Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 70

The September 2-5, 2012

Half Dimes

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1303		1795. . LM-8, V-5. PCGS graded MS-61. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Only 1,750 example are estimated to have survived. Pop 6; 111 finer. Nicely struck and exhibits attractive old time toning. During the colonial era, the economic system in the American colonies was tied into the English system of pounds, shillings and pence. A less cumbersome method of coinage, the decimal system, had long been championed by Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and financier Robert Morris. After several unsuccessful attempts to pass authorizing legislation, their plans finally came to fruition with the Mint Act of April 2, 1792. Both the establishment of a mint and the decimal system were not only seen as practical for the new nation but symbolic of a break from England as well. The production of these coins was an act of incredible political significance. In the past, coinage of silver was a royal prerogative. In a new, purely Democratic society such as the United States, the coinage of silver was a clear and distinct act of national independence. The Flowing Hair half dimes of 1794-95 were designed by Robert Scot, the chief engraver of the Mint. Scot's design features a head of Liberty facing to the right with distinctive flowing hair. Fifteen stars, arranged 8x7, surround the head with the date below and the word LIBERTY above. On the reverse, an eagle stands amid an olive branch with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around it. There is no indication of this coin's value on either side, nor would there be until the Capped Bust design was adopted in 1829. This is one of the often-seen 1795 varieties and it is always in demand by type, date, and variety collectors. The obverse, which was shared with two different reverse dies, has a prominent crack from the rim through Y to the nose, face, neck, and the top of the 7 in the date. There is no evidence of reverse die defects. A delicately frosted specimen with glints of mellow gold over antique silver shades on both sides. Nearly fully struck, however just a hint of limitation in the detail at the eagle�s chest and wing tops. Some very slight adjustment evident through one wing (PCGS # 4251) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. Ex: Superior Auction October 1995 Lot 145. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,995
Lot 1304		1830. NGC graded MS-63. Light obverse toning which shows variegation from deep steel blue iridescence to natural dusky lavender-gray. Well struck and lustrous. A choice representative of this fleeting Capped Bust style (1829-37). Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 1305		1833. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved. Only 2,250 examples are estimated to have survived. Light even toning and well struck. Over time, the early Capped Bust Half Dimes have grown in popularity with collectors. 1833 is noteworthy for its fine strikes and beaming luster. The surfaces of this little jewel boast delicate toning. The frost covers every point on the design and shimmers throughout the fields. No better evidence to originality could be imagined. Pop 18; 9 finer (PCGS # 4280) . Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,060
Lot 1306		1837. No Stars Large Date. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved PQ. Lovely and colorful toning. A lustrous golden rose and blue-gray specimen with a grand display of shimmering luster below the toning on both sides. Nicely struck as are most first-year 1837 Half Dimes, perhaps not fully so the A in HALF on the reverse, but elsewhere bold enough that its charm is enhanced immeasurably. The designer of this coin, Christian Gobrecht, must have been proud to see his first tentative coin drawings transformed into these beautiful Half Dimes (and Dimes) of 1837-1840. By using a blend of diaphanous dress and plain obverse field, combined with a leaning shield and curving LIBERTY ribbon, Gobrecht succeeded better than any previous mint engraver in capturing the spirit of America's great calling (PCGS # 4311) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,179
Lot 1307		1840. No Drapery. PCGS graded MS-64. CAC Approved PQ. Lightly toned. The early dates in this series, particularly the 1837-45 period, tend to be sharply made and finely detailed. This is especially true when a choice example is encountered. A very attractive MS64 with suggestions for a higher grade indicated by the PQ definition. Pop 41; 35 finer (PCGS # 4321) . Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $805
Lot 1308		1853. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-65. Well struck and untoned. Dancing frosty luster careens off the outstanding Mint-original surfaces of this attractive gem. No toning in evidence; both sides silvery bright. The strike is well-detailed on the obverse and reverse. The arrows at date signify a minor adjustment in the weight of the piece versus prior issues in the Seated Liberty series from 1837-53. Pop 51; 37 finer (PCGS # 4356) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 1309		1854 Arrows. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Well struck and white. A refreshing Gem quality example which might have dropped from the dies mere moments ago for all its fresh silvery color and appearance. Pop 39; 9 finer (PCGS # 4358) . Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 1310		1858. PCGS graded MS-64. CAC Approved PQ. Nicely toned (PCGS # 4367) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $690
Lot 1311		1858-O. PCGS graded MS-64. CAC Approved PQ. One of several well-preserved Half Dimes, each having its own charm and clearly hand-picked for luster, detail, overall surface integrity and especially for original toning (PCGS # 4369) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 1312		1859-O. PCGS graded MS-64. CAC Approved PQ. A lustrous example from this Southern branch mint of New Orleans. Original toning; fresh, frosty surface, premium quality eye-appeal which draws appreciative bidders from near and far (PCGS # 4370) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 1313		1863. PCGS graded Proof 65. Light gold toning. Only 460 struck of this scarce Civil War date. Limited numbers survive at the Gem Proof 65 level and above: Pop 33; 11 finer (PCGS # 4446) . Estimated Value $1,150 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1314		1867. PCGS graded Proof 64. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lightly toned and darker on the reverse. Only 625 minted. Pop 48; 38 finer (PCGS # 4450) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $805