Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 65

The Pre-Long Beach Auction

$3 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1964		1854. PCGS graded AU-53 CAC Approved. Lovely golden-orange toning rests about the borders and spreads partway into the field leaving a lovely reddish glow behind (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 1965		1854. PCGS Genuine. Our grade is Sharpness of AU-55 and lightly cleaned (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $805
Lot 1966		1854. NGC AU Details, improperly cleaned. Light rose-gold toning about the periphery (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 1967		1854-O. PCGS graded EF-45 CAC Approved. Delicately toned. A total of 24,000 were struck. Has the look of an AU coin. Always in demand as the only "O" mint $3.00 gold (PCGS # 7971) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 1968		1854-O NGC graded AU Details. Polished. Only 24,000 struck for this New Orleans mint $3 Gold Coin (PCGS # 7971) . Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 1969		1855. NGC AU Details, improperly cleaned. A nice looking coin with delicate gold toning. A total of 50,555 were struck (PCGS # 7972) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 1970		1855-S. PCGS graded EF-45. Light even golden toning. The desirable San Francisco Mint initial production year for this denomination. (The SF mint opened in 1854 and saw heavy gold production thereafter from supplies of bullion mined in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Low mintage date as only 6,600 were struck. Pop 33; 30 finer (PCGS # 7973) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 1971		1856. PCGS graded AU-55 CAC Approved. Well struck with a hint of light toning. Only 26,010 struck (PCGS # 7974) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,898
Lot 1972		1856-S. PCGS graded EF-40. Light even toning. A total of 34,500 were struck. The San Francisco Mint was responsible for striking $3 gold pieces in five years only, 1855-S, 1856-S, 1857-S and 1860-S. The most famous $3 gold piece of them all, the 1870-S is unique, from a die believed to have had the mintmark S hand-cut into it by a staff member at the San Francisco Mint. (In ordinary practice, the mintmarks if any are applied to dies at the Philadelphia Mint before the dies are shipped to their respective branch offices.) (PCGS # 7975) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1973		1856-S. NGC Details, removed from jewelry. Only 34,500 struck for circulation, the second year the $3 denomination was struck in San Francisco (PCGS # 7975) . Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $633
Lot 1974		1857. NGC graded AU-55. Light even toning. Mintage of 20,891 struck (PCGS # 7976) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 1975		1857-S. NGC XF Details, whizzed. Nice details with even honey color gold toning. Only 14,000 struck (PCGS # 7977) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 1976		1858. PCGS graded AU-50. Well struck and untoned with traces of mint luster around the borders of both sides. Only 2,133 struck. This is a very popular low-mintage year, what would turn out to be one of many low mintage dates by the time the 1870s and 1880s rolled around. Pop 16; 57 finer (PCGS # 7978) . Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,335
Lot 1977		1858. Sharpness of EF-45. Cleaned and lightly toned. Low mintage date as only 2,133 were minted. The 1858 occupies a position of special warmth and memory in the hearts and minds of numismatists. Years ago, more so than now, the appearance of an 1858 in any grade was an occasion for a celebration of scarcity or rarity--deservedly so, as reflected by the circulation strike production. This figure is far and away the lowest of any Philadelphia Mint coin up to this time. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $863
Lot 1978		1859. PCGS graded AU-58 CAC Approved. Untoned and a near Mint State example. Only 15,558 minted. Pop 41; 99 finer (PCGS # 7979) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 1979		1859. PCGS graded AU-55. Well struck and basically, untoned. Quite lustrous and choice for the grade. Only 15,558 were struck (PCGS # 7979) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,668
Lot 1980		1859 NGC graded XF Details. Improperly cleaned. Only 15,558 struck. Lightly toned and nice looking (PCGS # 7979) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 1981		1860. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck and lustrous, untoned. This well struck $3 should find a ready buyer and an apprecciative home in a collectors set of rare-date gold. Only 7,036 struck. Pop 30; 44 finer (PCGS # 7980) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,450
Lot 1982		1860-S. NGC XF Details, improperly cleaned. Probably just wiped with a jeweler's cloth years ago, now lightly toned. Only 7000 minted (PCGS # 7981) . Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,179
