Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 7

Coin and Currency Auction

$5 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 881		1800 $5 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. Nice for the grade, this coin has moderate handling marks in the fields but is sharply struck on every device. Apparently an early die state, as no cracks are visible. The sixth star on the reverse (top row, counting from the left) was recut 3 times, diagnostic to the variety. There are some very light, and we mean light, adjustment marks visible on the dentils above AME on the reverse, and an attached planchet flake between AM of AMERICA. Light gold toning on the upper devices, and appealing, with reflective fields on both sides. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,268
Lot 882		1803/2 $5 Capped Bust. The obverse die shows a faint crack through the lower date and the first six stars, as well as the tops of LIBERTY. On the reverse, there is a die crack from the rim down the left wing of the eagle to the center of the shield, and another crack through the E of AMERICA into the shield, perhaps meeting the other reverse crack. The T of UNITED is obviously double cut. PCGS graded MS-61. Frosty mint luster in the fields and the surfaces are generally appealing for the grade. We note that the coin has been lightly cleaned, as there is residual soap (or jeweler's rouge) on the reverse, and resulting hairlines are visible in the fields. A glass will note minor adjustment marks on Liberty's drapery and across her face, but they are very light. If you have been searching for a mint state example of this popular and rare type coin, then consider bidding on this lovely example. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,338
Lot 883		PCGS GRADED MS 64 1804 HALF EAGLE. PCGS graded MS-64. We are proud to offer a small selection of choice to very choice uncirculated early half eagles. This particular piece boasts frosty bright yellow gold luster with very attractive surfaces. Scrutiny will note a few trivial hairlines, but few other signs of handling. One of the freshest and most desirable coins of this date, with only 5 graded this high by the combined services, and none graded higher. There is a faint obverse die crack extending up through the 0 of the date into Liberty's hair. On the reverse, there is a rim break over the T of UNITED, and a sharp crack at the tops of UNI. Another faint break is seen from the rim through the arrow feathers, up the eagle's claw, shield lines, eagle's head just behind his eye into the field above. Another curious feature is a sharp die scratch where the engraver slipped, up from the left corner of the shield through star 12 to the eagle's beak. Such engraver's scratches are common on heraldic eagle coinage, but this is one of the longest and sharpest that we've seen on any die. Estimated Value $30,000 - 40,000. From Rarcoa's sale of June 1973, lot 171. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $26,450
Lot 884		RESPLENDENT 1805 NGC MS 64. NGC graded MS-64. An exceptionally choice early half eagle with brilliant, frosty yellow gold luster. Examination will note a few scattered tick marks, and a small area of adjustment marks on the reverse from 8:00 to 11:00 crossing TED and the wing tip, and a few others on and near the shield. Obverse weakness at stars 3, 4 and 5 is opposite the reverse adjustment marks. The combined NGC and PCGS Population Reports show only 13 so graded, with a single coin graded higher by NGC. Therefore, this is one of the very best available of the date. Examination with a glass notes a light die crack up from the rim through which bisects the 0 of the date up to the curl just behind Liberty's ear, and faintly up to the left bottom of B. A heavy patch of rust is noted at LI, and there is a die line (a file mark on the actual die) extending from the eighth star over Liberty's cap. The reverse die is an early die state. Estimated Value $20,000 - 30,000. From A-Mark Coin Co., March 16, 1978; Bowers and Merena, Inc.'s H.W. Bass, Jr. II sale, October 1999, lot 765. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $21,850
Lot 885		SEMI UNIQUE 1806 $5.00 GOLD. PCGS graded MS-63. A splendid example of this extremely rare die variety, the strike is bold with full curls on Liberty and even the eagle's wing feathers are complete. The surfaces displaying alternately satin and prooflike qualities. Even if this were a "common" variety half eagle, it would still qualify as one of the very finest seen, as only a few are known in any grade of Mint State, to find a choice example as offered here is an opportunity. Well preserved, and aside from scattered handling marks, virtually as struck. As to the rarity of this piece, Miller notes that only 2 are known of this variety, this by far the better of the two. An exceptional opportunity for the advanced numismatist to purchase one of the rarest die pairings in numismatics. While 