Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 67

The Pre-Long Beach Auction

$3.00 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1407		1854. PCGS graded MS-62. Frosty and lightly toned. A sparkling Mint State of the precies quality expected for MS62; the $3 is not an actively collected design except among experienced and specialized numismatist. A fair amount of swirling luster blends effortlessly with pale golden highlights on the satin surfaces. Introduced in 1854, the new $3 denomination was designed by James B. Longacre, who became chief engraver at the Mint in 1844, after the death of Christian Gobrecht. The obverse features the head of Liberty as an "Indian princess," facing left, wearing a feathered headdress upon which is a band inscribed LIBERTY. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. The same motif was later used on the Type III gold dollar 1856-1889 (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,700. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 1408		1854. PCGS graded AU-53 PQ. CAC Approved. Nice golden toning. Choice for the given grade. Explains Breen: "Only the one date 1854 (from all mints) has small letters in DOLLARS; others 1855-89 have large DOLLARS, making two types in all for this denomination. Oddly, the die used for 1856 proofs shows large DOLLARS superimposed on small DOLLARS. Evidently it received a blow from each hub in fall 1854 but was withheld as a closet skeleton, resurrected, dated, and repolished later for proof use without further inspection." (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 1409		1854. PCGS graded EF-45. CAC Approved. Very frosty (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,150
Lot 1410		1854. NGC XF Details, improperly cleaned. Still a nice looking $3.00 gold coin (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $719
Lot 1411		1854. NGC XF Details, improperly cleaned. Well struck with even gold toning. Only some minor surface problems (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 1412		1855. NGC AU Details, improperly cleaned. Untoned. A total of 50,555 were coined (PCGS # 7972) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $748
Lot 1413		1856. PCGS graded AU-55. Only 26,010 minted of which merely 2,000 examples are estimated to have survived. Light gold toning. An attractive About Uncirculated coin where luster still evident and in quantity. Similar to the 1855, the 1856 is seldom seen in Mint State, although it is readily available in lower grades such as Very Fine or Extremely Fine. The present coin is quite presentable (PCGS # 7974) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,840
Lot 1414		1856. NGC AU Details, rev scratched. Light hints of natural toning appears here and there. Only 26,010 minted of which about 2000 examples are estimated to have survived (PCGS # 7974) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $661
Lot 1415		1856. NGC XF Details, improperly cleaned. Evidence of cleaning in the obverse fields. Only 26,010 minted of which merely 2000 examples are estimated to have survived (PCGS # 7974) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1416		1857. PCGS graded AU-55 PQ. CAC Approved. Only 20,891 minted of which merely 1,250 examples are estimated to have survived. Lovely light golden toning. Pop 50; 100 finer (PCGS # 7976) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,725
Lot 1417		1857. PCGS graded AU-55. Untoned with semi-prooflike surfaces. Only 20,891 minted of which merely 1,250 examples are estimated to have survived. Pop 50; 100 finer (PCGS # 7976) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 1418		1858. NGC XF Details, improperly cleaned. Untoned with traces of luster visible. Only 2,133 struck. Long considered to be a rarity, this cleaned 1858 $3 is a bargain at our estimate. Today, probably 100 to 200 business strikes exist (PCGS # 7978) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,064
Lot 1419		1859. PCGS graded AU-50 PQ. CAC Approved. Only 15,558 minted of which merely 1,500 examples are estimated to have survived. Light gold toning. A coin that should be called AU53 (PCGS # 7979) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,840
Lot 1420		1859. NGC graded AU-50. Housed in an Old Holder. Only 15,558 minted of which merely 1,500 examples are estimated to have survived. Light even toning, there is abundant residual luster around the devices (PCGS # 7979) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,725
Lot 1421		1860. PCGS graded MS-63. A beauty exhibiting lovely golden hues. An exciting choice MS63 example of the issue that would be considered a prize even if it were a significantly more common date such as 1874 or 1878 which generally represents the $3 type in high quality type sets. The strike is very sharp; devices stand out boldly against the fields. Both sides bear a warm golden toning finish, with lovely mint frost which immediately captivates the viewer with its radiance. Design: Obverse with head of Liberty, wearing a headdress of ostrich plumes. Reverse with designer Longacre�s "agricultural wreath" as also used on the Type II and Type III gold dollars, and the Flying Eagle cents beginning with the 1856 pattern. Only 7036 minted. Pop 15; 16 finer (PCGS # 7980) . Estimated Value $8,500 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1422		1860. PCGS graded AU-55. Well struck with plenty of luster intact. Only 7,036 minted of which merely 1000 examples are estimated to have survived. Pop 44; 106 finer (PCGS # 7980) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,898