Lot 1983		1861. NGC AU Details, improperly cleaned. We note a mark on the cheek that appears to have been burnished out (PCGS # 7982) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 1984		1861 NGC graded XF Details. Improperly cleaned. Only 5,959 struck. Lightly toned with light hairlines (PCGS # 7982) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $949
Lot 1985		1862. PCGS graded EF-45 CAC Approved. A very pleasing untoned specimen of this low mintage date. Only 5,750 minted. Pop 19; 125 finer (PCGS # 7983) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,530
Lot 1986		1863. PCGS graded AU-53. Light hint of gold tone. Scarce low mintage issue. Should attractive a lot of notice. Pop 17 (PCGS # 7984) . Estimated Value $2,800 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,335
Lot 1987		1864. PCGS graded AU-55 CAC Approved. A lustrous untoned example and quite choice for the grade. Rare low mintage date as only 2,630 were struck. Pop 25; 46 finer (PCGS # 7985) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,140
Lot 1988		1865. PCGS graded AU-55 CAC Approved. Well struck and sparkling with enough mint luster as to be suggestive of a Mint State grade. Rare low mintage date as only 1,140 were struck. Pop 11; 24 finer (PCGS # 7986) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,913
Lot 1989		1866. PCGS graded AU-50. Even light gold toning. Only 4000 struck. Pop 19 (PCGS # 7987) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,955
Lot 1990		1867. PCGS graded AU-58 CAC Approved. A great looking example and loaded with reflective mint luster. Has only a bit of roughness in the field above ARS on the reverse. Very close to full Mint State. Only 2600 struck. Pop 9; 19 finer. 2900 (PCGS # 7988) . Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,485
Lot 1991		1868. PCGS graded AU-55 CAC Approved. Well struck with a touch of delicate golden toning. A rare date as only 4,850 were struck. Pop 56; 129 finer (PCGS # 7989) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,530
Lot 1992		1869. NGC graded Proof 65 Ultra Cameo. A magnificent brilliant untoned cameo proof specimen. We note a minute milling mark in the left field before Liberty's nose, otherwise, perfection. Rare low mintage date of which a mere 25 Proofs were struck. This is an amazing representative of this exceedingly rare issue, and it is the only Ultra/Deep Cameo specimen known to the two major grading services. Fully struck, satin-textured devices appear to float atop deep pools of mirrored reflectivity in the fields. The delicate surfaces have obviously been well cared for since the day of issue, and an even endowment of warm yellow-gold color is also a praiseworthy attribute. NGC Census: just 1 in all Ultra Cameo grades. PCGS has yet to certify a single specimen as Deep Cameo. As with the Proof 1868, the 1869 has an original mintage of a mere 25 coins, as indicated. Of this already limited total, only 12-14 pieces have survived, including several impounded in museum collections. For the collector or investor seeking a truly rare coin, the Proof 1869 Three-Dollar gold piece comes highly recommended. Simply put, all Proof Three-Dollar gold pieces are rare coins. Some are exceedingly so, such as the pre-1859 issues which were produced in unknown, although presumably extremely limited quantities. Two, the 1875 and 1876, enjoy heightened demand from date collectors as Proof-only deliveries. Others are the focus of nearly the same degree of buyer attention due to paltry original mintages for their identically dated business strike counterparts. Examples from this final group include the 1881, 1883 and 1885. As for the remaining issues, none can even be remotely described as common. In fact, the most frequently encountered Proof Three in today's market, the 1888, has an extant population of fewer than 150 coins - definitely a limited total when viewed in the wider context of numismatics. The origins of this odd denomination stretch all the way back to 1832, when Representative Campbell P. White of New York introduced a bill calling for minting of a Three-Dollar gold piece with a weight of 75 grains. The bill never reached a vote, however, and it would be several years before the federal government returned to the idea of authorizing a Three-Dollar gold piece. In 1851, Congress reduced the postal letter rate to three cents while simultaneously authorizing the Mint to strike Three-Cent pieces in base silver to expedite purchase of stamps. The Mint Act of February 21, 1853, while best known for reducing the weight of most silver coins and adding arrows at both sides of their dates, also included a clause authorizing production of a Three-Dollar gold piece. Apparently, Congressional leaders anticipated that this denomination would expedite exchange of Three-Cent silver rolls and/or purchase of full sheets of Three-Cent stamps. Business strikes and Proofs were produced every year from 1854 through 1889 with the exception of 1875 and 1876, when only Proofs were struck. Pop 1; none finer. Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $52,900
Lot 1993		1869. PCGS graded AU-55. Well struck with plenty of flashy mint luster still intact. Only 2,500 struck. Pop 26; 56 finer (PCGS # 7990) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,415