1806 dated coins are the most common of this type, several die varieties exist. The first major distinction is the pointed six in the date, all of which have the obverse stars arranged eight on the left and five on the right. Compare this with the knobbed 6 coins, which all have the obverse star arrangement of seven on the left, six on the right. Breen and others have estimated that the mintage of these two main varieties is as follows: the pointed six varieties only 9,676, while the knobbed six varieties 54,417. In addition to this low mintage of the pointed six obverse, this particular coin is paired with a reverse die in a combination that is only seen on two coins. Of the two, this is by far the finer example. This coin comes with a Photo Proof certificate from NGC, where it was previously graded as MS-63. Since that time, the coin was submitted to PCGS where it also graded MS-63 by that service. One of only 10 so graded by PCGS this high, with two coins graded higher of the pointed six variety. The study of die varieties in early gold coins is in its infancy. Recently, excellent reference works were published which brought up to date the available information by Robert Miller on half eagles, and Anthony Taraszka on eagles. Prior to this time, the only available die variety information were pamphlets authored by Walter Breen from the early 1960s, which were found to be well out of date for the last several years. Further interest has been generated by the superb catalogs of the Harry Bass, Jr. Collection by the staff at Bowers and Merena Galleries with pages of information on die varieties of all gold series, with many coins available for the first time in decades. It has been our experience that once the die variety book is published, it takes a few years for collectors to begin collecting in earnest by die variety. Therefore, this would be an excellent time to put a true rarity like this away, knowing the only other example is tied up in a collector's reference collection, another opportunity to purchase this die pairing may be decades away when this coin reappears. Estimated Value $30,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 886		CHOICE 1807 DRAPED BUST $5. NGC graded MS-63. A lovely example with full reflective prooflike surfaces, deeper on the reverse. Both the obverse and reverse show light handling marks, and this piece is quickly identifiable by a tiny tick mark below the B of LIBERTY. Minor adjustment marks are noted on the upper left rim of the reverse. Overall, a choice example that would enhance even the most advanced collection. The NGC and PCGS Population Reports show a combined total of 37 graded this high, with only 8 graded higher, all as MS-64 for the date. Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000. From Quality Sales Corporation's auction of the John A. Beck Collection, Part I, January 1975, Lot 365; later Bowers and Merena, Inc.'s H.W. Bass, Jr. Collection Part II, October 1999, lot 780. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,500
Lot 887		1807 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Sharpness of Fine-12 but cleaned. An extremely rare die variety that was not listed in Breen's 1966 monograph on the series. The only offerings we know of are the recent MS 61 coin offered in the amazing Harry Bass sale by Bowers & Merena and two others they note in that catalog. Struck from the same obverse die as the Breen-4D variety, the reverse is quickly distinguishable by the D of UNITED being closer to the wing, and with the lower feather tip of the arrow above the left side of the 5 rather than over the right tip of the flag of the 5. This reverse die broke early, with a crack from the rim through the upright of the E of STATES, through the scroll, eagle's head right of his eye, down into the shield to the second group of vertical stripes from the left. On this coin, another crack has appeared just past the second S in STATES, from the rim to the motto below. Robert Miller in his book on varieties of half eagles noted that just two were known to him. Bowers estimated that perhaps 12-15 were known, based only on his experience of selling 3 of this variety over the past two decades or so. Whatever the true number, this is a much later die state than the Bass coin or the example offered in the Bowers sale of May 1998, lot 1307 as EF 40. The surfaces have been harshly cleaned, but this is not unusual for a coin of this type or period. Struck from clashed dies, both obverse and reverse, and identifiable by a small pit like dent in the field just before Liberty's eye. The rims show one very minor mark that has been filed off above fifth star on the obverse. Certainly one that should go to a variety specialist, as this is probably one of the last struck with this broken reverse die. Estimated Value $750-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,150