Lot 1423		1860. PCGS graded EF-45 PQ. CAC Approved. Only 7,036 minted of which merely 1,000 examples are estimated to have survived. Lovely golden toning (PCGS # 7980) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,587
Lot 1424		1861. PCGS graded AU-53. A problem free example for the grade with natural rose-gold toning about the borders. A total of 5,959 minted. Except for the dates 1854, 1874, and 1878, most $3 gold pieces are quite scarce due to low mintage, heavy wear, and early retirement (pursuant to the Act of 1890). It has been reported that even as late as the 1920s and early 1930s, these were being withdrawn from the banking system as they came across the counters. 1861 has long been known to be a scarce one in choice, attractive AU condition, as offered here (PCGS # 7982) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 1425		1861. NGC AU Details, harshly cleaned. Well struck and lightly toned. Not as bad as the term "harshly cleaned" might appear. Only 5,959 coins struck. All coined in March 1861 from a single pair of dies according to archive records. The obverse still shows traces of diagonal striae (at a 45° orientation), seemingly a characteristic of all pieces struck (Walter Breen notes "with thin letters and field striations on the obverse"). The date logotype was rather lightly impressed into the die, giving the figures a delicate appearance (PCGS # 7982) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,668
Lot 1426		1862. PCGS graded AU-50. Only 5,750 minted of which merely 650 examples are estimated to have survived. Mostly untoned and nice for the grade. Contrary to the Gold Dollar, production did not increase in the $3 denomination in 1862 as the Civil War gripped the nation. Production stayed at low levels throughout and even drifted lower in some years after this such as 1875 and 1876 (PCGS # 7983) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,500. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 1427		1866. PCGS graded AU-58. Only 4,000 minted of which merely 500 examples are estimated to have survived. A nice frosty coin. Very close to Mint State. Pop 19; 34 finer (PCGS # 7987) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,300. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,140
Lot 1428		1868. PCGS graded MS-62 CAC Approved. A lovely frosty example with hints of delicate pastel colors. Radiant and exhibiting delicate shades of color other than the usual brilliant gold. A very pleasing example of this scarcer date. So much, then, for the luster, although we wish we could go on about how beautiful it is. As for the devices, these were struck with sufficient power by the dies that they left most design elements showing, and showing clearly, unlike many where a few areas mushy. Perhaps the ribbon knot on the reverse could have been sharper, but this is being hypercritical. Only 4850 minted. Pop 41; 41 finer (PCGS # 7989) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1429		1868. PCGS graded EF-40. CAC Approved. Only 4,850 minted of which merely 1,250 examples are estimated to have survived. Mostly untoned with luster still evident (PCGS # 7989) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,050. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 1430		1869. PCGS graded MS-63. A glittering example with reflective surfaces on both sides. It is difficult to find a lustrous specimen like this with a generous amount of Prooflike surface on both sides. The strike is above average, but with some lightness on the high parts of Liberty's hair at the back of the shoulder. The reverse is quite sharp, not perfect, but close. As a Mint State coin the present 1869 is a significant rarity. The grading services have seen few. In the entire world of numismatics there is every reason to surmise that only 20 to 30 exist. Clearly, the word opportunity is relevant today. Only 2500 minted. Pop 6; 3 finer with 2 in 65, 1 in 65 (PCGS # 7990) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,800
Lot 1431		1870. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. CAC Approved. Only 3,500 minted of which merely 800 examples are estimated to have survived. Light gold toning with reflective surfaces. On the reverse in 1870, the date logotype is placed higher on business strikes than on Proofs, providing handy distinguishing characteristics, as the reverse die itself often resembles a Proof on these. The prooflike character may have been caused by relapping, as certain low-relief details in the wreath, for example, are weak, this being particularly true of the thin leaf to the left of the date. Under magnification some raised die finish lines can be seen. In today�s era, few collectors endeavor to acquire $3 pieces by die varieties, and even if they did, the opportunities available to do so are rarely available now. However, it is interesting to make notes of such varieties when they are observed. Pop 36; 32 finer (PCGS # 7991) . Estimated Value $2,800 - 3,000. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,795
Lot 1432		1871. NGC AU Details, rev scratched. Mint luster appears within the devices on both sides. Only 1,300 minted of which about 650 examples are estimated to have survived (PCGS # 7993) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 1433		1874. NGC Unc Details, improperly cleaned. Lovely rose-gold toning within the devices. Only 41,800 minted of which merely 8000 examples are estimated to have survived (PCGS # 7998) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $863
