Goldberg Coins and Collectibles



Sale 75

September Pre Long Beach


Walking Liberty Half Dollars
 
 
Lot Photo Description Realized
Lot 1498
1916-D. PCGS graded MS-64. Grey toning with light golden-violet colors on both sides. A bright coin radiating mint glow on silver surfaces with nothing to censor it from its bold Superb MS67 grade. In one way, the luster sets the beauty. In another, the precision strike on every device of this Antietam Half Dollar completes the picture (PCGS # 6567)
Historic Note: Mint Director Robert Woolley (March 1915 to July 1916) described the new design in his report for the fiscal year ending June 1916: "The obverse of the half dollar bears a full length figure of Liberty with a background of the American flag flying to the breeze. The goddess is striding toward the dawn of a new day, carrying laurel and oak branches, symbolic of civic and military glory. The reverse shows an eagle perched high up on a mountain crag, wings unfolded. Growing from a rift in the rock is a sapling of mountain pine, symbolic of America." Estimated Value $600 - 650
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Realized
$920
Lot 1499
1917-S. Mint mark on obverse. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved. A popular variety with the mint mark on the obverse. Lovely toning on both sides with russet-golden color throughout. A beauty, with nice snappy luster below the natural golden color on choice, virtually undisturbed surfaces free of spotting or noticeable marks. From the luster, we next take stock of the details of the design. Given the proper amount of strike pressure, the coin was fully brought up by the dies in most areas with the possible exception of the branch end and Liberty's hand on the obverse (the high point on the obverse), and likewise, some residual weakness on the eagle’s breast feathers and upper right leg. Choice. Scarce.

Mint Director F.J.H. von Engelken (September 1916 to March 1917), said in 1916, "The design of the half dollar bears a full-length figure of Liberty, the folds of the Stars and Stripes flying to the breeze as a background, progressing in full stride toward the dawn of a new day, carrying branches of laurel and oak, symbolical of civil and military glory. The hand of the figure is outstretched in bestowal of the spirit of Liberty."The reverse of the half dollar shows an eagle perched high upon a mountain crag, his wings unfolded, fearless in spirit and conscious of his power. Springing from a rift in the rock is a sapling of mountain pine, symbolical of America." (PCGS # 6572) Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500
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Realized
$3,795
Lot 1500
1918-D. PCGS graded MS-64. An untoned early date example. Smooth satiny surfaces on both sides. A beautifully struck white gem. Getting tough to find these coins in high grades (PCGS # 6575) Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500
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Realized
$5,520
Lot 1501
1918-S. PCGS graded MS-63. A popular uncirculated early date example. Soft golden tone on both sides (PCGS # 6576) Estimated Value $900 - 1,000
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$1,495
Lot 1502
1919. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved. Well struck and blast white. Housed in an Old Green Holder. No one will argue the point that this date is a condition rarity, 1919-P Walking Liberties are also problematic in the strike department with fully struck, Gem coins being very difficult to find. The striking details on this superlative Gem are unconditionally bold for an early Walker, with keen detailing on the skirt lines, hand area, and head on the obverse. All of the eagle's plumage is boldly defined as well, while the surfaces exhibit a creamy, satiny to well frosted appearance, silvery white throughout. Pop 19; 5 finer in 67. (PCGS # 6577)
Historic note: Weinman's Walking Liberty half dollar of 1916-47, highly regarded today, evoked mixed reactions when it made its debut. "At last we have on our coins the great American eagle in a natural, lifelike form," The Numismatist said. "As represented on the half dollar he is, as the small boy would say, 'some bird,' and his size and proportions are in keeping with the greatness and power of the country."However, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman chided, "The artist has made this bird a terrestrial fowl, striding or marching on the ground like a turkey- cock, and with as much dignity as one." Another critic said, "The eagle looks as though it were wearing overalls and marching through hot tar." Still another said, "Liberty in sandals taking giant strides across its face might burn her toes if she should step one millimeter nearer the rising sun." Although The Numismatist called the Standing Liberty quarter strikingly beautiful, New York Times saw it as "some too darkly veiled allegory of the Woman's Party and the suffrage movement." Philadelphia coin dealer Henry Chapman offered 1916 Standing Liberty quarters for a dollar a piece. Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000
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Realized
$18,400
Lot 1503
1919-D. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved. Weak strike as usually seen for the date. But overall a beautiful lustrous untoned example for this rare date. The end of the First World War, celebrated as Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, finally marked the end of the Great War. Between 1914 and 1918, much of America's economy had been supported by manufacturing and production for the war effort. With the troops coming home and due to the slackening need for war related supplies, the economy began to soften. The United States entered a period of slow-down which resulted in all three operational mints being ordered to produce fewer smaller denomination coinage, Cents, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters or Half Dollars. Hence, the rarity and lower mintage found on the 1919-P,D,S issues, which are revered by collectors as challenging items in Mint condition.

Aside from the fact that the supply of 1919-D Liberty Walking Half Dollar at the Mint State level is extremely limited, the single greatest limitation in acquiring a Choice or better example is the notable strike weakness. On the hand and head area of the obverse, in particular, weak areas seems common to virtually all 1919-D Half Dollars.

On this choice MS63 example, Liberty's hand is pretty much incomplete while the head details typically mushy; much better is the surface consistency: smooth, silken white with silvery iridescence and no spots or annoying marks. The luster of this coin parallels the choice quality, being thoroughly original and brilliant (PCGS # 6578) Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000
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Realized
$12,133
Lot 1504
1920-S. PCGS graded MS-64. The obverse bears satiny lustrous surface, while the reverse shows hint of light multi-color toning. A highly sought early date example (PCGS # 6582) Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,500
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$3,278
Lot 1505
1921-D. PCGS graded MS-63. A choice Unc example with near immaculate surfaces free from marks; all delicately toned. The key date and always in demand. A hard to compete with array of rich natural toning hues enhance the smooth, lustrous surfaces of this scarce Denver Mint Walking Liberty Half Dollar. A small region of striking weakness is often seen at Liberty's head, hand and skirt lines, however the present prize much sharper than that, and indeed quite exceptional for this often average-strike date. We direct your attention as well to the broad bold rims, and Liberty's head detail. For the most part, the eagle follows the quality of the obverse, and in this instance we find much more representation of chest and leg feathers than normal for a product from Denver. Again, there are wide rims, scintillating luster lying under muted toning, and excellent, almost mark-free surface.

Beginning with 1917, the mint incorporated larger more regularly shaped stars on the flag than in 1916; there is also now a sharp border line below the star field and more sharply defined edge lines on the red stripes. Additionally, the leaves on the branch in Liberty's hand are more clearly outlined and have sharp points as well as being aligned differently.

