Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 72

February 2-5. 2013

Commemorative Silver Coins

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1580		1893 Isabella Quarter Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice even toning. Choice and lustrous with a near-perfect strike. Both the peripheries and the central reverse are detailed and close to 100% crisp for their sharpness of strike on this normally well-made Isabella Commemorative, America�s first such issue in the quarter dollar denomination. The coin is a forceful reminder in a coin from Philadelphia Mint that it is quality that counts (PCGS # 9220) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1581		1893 Columbian Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-67. Nice iridescent toning around the edges. A superb, boldly struck example with glistening luster. The 1892-93 Columbian half dollars represent the first American "souvenir coin," as such pieces were called in the early days. From a technical viewpoint, the 1848 CAL quarter eagle was a souvenir coin and a commemorative, recognized as such by experts and specialists today, but not listed under the commemorative series. For the standard commemorative listing this is the beginning. The World's Columbian Exposition was expected to open in Chicago in 1892 to observe the 400th anniversary of Columbus' "discovery" of America. A grand city of alabaster white was erected on the shore of Lake Michigan, not of stone but of plaster and other temporary materials. The process fell hopelessly behind schedule, and although some ceremonies were held in the proper year, 1892, it was not until 1893 that the gates were thrown open to the general public, and all of the displays and concessions operated in full force. This necessitated the production of an 1893 Columbian half dollar, observing the 401st anniversary of Columbus' arrival in America�the first, but certainly not the last, of weird anniversary celebrations. Columbian half dollars of 1892 and 1893 were placed on sale at $1 each, and the reception was enthusiastic. However, the mintage of about 2,500,000 pieces far exceeded the demand, and large numbers were placed into circulation at face value�a poor public relations move, as those who had paid $1 were disillusioned. Such pieces were seen in everyday change for decades afterward. Pop 9; 2 finer in 67+ (PCGS # 9297) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,200
Lot 1582		1922 Grant Half Dollar, With Star PCGS graded Genuine Unc Details. Cleaned. Only 4,256 pieces made with the Star. Scarce (PCGS # 9307) . Estimated Value $500 - 525. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $863
Lot 1583		1928 Hawaiian Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Nice golden toning around the edges. Housed in an Old Green Holder.Lustrous golden gray which has grand overall eye appeal, the surface enlivened by typical satin-like luster. The above-average strike on Captain Cooks bust and wig complements this eye-appeal and, some might say, adds immeasurably to the appearance. A Gem. Pop 475; 81 finer (PCGS # 9309) . Only 10,008 1928 "Captain Cook" Half Dollars (as collectors from our fiftieth state prefer to call them) were coined; of these, the majority found a home in change purses or curiosity boxes, they being, for the most part, sold to non-collectors and mainland tourists in the islands. Once in the public's hands many got abraded and worn. To this day, well-toned About Uncirculated specimens turn up regularly at coin stores in Honolulu. Having that in mind you have before you one of the few premier Mint State 65 examples left. Estimated Value $3,400 - 3,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,600
Lot 1584		1928 Hawaiian Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved PQ. Attractive original toning around Cook and more extensively covering about half the reverse, likely from the brown craft paper envelope in which the Mint shipped the coins to purchasers. Only 10,000 were made. Half of this number was reserved for sale to Hawaii residents. At the time, the Territory of Hawaii was one of several Territories recognized by and administered by the U.S. government. One of the better known early Commemorative half dollars, a scarce coin since many circulated examples are found, having been spent during the hard times of the 1930s (PCGS # 9309) . Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,415
Lot 1585		1928 Hawaiian Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-63. Nice golden toning on this choice lustrous example. The Hawaiian chief depicted on the reverse is often thought to be King Kamehameha I (d. 1819), but the artist said that it is only a representative Hawaiian Chieftain in traditional royal feather cloak and "malo" loin cloth regalia of the 1778-9, the time of Cook's two visits (PCGS # 9309) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,185
