # 11777) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,083
Lot 1264		1858 Pattern Cent. Copper-nickel, plain edge. Judd-208. Pollock-253. Rarity 1. NGC graded VF-25. Nice even wear, this is the popular 1858 Indian Cent known as a Transitional design because it features the obverse and reverse designs as adopted in 1859 for the regular laurel wreath one-year Type. Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,150
Lot 1265		1859 Pattern Cent. Copper-nickel, plain edge. Judd-228. Pollock-272. Rarity 1. NGC graded MS-65. Delicately toned. Collectors love Judd-228 for being the familiar "Transitional" issue with obverse of 1859 paired to the shield-topped wreath reverse of 1860 and later. Similar to the 1858 Judd-208 Indian cent Pattern, and always collected with eager anticipation by any numismatist who focuses on this important One Cent series of currency issues & Patterns. Pop 37; 7 finer by a point (PCGS # 11932) . Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1266		1862 Pattern Half Dollar. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-296. Pollock-354. High Rarity 6. NGC graded Proof 64 Brown. Uniform dark reddish-brown with slight iridescense. The minor fogging around Liberty occurs because the plastic holder is scuffed; the underlying coin is choice and gleaming with only minor hairlines. Sharply struck and intriguing as a predecessor to the more familiar IN GOD WE TRUST motto adopted two years later. Pop 3; 1 in PF-65 Brown, 1 in PF 66 Brown (PCGS # 60446) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 1267		1863 Pattern Cent. Copper-nickel, reeded edge. Judd-300. Pollock-360. High Rarity 6. PCGS graded MS-64 with Eagle Eye photo Seal. The regular-issue 1863 Indian cent dies struck in copper-nickel, but here with a reeded edge. The Judd reference groups the three issues, Pollock-360 through 362, under one number; this coin is the Uncirculated (nonproof) format. This piece offers copious amounts of vibrant luster over pecan-tan surfaces, a well-struck piece free of problems, save for a couple of small contact marks on the cheek. Some die clashing which appears on other specimens around the face, is not in evidence here. Clearly a very choice Cent. Pop 6; none finer (PCGS # 70455) . Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1268		1863 Pattern Cent. Copper-nickel, plain edge. Judd-302. Pollock-365. High Rarity 7. NGC graded Proof AU Details, reverse scratched. The scratches on the reverse are minor, possibly caused by being removed from a holder with staples. "L" (Longacre) on the ribbon. Even tan toning on both sides. Rare. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1269		1864 Pattern Quarter Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-384. Pollock-452. Low Rarity 7. PCGS graded Proof 63. Pleasing even smokey grey toning. The same obverse die as that used for standard 1864 quarter dollars is here paired with a reverse design prepared by Anthony C. Paquet (who is famous among collectors by his extremely rare 1861-P and 1861-S Double Eagle variants). Most notable in the design is the placement of three arrows with extremely long shafts in the eagle's left talon (viewer's right). Choice and mirrored with natural satin frost on all devices. Pop 4; 2 in 64 (PCGS # 60555) . Paquet did contract work for the Mint in early 1857, and on October 20 of that year joined the Mint staff as an assistant engraver. He remained in that post through early 1864, after which he returned to the private sector, but continued to do important commissions for the government, including two designs for Indian Peace medals. Paquet furnished the letter punches for certain patterns and possibly regular coins as well, one recorded shipment arriving in late May, 1857, although he could have done earlier work as well. Apparently, the same engraver made up punches for various denominations including the dime, quarter, and half dollar. However, these fonts were not used at the time for circulating coinage. Paquet died in 1882, leaving a great legacy of pattern coins, some regular issues, and an illustrious group of medals including the Congressional Medal of Honor (authorized by President Lincoln on July 12, 1861). Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,220
Lot 1270		1864 Pattern Dollar. Aluminum, reeded edge. Judd-398. Pollock-466. High Rarity 7. NGC graded Proof 66. Exquisite and problem-free. A once-in-a-lifetime example of this rare Pattern issue, with abundant luster that shimmers over pristine surfaces. We have mentioned the luster, though we wish we could expand upon it into several paragraphs. In winding up this description, we point to it being a strongly struck coin, with keen-edged detail to all the important high points. Struck in aluminum. Aluminum was the new "wonder metal" of the mid-1800s when this coin was made. Light and easy to work, it had splendid properties and possibilities. There was only one disadvantage: price. Although the price of aluminum fell to below that of silver by the early 1860s, it was still expensive to produce, hovering around twelve dollars a pound between 1862 and 1886. It retained this status until metallurgists found a way to smelt it in quantity. As a consequence, the US. mint struck very limited numbers of aluminum Patterns and die trial pieces each year, often Rarity-6 or Rarity-7 items. (In 1889, man's technology finally caught up with his need for large quantities of this miracle light metal; prices plummeted and aluminum was soon being used to make tokens, medals, promotional badges, inflation coins by the jillion, and all sorts of other flimsy doodads.) Pop 1; the only one graded (PCGS # 60569) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1271		1865 Pattern Dime. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-421. Pollock-493. High Rarity 7. PCGS graded Proof 64 Red & Brown. Lots of mint red still intact. A beauty, with nice snappy pale red to coppery color on undisturbed surfaces free of discoloration. Devices are well frosted against the mirror fields. From the luster, we next take stock of the details of the design. Given the proper amount of strike pressure, the features of Liberty and the wreath were fully brought up by the dies. Pop 1; the finest RB graded at PCGS (PCGS # 70604) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,763
Lot 1272		1865 Pattern Eagle. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-450. Pollock-522. High Rarity 6. NGC graded Proof 65 Brown. Regular dies strike on a copper planchet. This needle-sharp specimen has all the intricate detail of its Proof original in the needle-point stars, the crisp hair waves and bun, and across the reverse where the eagle shows its full plumage with the shield full as well. Wonderful deep turquoise blue patina whose iridescence draws your attention from far away. Rare. Desirable. IN GOD WE TRUST appears on a scroll above the eagle -- the design adopted for 1866-1907 (PCGS # 60637) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900
Lot 1273		1866 Pattern Five Cents. Nickel, plain edge. Judd-481. Pollock-571. Low Rarity 7. NGC graded Proof 65 CAC Approved. This desirable Gem Proof Pattern has a somewhat matte appearance from the toning, with the high relief bust of President Washington intricate in its detail. It is clearly the work of a master craftsman and die engraver, an artist of renown. The motto on this issue reads GOD AND OUR COUNTRY after similar Civil War tokens of the era. Recall that the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was first introduced on the 1864 Two-cent pieces and, in 1866, appears on all the larger silver and gold coins issued by the government. An eye-appealing five-cent piece Pattern struck in nickel with plain edge. Rare. Pop 1; the only example graded at NGC (PCGS # 60677) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,750
Lot 1274		1868 Pattern Five Cents. Nickel, plain edge. Judd-624. Pollock-693. Low Rarity 6. PCGS graded Proof 65. An untoned gem specimen with outstanding surfaces and strike detail. There were multitudinous Patterns made in 1866-71. Only some of them made it from the design stage to use in circulation coinage. The remainder, almost all scarce to rare, are the only reminders we have of coins that might have been. Pop 9; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 60841) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1275		1869 Pattern Dime. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-717. Pollock-797. Low Rarity 7. NGC graded Proof 65 Red & Brown. Wonderful blue and lilac iridescent toning. A glistening beauty and a gem by any standards. An engaging display of lively mirror reflectivity leaps across the surface on both sides of this rare Pattern Dime. The strike is sharp as a knife for the date, with just outstanding detail in Liberty's head, gown, and shield, with similar strong detail in the lettering on the reverse. Pop 1; the only example in RB graded at NGC. The American Civil War of 1861-65 (official name War of the Rebellion) caused monetary confusion throughout the Northern states and resulted in extensive experimentation with America's coinage. Long after the war's close, the experiments continued, including this 1869 Judd-717 Pattern Dime issue among the rarer Types. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,400
Lot 1276		1869 Pattern Quarter Dollar. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-724. Pollock-805. High Rarity 7. NGC graded Proof 65 Brown. Magnificent electric blue iridescent toning on both sides. A sparklingly fresh gem with rich iridescence on both sides makes this a landmark offering. During the late-nineteenth Century it began to occur to the Treasury Department that a subsidiary coinage -- i.e., one in which there is less than full metallic value relative to face value -- was acceptable to the public at large. The reasoning behind this was the public's ready acceptance of Civil War tokens, shin plasters (private bank notes), and Fractional Currency, none of which had any intrinsic value and yet circulated widely. Patterns such as this may have been the American government's first venture into issuing token coinage. By the 1890s, with silver's price declining fast and no longer at the old 16-to-1 market ratio against gold, our fractional denominations had become true token coinage (although still minted in precious metal). It was not until 1965 when clad coins arrived that the government completed the process. Pop 1; the finest graded at this service. Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,175
