Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 67

The Pre-Long Beach Auction

Half Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2469		1795/1795 O-112. NGC graded AU-58. Pop 3; none finer at NGC. Criss-crossing adjustment marks on the obverse as done by the mint. A very clear and distinct repunched date. A hint of light gold toning. This well struck example of the Flowing Hair type is ideal for a collector who wants a higher grade specimen than usually seen. Only a relative handful of AU quality halves of this type are known. There wre 299,680 halves struck in 1795 from thirty-two separate die marriages. O-112 has 17 berries in the wreath aligned 9-8, two under each wing, with a leaf below the center of F. It is marginally scarcer than average (Rarity-4) and has a Condition Census of 65-45-25-20-20 in the Parsley-Overton reference. Some softness of highpoint detail is evident on the uppermost hair curls of Liberty, above the forehead. Concurrently, on the reverse the eagle's feet and claws are indistinct, perhaps because metal failed to flow into the deepest recesses of the die. The adjustment marks were a common practice in the early Mint and a quick method for reducing the weight of planchets that were over the legal limits prior to striking. A bit of softness is also noted on the upper curve of the eagle's wings. Otherwise, the striking details are refreshingly detailed with fine design features noted on the lower portion of Liberty's hair as well as the eagle's tail and the interior of the wings. Uneven rim dentils as commonly found on early bust coins. Estimated Value $17,500 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,100
Lot 2470		1795. . O-119. PCGS graded Fine-15 CAC Approved. A very pleasing evenly struck specimen on a nice clean planchet. Attractive bluish-grey toning deepens about the devices. A small but bold die break is noted directly above the final star. Overton described this as an "elongated die defect lump." Berries 9 x 9, leaf touches base of I in UNITED. Point of Star 1 pierces first curl near center and end of the curl is frayed out (PCGS # 6052) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,358
Lot 2471		1795. . O-110. NGC graded Fine-15 CAC Approved. Pleasing uniform antique gray toning on both sides with lighter accents of silver-gray on the devices. In recent years, the half dollar has all but disappeared from the channels of American commerce, becoming almost irrelevant to the nation's coinage system. That's a far cry from the role it played in America's formative years, when it had a significant function and carried exceptional weight. Its importance was underscored by the fact that in 1794, when United States silver coinage began, the half dollar was one of the first three denominations to be issued in that metal, along with the silver dollar and half dime. This variety is characterized by recutting on the 9 in the date, several raised lines that are visible between the curls and stars 2 and 3, and the 9-8 berry configuration with a leaf tip below the center of F. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,530
Lot 2472		1795 2 Leaves. . O-116. PCGS graded Fine-15. Medium grayish-violet deepening about the devices. This variety, downgraded from a Rarity 5 rating in recent years, shares the same obverse die with the O-115, but has the 7-9 berry arrangement on the reverse and, even more interestingly, the word UNITED is incused beneath LIBERTY along the upper obverse border (PCGS # 39213) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,243
Lot 2473		1795. PCGS graded VG-10. A slightly uneven strike with pleasing medium antique grayish toning (PCGS # 6052) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,438
Lot 2474		1795. . O-104. PCGS graded VG-8. Evenly worn and problem-free; all, lightly toned. Liberty's lowest curl is closed and nearly touches star 1 at two points, and there is a tiny die lump under star 15, all of which confirm the variety to be O-104 (PCGS # 6052) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 2475		1795/1795. O-112. NGC VG Details, bent. Noticeable recutting on the date. Pleasing dark gray surface with contrasting light "rubbed silver" highlights -- the classic look of old-time toning on these historic early Flowing Hair pieces. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $661
Lot 2476		1806. Pointed 6, stem through claw. O-116. NGC graded AU-58. A lovely example with midnight blue toning on both sides. A carefully preserved example with delightful smooth surface both sides. Nearly fully struck, however just a hint of limitation in the detail at the centers, as often found on the Draped Bust half dollars of 1801-07. An interesting die break at the base of the date extending into the stars on the left is one of the hallmarks of this die variety.Pop 87; 66 finer. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2477		1806. Pointed 6, stem through claw. . O-114a, Rarity-4. PCGS graded VF-25. Evenly struck with uniform antique grayish-violet toning. LIBERTY double cut on TY. Later die state with massive die break spanning the reverse. A die variety collector's dream coin! In this instance there is a heavy die crack from the milling opposite the second feather of the left wing crossing the entire reverse and through E in AMERICA to the edge. Another crack from first at left wing tip through D in UNITED into field (PCGS # 6071) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $748
Lot 2478		1807. . O-105, Rarity-1. PCGS graded EF-40. Lightly toned with pleasing pale gray shades, deeper in the recesses, most evident within the shield stripes and chief. Well centered and a problem-free planchet. An excellent choice for the numismatist to represent the Drapest Bust right, Heraldic Eagle style. 1807 is the last year this Type was minted (PCGS # 6079) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,438
Lot 2479		1815/2. NGC graded AU-58. CAC Approved. A truly lovely example of this popular key date issue featuring grayish-violet and iridescent colors on both sides. The toning adds greatly to the allure, with underlying lustrous surfaces framed by the colorful shades around the stars and legend and overlaying the surfaces. Both dies show only the faintest clash marks, unlike the deeper indentations seen on a substantial number of survivors from the 1815 mintage. A first-rate example of this rarity that is one of the most attractive we have seen in its AU58 grade, certainly outmatches many technically higher grade specimens. Pop 27; 24 finer . Historic Note: On January 11, 1816, a fire in the rear building of the Mint damaged rolling and cutting apparatus sufficiently to make any further coinage of gold or silver impossible until extensive repairs could be made. Regarding the damage to the rolling and cutting apparatus, while this affected the Mint planchet preparation process, the real reason for lack of half dollar coinage after 1815 was lack of deposits. The War of 1812 had officially ended on December 24, 1814, but news of this was not fully disseminated until well into 1815 (the Battle of New Orleans, showcasing the heroism of Andrew Jackson, took place in January 1815 after the war had ended). The commerce of Europe remained in turmoil, affected not only by the aftermath of the War of 1812, but also the recent wider-ranging Napoleonic Wars. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $13,800
Lot 2480		1815. 5 over 2. NGC VF Details, improperly cleaned. Now toned light to medium grayish-violet. Popular rare Key Date bust half. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,869
Lot 2481		1823. . O-106a. NGC graded MS-62. Well struck an a most appealing example for the grade. Intensely lustrous with beautiful obverse toning exhibiting shades of iridescent blue and russet tones. Pop 56; 69 finer. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. The Frank McCarthy Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,243
Lot 2482		1826. . O-115. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck throughout with outstanding toning featuring shades of gold framed by electric blue iridescence. A lovely example that presents the viewer with lots of mint frostiness. Pop 1; none finer for the variety. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400. The Frank McCarthy Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 2483		1826. . O-118, R-1. NGC Unc Details, improperly cleaned. In our opinion, the grading service was just too critical. We feel this is a choice Unc example, well struck with lovely uniform violet and dark blue toning on both sides, all original. See if you don't agree. Estimated Value $1,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $949
Lot 2484		1826. NGC Unc Details, obverse spot removed. The spot is quite minor, between the last 2 stars; very sharp devices including stars and all hair curls. An impressive looking specimen that, in addition to its overall attractiveness, displays some interesting fine die cracks on the obverse. 700. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 2485		1828. Square Base 2, Small 8's, Large Letters. PCGS graded MS-62. A well struck brilliant uncirculated example and quite choice for the given grade (PCGS # 6151) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,840
Lot 2486		1831. NGC graded AU-58. Lightly toned. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $437
Lot 2487		1834. Small date and letters. O-110. NGC graded MS-66 Prooflike. A needle sharp strike, untoned and totally brilliant with mirror fields on both sides. The seventh and final stylistic change to Reich's venerable capped bust left Half Dollar is seen in the 1834 to 1836 lettered edge pieces. There had been a massive redesign by the mint, with a smaller, sharper face and a downward-tilted bust line. Stars also are smaller. Most of these modifications were aimed at improving the striking quality of the dies. Extremely well defined in all areas, with reflective qualities in the fields that are reminiscent of a proof striking from these relatively early years at the Mint. Each side is coated in olive-gold with slight russet mottling near the margins. An abrasion begins just left of star 4 and extends into the left obverse field. "A circular die crack from the tail feathers crosses upper pair of olive leaves, tip of the left wing, through UNITED under first S, along top of scroll, then curving down across corner of same to top and across right wing to junction of arrow shaft and claw. Thereby forming a large loop around the inner design of this variety." (Early Half Dollar Die Varieties, 1794-1836, Third Edition, Al C. Overton, p.568) A memorable Bust half dollar, regardless of the date or die variety. Pop 1; the finest prooflike graded at this service. Estimated Value $10,000-UP. Ex Heritage Baltimore Sale, July 2003:7500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,804