Again, with the change to 1920-dated dies the mint adjusted the design of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Liberty's cap has been redesigned with more grooves at the back and a larger fold at the top. Below, the ground line from date to sun has been given a sharp raised edge. Finally, the outer edge of the flag curl by the knee has had a raised border added to it (PCGS # 6584) Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000
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Realized
$12,650
Lot 1506
1933-S. PCGS graded MS-65. Slightly toned on the right field of both sides, a sterling Gem. Unlike the usual survivors from the 1920s to early 1930s from San Francisco Mint with its diminished impression left by a weak blow of the dies, this handsome 1933-S is very sharp from top to bottom, center to periphery. Pop 3; 2 finer, 1 in 65+, 1 in 66. (PCGS # 6591) Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,100
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Realized
$2,645
Lot 1507
1934-D. PCGS graded MS-65. Lightly toned. A frosty gem. Coming off years of interrupted mintage (1921-33), the government planted its proverbial feet in the ground and began striking large numbers of Walking Liberty Half Dollars in 1934 and beyond, with all three mints now participating annually with a brief interlude in 1938 and again in 1940. These are some of the most attractive, eye cataching coins in the series when found in quality like this. A first-class
Gem (PCGS # 6593) Estimated Value $850 - 900
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Realized
$920
Lot 1508
1935-S. PCGS graded MS-65. Slightly toned on the top right corner of the obverse and the right side of the reverse. We noticed some hairlines under the tone, but the overall beauty of the coin is not declined (PCGS # 6597) Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600
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Realized
$2,070
Lot 1509
1936. NGC graded Proof 65. Nice light golden toning. Only 3,901 struck. An alluring Gem Proof of the finest order for its grade. Reflective surfaces play host to robust devices rising in splendor into the deepest recesses imprinted by the coining dies. A gem! Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,600
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Unsold
Lot 1510
1936. PCGS graded MS-67. A flawless white example which is solid for the grade. Pop 129; 7 finer, 5 in 67+, 2 in 68. (PCGS # 6598) Estimated Value $500 - 550
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Realized
$834
Lot 1511
1936-D. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved. An untoned white gem with lustrous frosty surfaces on both sides. Pop 347; 31 finer, 6 in 66+, 25 in 67. (PCGS # 6599) Estimated Value $450 - 500
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Realized
$1,150
Lot 1512
1936-S. PCGS graded MS-66. Beautiful satiny surfaces with cartwheel luster. An untoned white gem. Pop 202; 18 finer, 10 in 66+, 8 in 67. (PCGS # 6600) Estimated Value $600 - 650
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Realized
$1,064
Lot 1513
1937. NGC graded Proof 67. A glittering blast white Gem Proof. Pop 223; 27 finer. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100
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Realized
$1,121
Lot 1514
1937-D. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved. A superb example with frosty obverse and satiny reverse. Lustrous and beautiful strike. Pop 300; 52 finer. (PCGS # 6602) Estimated Value $600 - 650
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Realized
$719
Lot 1515
1937-S. MS-66. CAC Approved. Another lustrous white gem with satiny surfaces on both sides. Pop 325; 49 finer, 23 in 66+, 25 in 67, 1 in 67+. (PCGS # 6603) Estimated Value $500 - 550
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Realized
$978
Lot 1516
1938. PCGS graded MS-67. A slightly toned example. Bold strike without any notable marks. Pop 69; 2 finer, 1 in 67+, 1 in 68. (PCGS # 6604) Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400
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Realized
$1,668
Lot 1517
1939. PCGS graded MS-68. CAC Approved. Soft pastel colors grace the immaculate surfaces on both sides. Do not see how a more beautiful example could exist! Pop 21; 3 finer in 68+. (PCGS # 6606)
A. A. Weinman's Walking Liberty half dollar, highly regarded today, evoked mixed reactions when it made its debut. "At last we have on our coins the great American eagle in a natural, lifelike form," The Numismatist said. "As represented on the half dollar he is, as the small boy would say, 'some bird,' and his size and proportions are in keeping with the greatness and power of the country."However, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman chided, "The artist has made this bird a terrestrial fowl, striding or marching on the ground like a turkey- cock, and with as much dignity as one." Another critic said, "The eagle looks as though it were wearing overalls and marching through hot tar." Still another said, "Liberty in sandals taking giant strides across its face might burn her toes if she should step one millimeter nearer the rising sun." Although The Numismatist called the Standing Liberty quarter strikingly beautiful, New York Times saw it as "some too darkly veiled allegory of the Woman's Party and the suffrage movement." Philadelphia coin dealer Henry Chapman offered 1916 Standing Liberty quarters for a dollar a piece. Estimated Value $7,500-UP
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Lot 1518