Lot 1277		1870 Pattern Dime. Silver, plain edge. Judd-832. Pollock-922. Low Rarity 7. NGC graded Proof 66 CAC Approved. Gorgeous green and blue toning. A lustrous little gem specimen with a grand display of bright hues on both sides, it happens to be nicely struck as well, fully so. William Barber is credited with the seated figure (left) of Liberty, supporting a shield by her side while holding a scroll with LIBERTY in raised letters. On the reverse, the familiar Wreath of Cereals by mint engraver James Longacre, which had been used in one form or another since 1859 on Patterns and regular currency issues alike. Pop 2; none finer (PCGS # 61076) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1278		1871 Pattern Half Dime. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-1066. Pollock-1201. Low Rarity 7. NGC graded Proof 63 Red & Brown. Mottled bluish toning on both sides on a base of warm reddish brown. The well-liked Indian Princess motif credited to James B. Longacre, but in this rendition of 1871 (two years after he died), from modified hubs and dies by Longacre's successor, William Barber. Pop 1; 1 finer in 66 RB (PCGS # 71325) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1279		1871 Pattern Quarter Dollar. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-1097. Pollock-1233. High Rarity 6. NGC graded Proof 63 Red & Brown. Loaded with mint red. We note some scattered fly specks here and there. The reverse carries the STANDARD reverse -- there was also a STANDARD SILVER reverse on certain Patterns of 1869-71 which sometimes confuses first-time collectors as to which is which since they looked almost identical. Pop 2; 2 in 66 RB (PCGS # 71356) . The theory behind this reduced weight STANDARD and STANDARD SILVER types was to introduce subsidiary coins into circulation. In effect, it was hoped underweight money could be used to replace the hodgepodge of Fractional Currency then clogging the streams of trade. Why reduce the weight? The belief was this would discourage hoarding and exportation as was occurring with our regular issues then being struck. The situation righted itself in 1875-79, however, and so the idea was put on the shelf for a later crisis. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1280		1878 Pattern Dollar. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-1555. Pollock-1734. Low Rarity 7. PCGS graded Proof 66 Red. Loaded with fiery mint red color. Satiny matte devices float atop mirrors that explode with intense luster and varying shades of rose to golden and brick red coppery hues. Keenly struck with just outstanding detail at the hair curls and the coronet with its leading edge of tiny round pearls. Continuing the trend of razor-like detail over to the reverse, we find an impeccable eagle whose broad expanse of plumage and chest feathers can be studied intimately with a magnifying glass. The viewer's eyes never tire when studying all the intricate detail. A coin that surpasses all other of Judd-1555s in many dimensions. Note the unusual type font that the coin's designer used for E PLURIBUS UNUM. A unique touch! Pop 1; none finer (PCGS # 81916) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1281		1879 Pattern Dime. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-1584. Pollock-1777. High Rarity 6. NGC graded Proof 66 PQ CAC Approved. Gorgeous iridescent toning on both sides. A gem example of the popular Wash Lady design. Although the new dollar we call the Morgan Dollar had been accepted the year before, ten more Pattern dollars were minted in 1879. C. E. Barber submitted his "Washlady" design not only for the dollar but also for the half dollar, quarter dollar and this dazzling Proof dime. Geo. T. Morgan designed his beautiful "Schoolgirl" Pattern dollar the same year and combined his obverse adopted for the regular silver dollar with other reverses for Pattern dollars, half dollars, quarter dollars and dimes. An absolutely stunning example almost fully struck. The highest design points on the obverse, including details of Liberty's hair and wreath, are much finer than usual. This issue has been called the Washlady design ever since 1891, when an example in the Francis Worcester Doughty Collection was so-named by New York Coin & Stamp Co. This design, issued in four denominations and two compositions, is one of the most beautiful, and eagerly sought of all Pattern issues. The silver strikes like this Judd-1584 example are the most desirable! Pop 1; 3 in 67, 1 in 68. Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $14,950
Lot 1282		1896 Pattern Cent. Copper, plain edge. Judd-1768. Pollock-1983. Rarity 5. PCGS graded Proof 64 Red CAC Approved. Full coppery red surfaces; the strike razor-sharp on all devices including the shield Chief (liines at top) and vertical stripes. Although the design of the five and one cent pieces had been open for change since 1892, the first to be made were those of this year designed by C. E. Barber. According to an official report fifteen different metal combinations were used to strike these pieces and ten pieces were struck from each alloy. A resolution passed by the House of Representatives June 9, 1896, requested the Secretary of the Treasury to report "as to the comparative merits and advantages of pure nickel alloy, aluminum combined or alloyed with other metals, and of copper bronze as material for our minor coins," and authorized the striking of "such experimental minor coins of the metals above mentioned, pure and in combination with other metals, as he may deem necessary and proper." In compliance with the resolution experimental five and one cent pieces with this simple but artistic shield device were struck at the Mint from pure nickel, pure aluminum, an alloy of 66% copper, 18% nickel and 16% zinc, and three different alloys of aluminum. Pop. 2; none finer (PCGS # 82222) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,635