Lot 2488		1834. Small date and letters. O-115. Rarity 2. NGC graded MS-66. Light hints of toning over lustrous surfaces. Immaculate surfaces. Prime-quality provenance (see below). The seventh and final stylistic change to Reich's venerable capped bust left Half Dollar of 1807-36 is seen in the 1834 to 1836 lettered edge pieces. There had been a major redesign by the mint, with a smaller, sharper face and a downward-tilted bust line. Stars also are smaller. Most of these modifications were aimed at improving the striking quality of the dies. This splendid MS66 coin has all of its original mint "bloom" off the dies intact under the lovely toning. Albeit, there is some minor weakness on one wing of the eagle (the area lies opposite some high design features of the obverse), but all in all the coin thoroughly earns its grade. Full, bold E PLURIBUS UNUM on the scroll. And eye-appeal to die for! Pop 21; 5 finer in 67. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. Ex Eliasberg Coll. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,775
Lot 2489		1835. NGC graded MS-64. Magnificent hues of multi-color toning spread equally across the surfaces on both sides. The luster radiates outward from the centers on both sides of this well produced, carefully preserved MS64 specimen. Pop 35; 22 finer. Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 2490		1835. NGC Unc Details, improperly cleaned. Lovely uniform pale bluish-violet toning on both sides. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 2491		1836. Lettered edge. . O-114. NGC graded MS-65. A lovely gem example displaying shades of golden toning on both sides. A satiny gem. Supple underlying luster is enveloped in pale toning iridescence. A pleasing example of the final Lettered Edge date, completely struck, with outstanding detail in the head, curls and shoulder area of the obverse, and an eagle that shows its major plumage and detail in the feet better than most. Pop 15; 3 finer. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. The Frank McCarthy Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,520
Lot 2492		1837. NGC graded MS-64. Lovely golden and electric blue iridescent toning on both sides. Highly lustrous with the shimmering satin luster this revised Capped Bust half dollar coinage of 1837-39 is so well known for. The half dollars starting with 1836 (Reeded Edge) were struck on the new steam press at the mint using revised designs and a close (as opposed to open) collar die. A collar die, acting as a third die, imparts the milling on the edge at the moment the coin is struck. A great selection for numismatist who needs this short-lived type. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,335
Lot 2493		1837. ANACS graded MS-64. The lustrous surfaces are nicely overlaid with attractive rainbow toning. Lustrous silver surfaces with rich heather and lilac toning accented with some splashes of blue. An above-average strike barring the usual caveat about soft rim denticles and a few flat stars; with the reverse being exceedingly sharp on the eagle�s plumage and shield. The hair details of Liberty are definitive. Half dollars of this particular Type were struck for only a short time, in 1836 and 1837, most of them bearing the 1837 date. Years ago such examples were, while not plentiful, at least seen regularly. Now with the strengthening of numismatics and the widespread distribution of examples, even an MS60 coin is not often available. Design by Christian Gobrecht after John Reich: Capped Bust, perched eagle motif as in 1807-1836 earlier style, but now in smaller format, with reeded edge and with other differences. In 1837, as here, 3,629,820 were made, keeping up the pace of low multiple-million coinages for the earlier type of the decade. These proved popular and saw wide use in commerce. However, the Treasury Department or the Mint must have felt that HALF DOL would be a more effective inscription on the reverse than 50 CENTS, and the style was soon changed. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 2494		A lot of Bust Half Dollars. Consists of: 1808, 1812, 1819, 1824 (3), 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1830 (2), 1833, 1834, 1835, 1836 (2). Coins range from AG to EF. Lot of 17 coins. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. View details	Realized $1,438