1939-D. PCGS graded MS-67. CAC Approved. Brilliant satiny surfaces on both sides. Tough to find in this superb BU grade.No one can honestly deny the vibrancy of the surfaces. This, too, shows in the fully struck devices exhibiting fine detail to all the high points. Pop 62; 3 finer, 2 in 67+, 1 in 68. (PCGS # 6607) Estimated Value $800 - 850
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Realized
$1,783
Lot 1519
1941. NGC graded Proof 68. Beautiful violet-green colors on both sides. An exquisite specimen. Only 15,412 struck. Pop 42; 6 finer in 68 Star. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500
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Unsold
Lot 1520
1941. PCGS graded Proof 65. Lovely partial rainbow toning on the obverse. Only 15,412 struck (PCGS # 6641) Estimated Value $500 - 525
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Realized
$604
Lot 1521
1942. PCGS graded Proof 68. A brilliant untoned gem, the fields and devices sparkle with an inner energy rarely seen! Superb. Only 21,120 struck. Pop 38; 1 finer in 69. (PCGS # 6642) Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500
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Realized
$2,760
Lot 1522
1942. NGC graded Proof 68. Fully white and very splendid. Gleaming bottomless-mirrored surfaces swirl with luster. Unlike the general run of Proofs of this series, the strike is thoroughly convincing, critically outstanding in all places, even where some weakness is usually found due to die lapping and other production artifacts. Pop 157; 22 finer, 17 in 68 Star, 1 in 68+, 3 in 69, 1 in 69 Star. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500
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Unsold
Lot 1523
1942. NGC graded Proof 68. Hint of golden toning on the fields. The mirror fields virtual perfection, the devices, boldly struck by the dies. Only 21,120 struck. Pop 157; 22 finer, 17 in 68 Star, 1 in 68+, 3 in 69, 1 in 69 Star. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500
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Unsold
Lot 1524
1942. PCGS graded Proof 67+. CAC Approved. Blast white throughout. Superb. Those in the room bidding will need to settle themselves into position to face the first volly of bids! Pop 34; 38 finer, 37 in 68, 1 in 69. (PCGS # 6642) Estimated Value $800 - 900
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Realized
$1,162
Lot 1525
1942. PCGS graded Proof 64 PQ CAC Approved Gold Sticker. Housed in a First Generation Holder (PCGS # 6642) Estimated Value $425 - 450
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Realized
$661
Lot 1526
1942-D. PCGS graded MS-67. CAC Approved. Brilliant satiny luster on both sides. A word about strike: this piece struck with controlled precision throughout stands front and center among its 1942-D peers. Hard to find in this premium quality. Pop 136; 7 finer, 3 in 67+, 4 in 68. (PCGS # 6615) Estimated Value $450 - 500
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Realized
$719
Lot 1527
1942-S. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved. Slightly weak strike is evident in the center of the obverse, but the smooth surfaces and pastel luster give the coin an eye appeal of a even higher grade. Pop 400; 32 finer, 28 in 66+, 3 in 67, 1 in 67+. (PCGS # 6617) Estimated Value $450 - 500
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Realized
$1,840
Lot 1528
1944-D. PCGS graded MS-67. CAC Approved. A lustrous white gem. The powerfully struck, lustrous surfaces are readily appreciable at all angles. This is an important issue among Gem quality Walking Liberty Half Dollar collectors. Pop 214; 10 finer in 67+. (PCGS # 6622) Estimated Value $450 - 500
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Realized
$690
Lot 1529
1945-D. PCGS graded MS-67. CAC Approved. A premium quality gem with some trace of golden toning. Pop 151; 7 finer in 67+. (PCGS # 6625) Estimated Value $450 - 500
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Realized
$748
Lot 1530
1946. PCGS graded MS-67. An untoned example with plenty of luster. Pop 42; 2 finer in 67+. (PCGS # 6627) Estimated Value $850 - 900
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Realized
$1,438
Lot 1531
1946-D. PCGS graded MS-67. Light golden surfaces. A perfect example and a potential candidate for "the Finest Known" for the date. Pop 53; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 6628) Estimated Value $900 - 1,000
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Realized
$1,553
Lot 1532
  A set of Walking Liberty Halves. From 1941 to 1947-D. All coins graded MS-65 by PCGS, and all housed in Old Green Holders. Mostly are white and many upgrades in this lot! Lot of 20 coins. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300
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Unsold
Lot 1533
  A collection of Walking Liberty Half Dollars. From 1916 through 1936, missing some dates, but includes 1916-S, 1916-D, 1921, 1921-D, 1921-S, and some other better dates. Coins will grade About Good to Fine. Lot of 30 coins. Estimated Value $700 - 750
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Realized
$805
Lot 1534
  A High Grade Walker Lot. Consists of: A mixture of dates in the 1930's and 1940's. Coins grade AU-50 to AU-58. Lot of 64 coins. Estimated Value $800 - 900
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Realized
$863
Lot 1535
  1938-D A 13-piece group. Coins range in grade from Good to Fine. A nice group of this semi-key date. Estimated Value $600 - 650
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Realized
$529
Lot 1536
  A 37-piece lot of BU Walkers. Consisting of: Mixed dates in the 1940's. Coins will grade MS-60 and better. Worth a closer look prior to bidding. Estimated Value $700 - 800
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Realized
$633






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