Lot 1434		1878. PCGS graded MS-63 CAC Approved. A very choice example for the grade thus our Premium Quality designation. A sparkling untoned example and ideal for a choice quality gold type set. The $3 gold piece was authorized by the Act of February 21, 1853, a very important piece of legislation from a numismatic viewpoint, an act which also affected the silver coinage, namely the reduction in weight of the half dime, dime, quarter, and half dollar, and the addition of arrows alongside the date to indicate the new standard. Whether or not the $3 denomination was actually necessary or worthwhile has been a matter of debate among numismatists for well over a century. At the time of its introduction, 1854, the $3 had as a close companion--the long established $2.50 quarter eagle (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 1435		1878. PCGS graded MS-61 PQ. CAC Approved. Light gold toning with prooflike surfaces on both sides. A good looking coin (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,358
Lot 1436		1878. PCGS graded MS-61. A brilliant untoned example. Luster swirls around the coin in the rippling rise-and-fall characteristic of $3 gold pieces in Mint condition, sending forth sudden flashes of gold brilliance interspersed with more subdued areas. Normal detail on all devices, with just a narrow region of weakness found on the lower wreath and ribbon. A desirable $3 Type coin (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,214
Lot 1437		1878. PCGS graded AU-58. CAC Approved. Nice and lustrous (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,668
Lot 1438		1878. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. CAC Approved. Frosty with lovely golden toning. Looks like a Mint State coin to us (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,811
Lot 1439		1878. PCGS graded AU-55. CAC Approved. (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 1440		1878. PCGS graded AU-50 PQ. CAC Approved. Nice light gold toning. Nice for the grade (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,050. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,150
Lot 1441		1878. NGC Unc Details, obv damage. Some marks on the cheek, otherwise, a nice looking Mint State coin (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1442		1878. PCGS graded EF-45. Affordable date to represent this unusual denomination. Curiously, previous to the 1860s, private and state issuers of paper money had also used $3 denominations. In fact, there are examples of odd paper money such as $4, $6, $7, $8, etc. as well as fractions of a dollar. The 19th Century monetary situation would thoroughly confuse a 21st Century American (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 1443		1878. NGC Unc Details, improperly cleaned. Light to moderate hairlines (PCGS # 8000) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $891
Lot 1444		1879. PCGS graded MS-61 PQ. CAC Approved. Only 3,000 minted of which merely 2,250 examples are estimated to have survived. Full prooflike fields on both sides. Well struck. Many issues in the $3 series are very scarce. Even in the most productive years of 1854, 1874, and 1878, the mintage figure is not very high. No specific reason was advanced for their discontinuance after 1889, though low mintage 1879-89 (testifying to little public demand) may have had something to do with it (PCGS # 8001) . Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,900. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,715
Lot 1445		1882. PCGS graded AU-55 PQ. CAC Approved. Only 1,500 minted of which merely 1,000 examples are estimated to have survived. Nice light golden toning with reflective fields. Always in demand because of its low mintage. Most seen are in Extremely Fine grade or lower (PCGS # 8004) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,400. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,990
Lot 1446		1888. NGC graded MS-65. A well struck gem glittering with luster, untoned. Rare low mintage date as a mere 5,000 were struck. Pop 38; 16 finer in 66 (PCGS # 8010) . The rise and demise of this most unusual $3 denomination: Walter Breen in his encyclopedia gives a learned account of the origin (and later extinction) of this odd-sounding denomination: "The usual story has it that $3 gold coins were made only so long as the letter rate remained 3¢, being discontinued when it was changed again, and perhaps in part because of the letter rate change. Whether or not this was the intention of Congress, nevertheless $3's saw little postal use in the West and South, as they were minted in Dahlonega and New Orleans only in 1854, and in San Francisco for circulation only 1855-57 and 1860. Three's thus represent relics of an interesting but abortive experiment: today they are among the most highly coveted of American gold coins. No specific reason was advanced for their discontinuance, though low mintages 1879-89 (testifying to little public demand) may have had something to do with it." Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,465
Lot 1447		1888. PCGS graded AU-58 PQ. CAC Approved. Light gold toning. Looks like a Mint State coin to us. Only 5,000 minted of which merely 2,000 examples are estimated to have survived (PCGS # 8010) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 1448		1888 Sharpness of AU. Probably removed from jewelry. Only 5,000 minted. Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 1449		A quartet of $3.00 Gold Pieces. Consists of: 1854, 1874 (2), 1878. All four coins have some degree of problems. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection. View details	Realized $1,783