Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 80

June Pre Long Beach Sale

$5 Liberty/With Motto

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1833		1871-CC. PCGS graded AU-58. Mostly untoned and well struck. Only 20,770 minted. Extremely clear and attractive surfaces on this well made CC-mint Half Eagle. We suggest there is about 25% original frost left on the obverse, mostly clinging to the protected areas of the stars and date, but illuminating the central Liberty device quite nicely as well. Turning to the reverse, possibly as great as 30% to 40% luster remains, again crisp, frosty, and glowing with color. Desirable with this bold strike, Carson City outdid itself with the present 1871-CC Half Eagle. To say the least it will draw a lot of bids and nods of approval for the overall beauty, the splendid originality. 1871-CC checks in as a very significant rarity among the $5 issues produced at the Carson City Mint. Relatively few were made (in this instance 20,770), and nearly all seem to have been put into circulation. There was no interest on the part of numismatists at the time. The present piece is quite exceptional. Pop 5; 2 finer, 1 in 61, 1 in 62 (PCGS # 8323) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $32,313
Lot 1834		1871-CC. NGC graded AU-53. Mostly untoned. Only 20,770 minted. Medium pinking gold with lustrous frost in the protected areas. Considerably rarer than its mintage suggests; this date is usually found in well-worn Fine to VF. As noted in our earlier offering of the 1870-CC, coins of this era seems to have circulated more extensively than others of later dates. The 1871-CC is a formidable rarity at the AU level, and only a few connoisseurs have ever owned a specimen. Though production nearly tripled from the preceding year, the survival estimate for 1871-CC half eagles is less than 1% of the original mintage, according to CC Mint author Rusty Goe. In comparison to the 1870-CC half eagles, the strike on the 1871-CC is above-average, with typical softness at the center of the eagle�s neck and edges of the shield, as seen here. A rather high, tilted mintmark, almost touching the arrow feather is similar to the one found on the 1870-CC. Another variety features a slightly lower mintmark, with the letters nearly parallel. As the collector base for "CC" gold coins increases, examples of this date will quickly disappear. Pop 6; 17 finer, 8 in 55, 7 in 58, 1 in 61, 1 in 63 (PCGS # 8323) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,869
Lot 1835		1872-CC. PCGS graded AU-53. Nice golden toning. Only 16,980 minted of which merely 92 examples are estimated to have survived. This die has the mintmark entered midway between the denomination and the eagle. Abundant luster accompanies the borders and the recessed areas of the devices but also well out across the obverse and reverse field. The surfaces are refreshingly free from the usual abrasions from circulation. The stars as well as Liberty's hair curls and the eagle's neck and fletching are almost fully brought up, however, the eagle's neck plumage has less detail. Light die clashmarks are noted below the eagle's beak and below Liberty's chin. With this few struck, the majority of the 100 or so extant pieces are in Very Fine and lower grades. Pop 7; 9 finer, 6 in 55, 3 in 58 (PCGS # 8326) . According to CC-mint researcher Rusty Goe "at the turn of the 21st century, the 1872-CC is the only date in the Carson City half eagle series that has not had a specimen graded in Mint State condition by either PCGS or NGC." Estimated Value $16,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $17,625
Lot 1836		1873 Closed 3 NGC graded Proof Details. Brushed. Only 25 minted. Quite scarce. Well struck with light golden toning. A very elusive Proof example of the 1873 half eagle, one of just 25 coined. Although cleaned and buffed, this is still an impressively sharp, well made Half Eagle. Until the 1880s, most Proofs were struck on an old screw press at the mint. This imparted a strong "squeeze" to the coin from the sharp dies, impressing even the finest design elements into the planchet. A prized rarity, the Proofs are of the Close 3 variety. Nine to 12 examples can be traced today. The Breen encyclopedia notes that the Proof 1873 Half Eagle differs from the Three Dollar and smaller denominations in that restrikes at a later date are not believed to have been struck (he emphasizes with "no hint" of them). If true, the mintage of 25 pieces stands and attrition has reduced the number to an appreciably smaller pool of survivors. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,465
Lot 1837		1874-S. SEGS graded VF-30. Light marks in the fields. Only 16,000 struck. Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1838		1878. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved. Well struck. Following the Resumption Act of 1875, which the government established to return paper money to par against gold coins, swift progress was made in stabilizing the money markets. By late 1878, smaller denomination gold coin production had increased dramatically. January 1, 1879, and bank payout in gold at 100 cents on the dollar against paper money came back into play after 14 years of often-times chaotic money markets. This attractive, frosty 1878 Half Eagle played its part in returning the country to the gold standard. De facto only, an official gold standard was not put in place until the Gold Standard Act of 1900 was passed by Congress and signed by President Cleveland. Pop 25; 18 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 8345) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,645