Lot 2495		1847-O. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck with pleasing original toning. The 1847-O does not stand out as anything unusual among early New Orleans Mint half dollars; its mintage of nearly 2.6 million pieces is typical for this decade in American history. These factors obscure its true scarcity in Choice and better grades, however. This attractively toned example is well detailed save for a bit of softness on a few of the upper stars and on the eagle's left (facing) talons. Dappled shades of pearl and gray with russet-golden interact over each side in varying degrees. Pop 2; 5 finer. Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,038
Lot 2496		*1853-O. Arrows and rays. S.S. Republic.* NGC Shipwreck Effect (C) Unc. Accompanied with an Odyssey certificate and placed in a custom deluxe wooden box. Estimated Value $500 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $575
Lot 2497		1860. PCGS graded Proof 63 Cameo. Fully white. Only 1,000 Proofs struck, this choice example dancing with two-tone contrast between mirror fields and frosted, needle-sharp devices. Pop 2; 15 finer (PCGS # 86414) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,783
Lot 2498		1860-O. PCGS graded MS-63. A nice full strike with delicate partial golden toning. A very choice example for the grade (PCGS # 6300) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 2499		1861. PCGS graded Proof 62. Nicely toned on both sides. Only 1,600 minted. Pop 21; 64 finer (PCGS # 6415) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,035
Lot 2500		1861-O. Confederate States Issue from the S.S. Republic. NGC Shipwreck Effect. Housed in a deluxe wooden box. Estimated Value $500 - 600. Oldyssey Marine Exploration. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $414
Lot 2501		1861-O Confederate States Issue from the S.S. Republic. NGC Shipwreck Effect (C) Unc. Housed in a magnificent wooden box. Estimated Value $500 - 600. Odyssey Marine Exploration. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $437
Lot 2502		1862. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo. Mostly untoned with a hint of delicate gold here and there. Only 550 Proofs struck. One of the scarcer early Proofs in this series struck in the No Motto period from 1858-1865. Earlier Proofs (1839-1857) were also struck but weren't offered for sale to the general public and are considerably more expensive. Pop 4; none finer (PCGS # 86416) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900
Lot 2503		1866. With motto. PCGS graded Proof 64. Well struck and lightly toned with Liberty appearing in full cameo contrast. Only 725 proofs were made (PCGS # 6424) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,783
Lot 2504		1869. NGC graded Proof 65. Fully white and well struck. Only 600 minted. A veritable cornucopia of freshness and sparkle for the collector of Gem quality 19th Century Proofs. Fields are highly reflective; devices smooth with frost. Though unstated on the NGC holder, this combination gives a pleasing Cameo look to the piece. Pop 15; 17 finer . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,990
Lot 2505		1880. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo. A very choice creamy-white cameo example. Moving along, we can gladly report a highly presentable strike, with boldness to the figure of Liberty as well as her shield, similar fine detail present in the eagle, shield and scroll. A total of 1355 proofs coined (PCGS # 86441) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,898
Lot 2506		1887. ANACS graded Proof 62 Cameo. Quite pleasing with natural dark iridescent toning encirling the borders on both sides. Only 710 proofs struck for this low mintage date . Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $930
Lot 2507		1891. NGC graded MS-66. A boldly struck gem with brilliant untoned frosty surfaces throuhout. Both sides display ample sharpness and shimmering luster under a light, the silvery color is very alluring. There is almost no correlation between mintage and high grade when it comes to most Seated Liberty half dollars. Despite a comparatively normal production of exactly 200,000 pieces, even a Choice Mint State representative can be difficult to locate and the quantity of Gems extant probably number fewer than three or four dozen, some of which have been graded by a third-party service, others "out there" hiding in old-time collections. This is one of the handsomest 1891 half dollars to be had! Pop 11; 4 finer with 2 in 66+, 2 in 67. Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,025
Lot 2508		A Nice Offering of Seated Liberty Half Dollars. Consists of: 1856-O, 1858, 1864-S, 1871-S, 1875-S, and 1876-S. Grades range from EF to AU. Some have been cleaned. Lot of 6 coins. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details	Realized $834