Lot 1994		1870. PCGS graded AU-50. Delicately toned with mint luster evident within the protected areas as it glistens and sparkles. Only 3500 struck. Pop 20 (PCGS # 7991) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,070
Lot 1995		1871. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck with flashy flattering prooflike surfaces on both sides. Has the look of a full Mint State coin, come to think of it. Rare low mintage date as well, with a mere 1,300 struck. Pop 83; 38 finer (PCGS # 7993) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 1996		1871 NGC graded XF Details. Improperly cleaned. Only 1,300 struck. Light even toning. A pleasing looking coin (PCGS # 7993) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 1997		1872. NGC Proof AU Details, improperly cleaned. Very rare low mindate date and only 30 Proofs strruck (PCGS # 8035) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,335
Lot 1998		1873. Closed 3. NGC VF Details, improperly cleaned. No glaring problems, nice even wear and probably cleaned with a jeweler's cloth. One of the Key Dates to the series. Easily worth our conservative estimate (PCGS # 7995) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,128
Lot 1999		1874. PCGS graded AU-50 CAC Approved. Lightly toned with traces of semi reflective mint luster within the protected areas. Three dates only in this series are considered as common, 1854, 1874, and 1878 (PCGS # 7998) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 2000		1874. NGC graded AU-55. Lovely golden toning with reflective surfaces. Only 41,800 struck (PCGS # 7998) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,050. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 2001		1875. PCGS graded Proof 60. Lots of flashy proof surface and overlaid with attractive light golden toning. This is the Key Date to the entire series. Only 20 struck for this Proof-only year. This is the first of two years in the Three-Dollar gold series that witnessed the production of only Proof coins. Exactly how many 1875 Threes were delivered is unknown, despite the fact that the Guide Book lists an "official" mintage of 20 pieces. We believe that this figure actually is official, inasmuch as it represents the number of specimens delivered on February 13, 1875 for sale with the year's gold Proof sets. Given the fact that approximately 28-35 coins are believed extant (per Bowers and Winter, 2005), additional examples must have been prepared at a later date, and they were probably sold individually. Due to its Proof-only status, as well as the fame and attraction that accrues to a numismatic rarity with such a restricted number of pieces in existence, the 1875 Three-Dollar gold is one of the most widely sought after issues in the entire 19th century gold series. It is always gives rise to extreme pride for us when we can offer a coin for bidder consideration, and when that piece is as carefully preserved and attractive as the present Proof 60. Natural patina envelops both sides as already described, its appearance being most accurately found as a blend shades and mint flash. The fields, of course, appear with some depth of the reflectivity that they still possess given the modest Proof 60 grade. The devices remain fairly consistent with others as the viewer holds and rotates it under a light, the surface finish on the devices is gentle and satiny in texture and somewhat contrasted with that noted in the fields. Both the obverse and the reverse are well struck from the dies, and both sides reveal a few blemishes that go with the grade, light marks and hairlines that would scarcely call into question the validity of the grade designation. An attractive looking specimen for the gold-rarities specialist. Pop 1; 4 finer in 64 (PCGS # 8039) . Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $83,375
Lot 2002		1876. PCGS graded Proof 53. This popular Key Date exhibits lovely golden-orange toning on both sides. Only 45 coins struck for this proof-only year. The 1876 shares the stage with and carries a close relationship to the Proof-only 1875, more so than with any other date in the series. Both are made only in Proof and were sold to collectors. In the instance of the 1876, the Mint Report suggests a production of 45 pieces, to which can be added some unrecorded further specimens, giving an estimated population of 65 to 75 made. From this number, perhaps 45 to 60 are believed to exist today. After the 1875, the 1876 is the second rarest Philadelphia date in the $3 series, with no close competitors. Year in and year out the appearance of an example at auction has drawn attention. The presently offered piece, graded Proof-53, will likely be more affordable than most, attracting a wider audience of people who have been waiting for such a chance. The obverse is well struck except for the highest hair details which show mainly signs of wear from circulation. The surfaces are a rich golden orange with light marks and circulation hairlines. The Proof surface still has evidence of contact where the friction doesn�t reach as in the letters and as the grade indicates. The reverse is very sharp, delineating even the most subtle details, and is of a similar hue with deeper orange-gold competing with the natural color of the planchet. No doubt if it were graded separately it might be designated two points higher. Pop 1; 33 finer (PCGS # 8040) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $21,275