Lot 1586		1928 Hawaiian Half Dollar NGC graded Unc Details. Improperly cleaned. Light golden toning (PCGS # 9309) . Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1587		1928 Hawaiian Half Dollar NGC graded Unc Details. Obverse scratch and cleaned. Only 10,000 minted (PCGS # 9309) . Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 1588		1935 Hudson Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Popular key date commem, silvery white and lustrous (PCGS # 9312) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,006
Lot 1589		1935 Hudson Half Dollar NGC graded Unc Details. Improperly cleaned. A nice white coin (PCGS # 9312) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $690
Lot 1590		1921 Missouri Half Dollar, No 2 x 4. PCGS graded MS-62. A hint of light tone (PCGS # 9330) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $506
Lot 1591		1938 New Rochelle Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-67. CAC Approved PQ. Well struck and lightly toned. Pop 152; 7 finer, 5 in 67+, 2 in 68 (PCGS # 9335) . Background on the New Rochelles: This coin was the brainchild of the Westchester County Coin Club, but was distributed through a bank in New Rochelle as it was considered that if a coin club did it, there might be complaints of profiteering. The focal point was an anniversary of the founding of New Rochelle in 1688, 250 years earlier. The motifs were designed by Gertrude K. Lathrop, whose other accomplishments included the earlier offered Albany half dollar. These pieces were handled carefully after striking, with the result that today high grades are the rule, not the exception, in dynamic contrast with, for example, the 1923-S Monroe Doctrine. Nearly all New Rochelle half dollars are what we would call MS-64 or finer. Such differences in the method of handling and distribution account for the availability of certain pieces today at various grade levels and are worth understanding if such is of interest. While some citizens of New Rochelle purchased these, by and large most went into strong numismatic hands. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,323
Lot 1592		1938 Oregon Trail Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-67. Nicely toned. Only 6,000 minted of this much scarcer year. Pop 112; 15 finer (PCGS # 9348) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 1593		1939-P,D,S Oregon Trail Half Dollar Set MS60+. Scarce, low mintage set. The Oregon Trail series was long running, with issues 1926 to 1939 (having some interruptions). Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details	Realized $1,495
Lot 1594		1935 Spanish Trail Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty Gem untoned example, one of only 10,000 minted to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Old Spanish Trail, an historical trade route which connected the northern New Mexico settlements near or in Santa Fe, New Mexico with that of Los Angeles, California and southern California. Approximately 1,200 mi (1,900 km) long, it ran through areas of high mountains, arid deserts, and deep canyons. It is considered one of the most arduous of all trade routes ever established in the United States. Explored, in part, by Spanish explorers as early as the late 1500s, the Trail saw extensive use by pack trains from about 1830 until the mid-1850s (PCGS # 9376) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 1595		1935 Spanish Trail Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. A fresh, satin-luster untoned example whose surface integrity places it within range of Gem quality (PCGS # 9376) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,150
Lot 1596		1935-D Texas Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-67. Lovely golden toning on this Gem, boldly struck example. Pop 199; 6 finer, 2 in 67+, 4 in 68 (PCGS # 9383) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $575
Lot 1597		1938-P,D,S Texas Half Dollar Set MS60+. Mintage was 3,775 sets in 1938, this having satin luster coins. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details	Realized $604
Lot 1598		A Lot of Commemorative Half Dollars. Consists of: 1892 Columbians (2), 1893 Columbian, 1918 Lincoln, 1922 Grant No Star, 1923-S Monroe (2), 1925 Stone Mountain (3), 1925 Lexington (1), 1926 Sesquicentennial, 1934 Texas, 1946-D BTW, and 1954-D Washington Carver. Coins grade VF to Unc . Lot of 15 coins. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $690
Lot 1599		1860 Hawaiian Waterhouse Token. PCGS graded EF-40. Listed in the Red Book, see page 406. Rare. John Thomas Waterhouse, proprietor of two stores in Honolulu had tokens struck bearing his name and a bust of King Kamehameha III (r.1824-1854). The date of issue and its exact use are not clear. The tokens were called "hale meli" meaning in Hawaiian "bee hive." The Hawaiian inscription "Hale Maikai" means "house excellent", or a good place to do business. The Waterhouse firm established in 1851 issued the earliest known Hawaiian token, c.1855-60. The King�s nose, the highest point of the white metal token (also called pewter) was easily blunted. Pop 4; 12 finer (PCGS # 600500) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,600
Lot 1600		A lot of Hawaiian Coins. Consists of: 1847 Cents (2); 1883 25¢ (1); 1883 50¢ (2). Coins grade About Good to Extremely Fine and cleaned . Lot of 5 coins. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details	Realized $506