Lot 2509		1893. NGC graded Proof 68. Lovely multicolor toning on both sides. Only 792 Proofs struck. It is known that the 1893 Barber half is relatively available in Mint State condition leading to the obvious conclusion that it would be available, all the same, the Proofs are as scarce as their mintage and have twice the detail. Some also prefer the striking contrast between the frosted devices of the Proofs and their mirror surfaces. The present 1893 Proof 68 example is an absolutely gorgeous specimen, the strike details being uniform from side to side with complete detail in all areas. Gleaming deep mirrors with original toning over each side. The reverse has a particularly warm electric blue in the center with purple brown on a base of honey gold. This is an impressive Proof 68 example, to say the least, and one of the finest known. Pop 3; none finer. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,625
Lot 2510		1895. NGC graded Proof 65. A fully white gem with a delightful cameo effect. Barber's half dollar obverse began as a mirror-image of the Morgan dollar head, though for removed most of model Anna Willess Williams's hair and concealed the remainder within her cap. Barber also left off the assorted vegetable matter from the brim of the cap (retaining the word LIBERTY), replacing it with a crown of plain laurel, surmounting the whole with IN GOD WE TRUST. For the reverse, Barber improved on Robert Scot's work of 91 years earlier copying the Great Seal of the United States. His patterns (dated 1891, Judd 1766, 1765, 1764, 1762) retained the clouds above eagle; his final prototype dropped them, reducing the crowded effect. The adopted design differs also from the Great Seal in scattering the stars in field above eagle's head rather than retaining their Star of David array as on the dollar bill. Only Proofs 880 minted this year. Pop 54; 63 finer. Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,473
Lot 2511		1907-O. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved. A touch softly struck with sparkling frosty mint luster throughout and hints of gold about the outer perimeters (PCGS # 6510) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $805
Lot 2512		1908. NGC graded Proof 64 Cameo. A gorgeous creamy-white example and quite choice for the grade. Mint Director J. P. Kimball's brainchild, the Mint Act of Sept. 26, 1890, specified that thereafter coin designs could be changed only after they had been in use 25 years. As of 1891, dimes, quarters, and half dollars became eligible. Implementing Kimball's ideas, the Treasury announced the first of several competitions for new coin designs. After several rejections, Charles E. Barber�s now familiar design was chosen. These were issued from 1892 to 1915. Each year, the Mint struck Proofs for sale to collectors at a small premium over face value. Only 545 Proofs struck in 1908. Pop 2; 12 finer in Cameo. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553
Lot 2513		1910. NGC graded Proof 68. Lovely rainbow toning on both sides. Only 551 Proofs struck. Among Barber half dollars, the 1910 P-Mint is elusive in currency strike form, placing shifting demand to the Proofs that have survived. Only 418,000 business strikes were made, one of the lowest totals in the Barber half dollar behind the 1892-O and the P-mint 1913, 1914, and 1915 issues. That said, there were few Proofs issued in 1910 (see above): positioning 1910 as the fifth lowest Proof mintage within the series. The obverse and reverse of this strikingly gorgeous Gem have toning to die for, supported by flashy mirror luster that helps to enliven the colors. Both sides show, of course, needle-sharp detail. Tied for the finest certified Proof 1910 Barber half dollar. Pop 7; none finer. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,625
Lot 2514		1910. NGC graded Proof 63. Creamy-white with a few small toning spots on the reverse. Only 551 Proofs struck. Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $949
Lot 2515		1911. PCGS graded Proof 62. Only 543 minted. Lightly toned (PCGS # 6558) . Estimated Value $525 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 2516		A lot of Barber Half Dollars. Coins grade Fair to Very Good. Lot of 87 coins. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,300. View details	Realized $1,150
Lot 2517		A Partial Set of Barber Halves 1892-1915. Includes: 1898-O Good, 1905-S VG, 1909-O Fine, 1913 Good, 1914 Abt. Good, 1915 Good. Lot of 69 coins. Estimated Value $750 - 850. View details	Realized $1,150
Lot 2518		1917-S. Mint Mark On Reverse. PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned. As the relative mintage figures relate, the majority of S-mint half dollars delivered in 1917 occur with the mintmark in the new reverse position below the pine branch. The total delivery for the '17-S Reverse amounted to a sizeable 5.5 million coins. With such a high mintage, it should come as no surprise that this is a plentiful issue in circulated grades. The same, however, cannot be said for choice Mint State survivors. Free of wear with full luster, this is a scarce issue in MS64. Since the '17-S Reverse also has problems with strike, a sharply detailed example is of even further rarity in the finer Uncirculated grades. A truly above-average representative whose surfaces are fully original with radiant, frosty luster. Pop 221; 52 finer (PCGS # 6573) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,984

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