Lot 2003		1877. NGC graded AU-55. Well struck with semi reflective mint luster still adhering to the protected areas. Rose color toning rests about the borders on both sides, accented by lighter golden frost on and within the device. Rare low mintage as a mere 1,468 were struck. Bidders should expect to see a premium bid when this handsome $3 is offered. Pop 7; 15 finer (PCGS # 7999) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $14,950
Lot 2004		1878. PCGS graded AU-58 CAC Approved. Light hints of golden-orange toning about the borders (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,955
Lot 2005		1878. PCGS graded AU-55. A pleasing untoned coin; there is some luster around and within devices (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 2006		1879. NGC AU Details, improperly cleaned. Scarce low mintage date, only 3000 struck (PCGS # 8001) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $990
Lot 2007		1880. NGC AU Details, improperly cleaned. Some reflective surfaces still evident about the protected areas. Light golden-orange toning rests about the borders. Only 1,000 struck -- which puts this in a class where many collectors are attracted (PCGS # 8002) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 2008		1881. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. A mangificent brilliant gem cameo proof, totally untoned and glittering with brilliance. Only 54 struck. The mintage of Proofs is now confirmed, though various catalogers and firms over the years have given the mintage as low as just 15 to 20 pieces (Thomas L. Elder, May 1937). As the Bowers reference on the series notes, "Walter Breen found the quantity to be 54, as used here, from the records of the Chief Coiner at the Mint." Interestingly, at the time the Bowers reference was printed, 2005, the combined populations at NGC and PCGS totaled 77 proofs for the date, absolute evidence that many resubmissions have occurred for this rarity. A glittering, brilliant proof with exquisite eye appeal including frosty motifs and deeply reflective fields that bring into being a significant cameo contrast. Vibrant surfaces come alive with the golden color. Remarkably attractive and an important three dollar proof gold issue. Pop 9; 3 finer in 66 (PCGS # 88045) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 24,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $31,050
Lot 2009		1881. PCGS graded AU-55 PQ CAC Approved. Nice even light gold tone. This date is famous among the later $3 issues for having a mintage well under the magical 1,000 pieces. In fact, the business strike figure is exactly half that number, 500, plus there were 54 Proofs sold to collectors. Needless to say, it might take months and months to find a comparable specimen, so why not take advantage of this occasion and bid? Pop 11 (PCGS # 8003) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,775
Lot 2010		1882. NGC AU Details, obv scratched. Lots of flashy reflective surfaces on both sides. Rare low mintage date as only 1,500 were struck (PCGS # 8004) . Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 2011		1883. PCGS graded AU-55 PQ CAC Approved. Light golden toning. Only 900 struck. Another low mintage date ideally suited for the collector who knows something the others don't! Pop 26 (PCGS # 8005) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 2012		1884. PCGS graded Proof 65 CAC Approved. A stunning gem proof exhibiting natural rich golden toning throughout. In an OGH (Old Green Holder). Only 106 struck. PCGS #04592497. Lovely rich golden toning on both sides. A visually striking Gem Proof of the date, here with unfrosted motifs yet deeply mirrored fields that display much mint sparkle. An attractive Proof $3 from a mintage whose pieces, rather than being struck all at once, were delivered in groups from the Medal Department at the Mint throughout the year, and as called for by public demand. It may be the case that only 70 or 80 Proofs of the 1884 issue are still extant, which makes for a certain availability when today's collectors desire a delightful specimen for a Proof gold collection. We note here with pleasure rich original toning, which certainly speaks volumes about the inherent quality of this beautiful coin. Pop 7; 2 finer with 1 in 66, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 8048) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $33,350
Lot 2013		1884. PCGS graded AU-53. Nice golden toning with reflective surfaces, the color and originality coming together into a harmonious arrangement. Pop 1 (PCGS # 8006) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,760

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