Lot 888		OUTSTANDING 1808 PCGS MS 64. PCGS graded MS-64. An outstanding example of this date, sharply impressed by the dies with every nuance of the design elements crisp and full. The color ranges from bright orange-gold to the familiar yellowish-green hues often seen on these early pieces. As to the luster, it is full and complete, with a radiant glow that entices the eye. Close examination with a glass will note a few trivial contact marks, nothing worthy of note though. Identifiable by a copper toning spot on the lower left serif of the I of UNITED. The PCGS Population Report notes that only 2 have been so graded, with a single coin graded higher, placing this well up in the Condition Census for the date. The final star (just right of the date) has the familiar notch on the arm of the outer point. This notch is thought to be the signature of John Reich, the coin's designer. On several dies this small notch is noted in the same location on the last star, and occasionally on every one of the thirteen outer star points. Another curiosity is the small mark located at the base of each T on the reverse, perhaps the T punch was damaged, and this strange mark is present on both half eagles and quarters (apparently the Mint used the same letter punches on each) of the period. Estimated Value $27,000 - 35,000. From Stack's sale of the Bartle Collection, October 1984, lot 1112 and later Bowers and Merena's H.W. Bass, Jr. Collection sale, October 1999, lot 789. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $23,000
Lot 889		1810 $5 Capped Draped Bust. Large date, tall 5. PCGS graded MS-62. A frosty, original coin the remains untoned at present. Examination will note a few stray marks in the open fields, but nothing deep or distracting. The stars and curls on Liberty are all boldly struck, while the reverse shows slight weakness on the inside left wing of the eagle and a couple of the horizontal shield lines. Free of adjustment marks, which often mar the surfaces of these early gold coins. A nearly choice coin which a collector can aspire to own. Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,705
Lot 890		1834 $5 Classic Head. Plain 4. NGC graded MS-63. Frosty luster in the fields and well struck by the dies. The coin remains untoned, so the glittering surfaces are not diminished by color or age. Examination with a glass will note a scattering of tick marks, as expected for the grade, locating a higher grade example will likely prove a very expensive undertaking, if one can be secured. Struck from lapped dies, without a berry and with a faint die crack from the tips of each wing of the eagle to the rim. Identifiable by a bagmark on the lower part of the first T of STATES. Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,830
Lot 891		1836 $5 Classic Head. AU-53. Nicely struck with plenty of remaining mint luster. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,150
Lot 892		1836 $5 Classic Head. AU-50. Well struck for the date, with blazing mint luster and ample original mint color in evidence. The central shield lines retain prooflike mirroring, as to the fields near the devices. Typicial light handling marks. Estimated Value $450 - 550. From Superior Galleries sale, June 2-3, 1986, lot 1874. View details	Realized $667
Lot 893		OUTSTANDING 1838-D $5.00 GOLD. PCGS graded MS-61. This is the only Dahlonega Mint issue of the classic head design. The bold "D" Mintmark resides prominently above the date, soon to be banished to below the eagle, perhaps at Philadelphia's command? Bright yellow-gold in color and boldly struck throughout. The dies appear to have been lapped when this one was coined, as Liberty's forecurl is a single disconnected lump, and the left claws of the eagle show pitiful definition. There is also a light die crack through the tops of MERICA on the reverse. Only 20,583 were struck, of these perhaps 10 are known in the lower mint state grades. The NGC and PCGS combined Population Reports tell us the following for the date: in MS-60, 1 coin; MS-61, 3 coins; MS-62, 8 coins. We strongly suspect that single coins are represented multiple times as every grade point can mean thousands of dollars in value, giving people tremendous incentive to crack out and resubmit coins multiple times. It is very probable, therefore, that the actual number may be only one-half or less of those reported, and further research will have to be done to actually identify each coin, rather than just the population numbers. We do note, that none have been graded as MS-63 or higher, yet. Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 894		1840-O $5 Liberty. PCGS graded EF-45. Here is a nice problem-free coin that boasts clean surfaces and well struck devices. Examination will note the usual ticks from circulation, but nothing of consquence. Only 40,120 struck at New Orleans in 1840, making this a bit of a scarce date for the numismatist to obtain. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,208
Lot 895		IMPORTANT 1842-C SMALL DATE PCGS GRADED EF-40. PCGS graded EF-40. Considered to be the rarest of all the Charlotte Mint half eagle issues, the 1842-C small date has earned this fame as many collectors have sought an example for years before finding one. Of the handful known, most are found in grades of Very Fine or lower, this coin is a hair better, crossing the mark at EF-40 with PCGS's blessing. Medium golden orange with hints of luster near the devices. Identifiable by a small tick mark in the field near the point of Liberty's nose, and a small mark below the E of UNITED. As to the PCGS Population Report, we see that 6 have been graded as EF-40, with a 11 graded in various grades above, and a single Mint State 62 coin at the top of the heap. Breen estimated the mintage of the small date to be 4,595 and the large date of this year at 23,589, a ratio of less than one to four. With decades of data pouring into the grading services, and several advanced studies keeping records of the known specimens, it appears that a ratio of one to three may be more accurate. Nevertheless, this is the rarest Charlotte Mint half eagle, and one of the rarest coins to have been issued by that Mint. Different size date punches were common in this era, the Philadelphia Mint seemed to be experimenting with large and small digits. Most denominations are found with varying size dates from 1842 to 1846 with both large and small dates available. One of the most important coins in this sale for the date collector, and remarkably, there are two to choose from. If you are a serious date collector, it is far better to purchase the rare coins first, then fill in the more common ones as time, money and availability permit. Estimated Value $17,500 - 22,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $15,525
Lot 896		AN IMPORTANT 1842-C SMALL DATE PCGS EF-40. PCGS graded EF-40. Here is yet another 1842-C Small date in EF-40 condition. This is remarkable as PCGS has only graded 6 coins, and here are two in the same sale! This period of time, from approximately 1999 through 2001 will go down as one of the great opportunities to purchase rare date gold. A fantastic number of coins are being offered from the Harry Bass holdings, including countless finest known specimens and even more condition census pieces. Many collectors are finally able to purchase coins they've only read about, and haven't been offered for decades in the marketplace. Duplicates are being sold, and many pieces are available for astute collectors to choose from. The current supply of rare dates will soon disappear from auctions and dealers inventories. Thus collectors would be very wise to purchase these great rarities when they are offered, as they will soon be tucked away in collections. This current piece has delightful orange-gold toning, the strike is sharp and even the eagle's upper wings show excellent definition for the grade assigned. Normal surface ticks are noted, and identifiable by a shallow mark below the eagle's open beak. An important rarity in this grade, and worthy of a strong price. Considered to be the rarest Charlotte Mint half eagle, and very tough to find in grades above Very Fine. A coin for the connoisseur. Estimated Value $17,500 - 22,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,950
Lot 897		1845-D $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. A really tough date to find in mint state, a really choice about uncirculated coin like this is about the best a collector can hope to locate. This particular coin is very well struck and possesses a pleasant greenish-gold color. Moderate surface marks, as always, for the mint and period. The PCGS Population Report shows just 8 in this grade, with a scant 7 graded higher. Bid accordingly. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,830
Lot 898		1846-D $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. A lustrous yellow gold specimen that boasts delicate coppery toning and is boldly struck. Seldom found this nice, and worth a strong price from a Dahlonega collector. Only a couple have ever been graded in the lower end of mint state, hence, this is one of the very best known of the date. This is the only coin graded in AU-58 by PCGS, according to their June, 2000 Population Report, and they also note that just 2 are graded higher, both MS-61. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,600
Lot 899		1847 $5 Liberty. Sharpness of AU-50 but wiped with a jeweler's cloth. This is one of the popular recut 7 dates, with the extra 7 appearing above the final 7. The surfaces are otherwise pleasing, aside from the polished appearance from the jeweler's cloth used to clean the coin. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From Superior Galleries sale, June 2-3, 1986, lot 1878. View details	Realized $150