Lot 1839		1881. NGC graded MS-64 PQ. CAC Approved. Mostly untoned and well struck. Pop 727; 98 finer (PCGS # 8354) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1840		1881. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck and very frosty. An attractive example. Pop 311; 31 finer, 16 in 64+, 15 in 65 (PCGS # 8354) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $852
Lot 1841		A trio of $5 Liberties. Consists of 1881, 1895, and 1899. Coins will all grade AU-50. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $900 - 950. Donald J Mack Collection. View details	Realized $1,116
Lot 1842		1881. NGC graded MS-64. Mostly untoned. A frosty example from the early 1880s. Pop 727; 96 finer (PCGS # 8354) . History's Missed Opportunity: James A. Garfield was a great president, if by "great" one illustrates greatness by doing noble things. Garfield took office in March of 1881. The man was a marvel who could write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other - at the same time! In a cruel twist of Fate, he was shot in July and died three months later. "He didn't have time to accomplish his plans," say the standard histories. Estimated Value $700 - 725. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $764
Lot 1843		1882. PCGS graded MS-66. Frosty with a nice hint of gold tone. About as close to watertight perfection as can be imagined, this vibrant and frosty 1882 is scintillating. Bold strike with just outstanding detail at the stars, hair and coronet, eagle and shield, and all legends deeply impressed by the dies. Nearly in the pristine category barring a couple of tiny marks by the 5th star. Finest graded at PCGS. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 8358) . Estimated Value $10,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,338
Lot 1844		1884-CC. PCGS graded AU-55. Light hint of gold tone. Only 16,402 minted. Satiny medium gold with strong luster and some Prooflike reflectivity in the fields. Some light hairlines are present on both sides. Just 16,402 examples of the date were coined. Satiny medium gold with strong luster and smooth, attractive fields. A light hairline near star 6. While luster is present on both sides, it approaches 80% coverage on the reverse. Very few of the date were coined. David Akers commented: "Very rare and underrated in all grades," a statement which is still true today. Moreover, Douglas Winter and Lawrence Cutler called this the second rarest of the Carson City half eagles after 1878, subsidiary only the 1881-CC. A very pleasing piece which will be appreciated by the specialist and connoisseur. Mintmark centrally placed, large or "tall" CC, first C over V, second C over upright of E. A raised diagonal die line runs from a point near Liberty�s eye, then across her cheek to her earlobe.Pop 17; 15 finer, 12 in 58, 2 in 61, 1 in 62 (PCGS # 8365) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,698
Lot 1845		1885-S. PCGS graded MS-64. CAC Approved. PQ. A hint of gold tone, radiant luster streams from the surface. Boldly made, this would make a splendid addition to any US Gold type set. Pop 378; 69 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 8368) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $940
Lot 1846		1885-S. NGC graded MS-64. Frosty and untoned (PCGS # 8368) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1847		1886-S. PCGS graded MS-64. Light golden toning. Pop 242; 20 finer, 6 in 64+, 14 in 65 (PCGS # 8370) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $911
Lot 1848		1891-CC. PCGS graded MS-64+ PQ. CAC Approved. A nice frosty coin. A lustrous and satiny specimen with the outstanding overall appeal of the higher MS64 grade. A popular date in this very desirable grade. If you have wished to add a Carson City half eagle to your gold coin portfolio or US Gold Type Set, the 1891-CC, one of the very few issues regularly seen at this level, affords the opportunity you have been seeking. Pop 4; 1 finer in 65 (PCGS # 8378) . According to the Rusty Goe reference material on Carson Mint�s coinage, "Without question 1891 was the high-water mark in half eagle production at the Carson City Mint. Elsewhere, the nation�s mints were concentrating on striking Seated Liberty coins for the final time, as well as silver dollars, gold coins, and minor coinage. If the San Francisco Mint had not been burdened with dimes and quarters, chances are Carson City might have coined fewer half eagles, but as it was, San Francisco employees had their hands full.". Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1849		1891-CC. NGC graded MS-64. A beautiful, frosty and untoned example. Gold half eagles were minted once again at Carson City in 1890 after a five-year gap, during which San Francisco was the primary distributor of $5 gold pieces. In this year, however, San Francisco switched to minting dimes, silver dollars and double eagles, with Carson City supplementing the gold depositors� demands for half eagles, eagles, and double eagles. In 1890, almost the entire output from the fast fading Comstock gold mines was deposited at the local Carson mint and turned into coins with a face value of $2.25 million. Naturally, the higher mintage in 1890 resulted in a higher population extant. Plentiful supplies of choice Mint State 1890-CC half eagles are available and for the most part affordable to the mid-level gold coin collector today. Pop 60; 15 finer, 7 in 64+, 8 in 65 (PCGS # 8378) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1850		1891-CC. PCGS graded MS-62. A very attractive example for the grade, frosty and well struck. Carson City Mint issued this denomination from 1870 through 1893, with lean coinage totals most years. 1891 is the exception, when mintage surpassed the 100 thousand level, 103,732 to be precise. "Treasury officials were faced with distress in 1891, as foreign demand for U.S. gold coins threatened to deplete reserves to critically low levels, a crisis which grew worse during the next few years before beginning to improve," explains Randy Goe. "At the same time, the Philadelphia Mint was burdened with the task of providing millions of minor coins. San Francisco was called upon to fill the insatiable demand for double eagles and the Carson City Mint was given the responsibility of restocking diminishing reserves of gold eagles and half eagles." (PCGS # 8378) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,115
Lot 1851		1892. NGC graded MS-64. Mostly untoned. Pop 75; 60 finer (PCGS # 8379) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,175
Lot 1852		1892. PCGS graded MS-63. Lightly toned, lustrous and nicely struck (PCGS # 8379) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $852
Lot 1853		1892-CC. Sharpness of XF, Polished. Estimated Value $250 - 275. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $517
Lot 1854		1893. NGC graded Proof 68 Ultra Cameo. Lovely rich golden toning. Only 77 minted. A spectacular 1893-dated Liberty Five. The Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth researchers mention in their Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins, 1795-1933, "the major grading services combined have graded more pieces than were minted," suggesting a rather sizeable number of resubmissions. From this mintage, the authors suggest that the "true rarity [read: population] of the 1893 Half Eagle is just 25 to 30 coins." Their auction records seem to support this assertion, having traced very few reported sales over the last 15 or 20 years. That said, this is an incredible and beautiful and rare survivor from an absolutely rare production, as the 25 or so known examples represent a scanty figure by any measure. By far, it is the Finest Reported, and presumably, the Finest Known. Our present offering ranks at the very pinnacle of this census, a post it shares with no other representative. Even a casual glance at this piece confirms the grade, more than ever when one examines the surfaces, fine details and mirror fields. Fully brilliant and deeply mirrored, the fields offer a wonderful orange-peel effect that lends an exquisite allure to this fantastic Gem. Deeply entrenched within a marvelous orange-gold patina, we note devices and legends possessed of razor-sharp definition, crisp golden frost. No impediments can be found on either sides, which confirms the accuracy. Pop 1; none finer at NGC . How does the lovely Orange Peel finish on gold Proofs arise? After the dies are hubbed and the date is applied, the die is given multiple polishes with progressively finer and finer polish. The last polish given to the dies prior to being hardened gives the field a surface quite like a mirror. This is the deepest mirror attainable on the dies. When the die is hardened, the metal shrinks slightly creating a wavy effect on the polished surfaces. It looks somewhat like the surface of an orange. When you see orange peel on a Proof issue you can be sure that it is one of the first examples struck from those dies. Later polishing to the already hardened dies will produce a flatter and shallower mirror. Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $111,625
Lot 1855		1893-S. NGC graded MS-65. Boldly struck and untoned. A lustrous Gem that has beaming gold color that shoots out streaks of light and a substantial bold strike. With such gorgeous luster, it confirms the grade that the coin is struck with mathematical precision by the dies in all areas such as the stars, Liberty�s hair and coronet, and the eagle with shield. Although it can hardly be categorized as scarce in lower Mint State grades, the �93-S $5 gold emerges as an especially elusive issue in Gem or better condition, per the most recent census: Pop 5; none finer at NGC (PCGS # 8386) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1856		1895-S. PCGS graded MS-61. A nice mostly untoned example. Frosty fields rise and fall with original golden mint bloom. Against this are set serious, frosty design elements with some light surface marks as expected. Deficiency isn't in the cards when it comes to this coin's detail, however, outstanding is the word to describe the striking detail on the stars, legends, Liberty and the eagle. Choice rims, too. Pop 5; 11 finer, 5 in 62, 4 in 63, 1 in 64, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 8391) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1857		1897. PCGS graded MS-65. Frosty and untoned. Uncommonly smooth for the issue, this frosty textured fresh Gem BU example from 1897 displays bright reddish-old surface. Desirable with this bold strike. Pop 24; 5 finer, 3 in 65+, 2 in 66 (PCGS # 8394) . Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,408