Lot 900		1847-C $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-50. Even with a mintage of 84,151 this date is seldom found in high grade. Most entered circulation and stayed there, and are commonly found in lower grades. To find a nice about uncirculated piece is a treat for the date collector, and this one has satiny yellow-gold color and moderate handling marks. Sharply struck and we note a tiny ding in the field near the last star. Well struck and worth a strong bid. Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,530
Lot 901		1847-D $5 Liberty. EF-40. Mintage of 64,405, few of which are as nice as this example. This one is from an old estate where it was taken from circulation. Well struck and problem-free. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,265
Lot 902		1848 $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. A very attractive example of the Coronet No Motto half eagle. Plenty of rich mint lustre is still present. Estimated Value $500 - 700. View details	Realized $575
Lot 903		1851-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. A golden orange specimen with some of the original luster in the protected areas. Boldly impressed at the center of the obverse, and only moderate weakness on the eagle's lower left leg. Most 1851-C half eagles are found from dies that show a curious hole or punch mark on Liberty's earlobe. Perhaps this was a centering compass mark for the engraver, as several denominations show a variety of holes and rings in this period, which would be a fine area of study for a numismatist. This coin however; does not have the hole in Liberty's earlobe. As noted expert Doug Winter says in his reference work on gold "A few coins are known without the punchmark; these are quite rare." A similar coin was offered in the October 1999 Harry Bass sale, lot 1023 by our friends Bowers and Merena, but it was PCGS graded AU-55 and was an early die state. This particular coin is a late die state with a die crack from the rim through the upper left serif of the U of UNITED to the eagle's left leg. The first 1 in the date is connected to the truncation above, while the second 1 just grazes the truncation. Important to the date collector and variety specialist. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,520
Lot 904		1851-D $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. The first 1 is repunched, and the date is quite large. Delicate copper toning around the periphery, and some luster adheres in the fields. The mintage clocked in at 62,710 for the year, but few are known in high grades such as this, most circulated down to lower grades or were melted. Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,600
Lot 905		1852-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. A better than average struck specimen with some weakness as usual on the eagle's neck. The surfaces are frosty and exhibit a normal allotment of light contact marks in the unprotected areas of the fields. Usually encountered in well circulated grades and a strictly Mint State example is an important rarity. Only 4 specimens listed certified by NGC in this grade and 9 better. Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 906		1852-C $5 Liberty. EF-40. Lightly cleaned with some residue remaining in the reverse devices. Minor weakness on the eagle's neck, and there is a fresh mark on the lowest arrowhead and the final A in AMERICA. Tough in this grade, and much more expensive better. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details	Realized $863
Lot 907		FANTASTIC 1853 NGC GRADED MINT STATE 64. NGC graded MS-64. This is one of the finest known examples of this date, it is alone in its grading category, and only a single coin is graded a notch higher (NGC MS-65) according to recent PCGS and NGC Population Reports. The MS-65 coin sold for $55,000 back in 1995 and has not been auctioned since that time to our knowledge. Therefore, this is the finest available of the date. Luster dances in the fields, and the coin possesses an appealing sheen. The devices are all sharply struck on the obverse, each star boasts full radial lines, as well as complete curl separation on Liberty. As to the reverse, one minor area of weakness is noted on the right claw of the eagle. What makes this coin stand out above the others is the absence of handling marks, the fields and devices are free of all but the most minute contacts and a scattering of faint hairlines are noted in the fields. Identifiable by a tiny lamination on the upper curve of the D of UNITED. While this may be considered to be a common date, only a moderate number were saved in Mint State, most falling well below the choice grade. If you demand the finest available, then here is the coin for you. Estimated Value $17,500 - 22,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,075
Lot 908		1853-C $5 Liberty. EF-40. Minor hairlines from cleaning, with a satiny appearance and well preserved. Typical weak strike at the centers. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $978
Lot 909		IMPORTANT 1854-C IN MINT STATE. NGC graded MS-61. A premier rarity in mint state, with this coin certainly well within the condition census. The surfaces show extensive luster in the fields, and a few minor hairlines from handling over the last 146 years. Delightful copper toning has started to form in the lower reverse lettering while the obverse is still untoned. Boldly struck and with definition on all but the small curls over Liberty's ear. As with most seen of the date, the mintmark is weak, but clearly present above the VE of FIVE on the reverse. The reverse die had clashed with the obverse when this one was struck, thus Liberty has the eagle's wing protruding from her mouth into the left field, with the upper outline of the wing extends from her throat. Curious indeed. Identifiable by a minor tick mark that lies at a 45 degree angle down on the right horizontal shield stripes, and currently in NGC holder #569252-040. An opportunity for the advanced numismatist who needs a high end example of this date. Estimated Value $12,500 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 910		1856-O $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. A mere 10,000 were struck for circulation and nearly every one was spent. A decidedly scarce coin and almost unheard of in Mint State. NGC has graded this sole example with none higher. PCGS reports only two examples with one a point higher. Regardless of the population reports, this is a condition census coin and ranks among the finest known. For a New Orleans mint coin, this specimen is unusually well struck and exhibits some reflective surface within the protected areas around the devices. A coin for the discriminate collector. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 911		1856-S $5 Liberty. NGC graded EF-40. A pleasing example for the grade and seldom seen better. Estimated Value $375 - 450. View details	Realized $437
Lot 912		WELL STRUCK 1858-D NGC GRADED MINT STATE 61. NGC graded MS-61. Sharply struck for the date with full definition on Liberty's curls and even on the central reverse devices, which are notoriously weak on this date and mint. The color is a frosty orange-gold color, with glowing mint brilliance. Surface quality is much better than often encountered for the grade, with no deep or distracting bagmarks to note. Minor surface disturbances are noted in the fields, but visible primarily with a glass. The presses stopped at 15,362 for the year 1858 in Dahlonega, very few of which survive today. To find a decent Mint State coin as offered here is a real treat for the numismatist. An important and historic offering of this date. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 913		1865-S $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. This is a highly underrated coin that David Akers noted as usually being found in grades of Fine to Very Fine. Breen notes that as a date, this is "prohibitively rare above VF; unknown above EF" which will give collectors some guidance as to the rarity of this date in high grade. We note in the NGC Population Report that a cluster of 15 have been graded as AU 55, and another 18 graded in AU-58. Above that only 4 have been graded as MS 61. Clearly we have a large number of resubmittals here, and this has badly skewed the population numbers. The true number of About Uncirculated pieces is much lower than reported in the NGC report. In the massive Harry Bass, Jr. holdings, only two lower grade AU coins were offered, these were the best he could find despite years and years of searching dealers stocks and attending every major sale. The large S mintmark is a bit weak, diagnostic to this variety. Overall the strike is firm, with sharp details on Liberty and the eagle. The fields show moderate handling marks, and these were from shipping about in a bag rather than heavy circulation, as the coin has so little actual wear. No heavy or annoying marks are present, and this coin would be the highlight of an advanced date collection. Frosty luster in the fields and graced by light coppery toning. Estimated Value $8,500 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,475
Lot 914		1865-S $5 Liberty. A very rare and seldom offered date. Mounted and expertly repaired. ANACS graded EF Details (cleaned) Net VF-20. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details	Unsold
Lot 915		THE FINEST GRADED 1873-CC HALF EAGLE. PCGS graded MS-62 H.W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Lustrous orange-gold in color, with a scattering of shallow tick marks, none deep or noteworthy. From the October 1999 Harry Bass Sale by Bowers and Merena, this magnificent coin is almost certainly the finest known of the date. The PCGS Population Report notes only one other coin graded as Mint State 61, and below that a pair that rate as AU-55, from there only 7 have been graded in the two grades of EF. Hence, this is a major rarity in grades above Very Fine, with a mintage of 7,416. Conditions in Carson City were pretty wild in the 1870s, numismatists were generally unknown at the time, and coins were collected by date, not by branch mint. The nation's economy took a nose dive in 1873, hence even fewer coins were issued than prior years, and not many people were well enough off to set aside a gold coin as something to save and preserve. The production of coins in 1873 saw rapid entry into circulation, most coins of this date and mint are found in very low grades, frequently with numerous circulation marks well beyond those expected for the wear received. Here is a remarkable exception, perhaps it was saved to commemorate a birth and passed down from family member to family member. Whatever the case, this is a beautiful coin and one of the rarest Carson City half eagles. Collectors that have years of experience under their belts know that finding a Carson City half eagle of this date in grades of extremely fine is an important opportunity. Experts Douglas Winter and Lawrence Cutler in their book on Carson City coins stated "No Mint State 1873-CC half eagles are known to exist." This coin was purchased by Harry Bass in August 1976, and with todays current grading standards is available to connoisseurs of the series. The sale of many of the Harry Bass coins provides an opportunity for gold collectors that will probably never be repeated, important rarities, sometimes in small quantities, are available and many of these coins have been offered in subsequent auctions a time or two. Soon they will all be tucked away in collections, scattered to the winds, and may not be available again for decades. Here is yet another opportunity to purchase this famous rarity, the finest graded 1873-CC half eagle. Estimated Value $50,000 - 65,000. From Stack's ANA sale, August 1976, lot 2998; then from Bowers and Merena's Harry Bass Part II sale, October 1999, lot 1188 where it realized $66,125. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $48,300
Lot 916		1873-S $5 Liberty. ANACS graded EF-40. The wear is evenly spread and is free from nicks or noticeable scratches. A high grade rare date issue. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $920
Lot 917		1878-S $5 Liberty. ANACS graded VF-35. Moderate wear only, with decent surfaces for the grade. Estimated Value $120 - 130. View details	Realized $127
Lot 918		1879 $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Although a healthy amount were coined, the number saved was minimal. A rare coin in strictlty Mint State and this example is well struck and full of mint frost. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,265
Lot 919		1879 $5 Liberty. ANACS graded EF-45. An original and pleasing coin for the grade assigned. Estimated Value $130 - 140. View details	Realized $115
Lot 920		1879-CC $5 Liberty. ANACS graded VF-25. A nice problem-free example and accurately graded. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details	Realized $391
Lot 921		1879-S $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. A frosty mint state example that has decent surfaces for the grade. Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details	Realized $529
Lot 922		1879-S $5 Liberty. Together with the following ANACS graded half eagles: 1885-S AU Details (cleaned) Net EF-40; 1892 AU Details (cleaned) Net EF-45; 1898 AU Details (cleaned) Net EF-40. A total of 4 different. Estimated Value $450 - 475. View details	Unsold
Lot 923		1880-S $5 Liberty. AU-55. This one must of circulated just briefly. Estimated Value $125 - 150. View details	Realized $161
Lot 924		1881 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. The surfaces appear to be a higher grade, but there are some tiny peck marks on the obverse. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details	Realized $506
Lot 925		1881 $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. A choice coin that boasts frosty luster and is well struck. Moderate handling marks, none of consequence. One for the date collector. Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details	Realized $374
Lot 926		1881 $5 Liberty. ANACS graded MS-62 DMPL. Well struck with bright mirror surfaces that are recognized by ANACS. Estimated Value $200 - 240. View details	Realized $719
Lot 927		1881 $5 Liberty. MS-60. Typical handling marks. Estimated Value $160 - 180. View details	Realized $161
Lot 928		1881 $5 Liberty. Very Fine to Extremely Fine. A pair of this popular half eagle design. Estimated Value $200 - 230. View details	Realized $230
Lot 929		1881-S $5 Liberty. A group of 4 half eagles each in an ANACS holder. Estimated Value $450 - 550. View details	Realized $529
Lot 930		1882 $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. Frosty and original, this high end choice coin will delight the date collector. Only 13 have been graded higher by NGC, making this the best grade that is readily obtainable. Abundant luster and sharply impressed by the dies. Estimated Value $750 - 850. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $633

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