Lot 1858		1899-S. NGC graded MS-63. Rich golden toning. Small mark on the cheek, and one near the chin. Outstanding in terms of choice preservation, both sides of this golden beauty are well frosted and for all intents and purposes free of heavy handling marks. Pop 84; 69 finer at NGC. (PCGS # 8399) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1859		1900. NGC graded MS-65. A nice looking coin. Rich golden color is nicely layered over each side of this lustrous MS65 Gem. A solidly graded, premium quality 1900 date, this coin displays impressive striking definition for a Half Eagle from this avowedly top-notch Mint. This is also to say that the strike is full, including those few hair strands over Liberty's ear which often keep collectors searching for just the right coin. Pop 195; 32 finer, 2 in 65+, 25 in 66, 3 in 67, 2 in 68. (PCGS # 8400) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1860		1900. NGC graded MS-64. Untoned and well struck. Strikingly attractive throughout with virtually no abrasions present to sidetrack your enjoyment of the smooth reddish gold color and bold relief (PCGS # 8400) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $617
Lot 1861		1900-S. PCGS graded MS-64. A hint of light tone. Pop 146; 14 finer (PCGS # 8401) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $852
Lot 1862		1901-S. Sharpness of XF-40. Estimated Value $275 - 300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $341
Lot 1863		1901-S. PCGS graded AU-55. Lovely golden toning. Small obverse scratch (PCGS # 8404) . Estimated Value $250 - 275. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $341
Lot 1864		1901-S, 1 over 0. PCGS graded MS-61. Some light bag marks on both sides. Housed in an Old Green Holder (PCGS # 8403) . Estimated Value $525 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $617
Lot 1865		1903-S. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck with rich golden toning. A nice reddish gold piece with notable luster throughout (PCGS # 8408) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $999
Lot 1866		1904. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo. A gorgeous Brilliant Proof gold coin. Only 136 struck. Viewers of this coin will see some satin-smooth mint frosting to Liberty's portrait on the obverse, but the cameo contrast is most readily appreciable on the reverse. Both sides are equally well detailed with original yellow-gold color, and there are no distracting striking anomalies or signs of contact. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth concur with our educated guess as to survival of a total population of 50 to 75 coins. They note: "Most of the coins seen are deeply mirrored, and they lack the frosted devices seen on most of the examples struck before 1902." Only a few remain in Proof 64 Cameo. High-grade Proof half eagles are very rare, as noted in the attached census (see below), this, regardless of the date. You see, events have conspired, so to speak, to let this remarkable Liberty Half Eagle do pretty much as it likes with admirers of all things gold; a beautiful specimen that is both exciting and enthralling to the eye when beheld in person, and we would want to persuade all interested parties, even those who have only a passing curiosity about Proof gold, to examine what one can modestly describe as a resplendent 1904 $5 gold piece. Pop 14; 6 finer, 1 in 64+, 4 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 88499) . Note: Most issues of 1901-04 are not frosted as on earlier gold Proofs. Around 1901, the mint began selling Proofs to the public with "all brilliant" devices. No explanation has been handed down for the change, but it may have been in line with the growing French influence in coin finishes then sweeping Europe. (Our later Matte Proofs were a direct result of this Continental experimentation.) It may be that the few surving cameo specimens, such as this 1904 Liberty $5 gold piece, were early strikes from the new dies, before the frosted surface wore away to the more familiar reflective gleam seen on later strikes. Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,925
Lot 1867		1904. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. Nice even golden toning. Likely a strike from new dies, just estimating from the razor-sharp details. The surfaces are vivid pinkish gold in hue and drenched in luster. Keen-edged devices throughout, including all stars. Pop 63; 23 finer, 1 in 65+, 17 in 66, 5 in 67 (PCGS # 8409) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,468
Lot 1868		A pair of $5 Liberties. Consists of 1904 and 1906. Both coins will grade AU-50. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $600 - 650. Donald J Mack Collection. View details	Realized $705
Lot 1869		1904-S. PCGS graded AU-58. Scarcer date. Only 97,000 minted. Pop 38; 75 finer (PCGS # 8410) . Estimated Value $400 - 425. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $494
Lot 1870		1906-D. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved. Well struck and frosty. From tip to toe an untoned gem that has impressive pinkish gold mint brilliance over spotless surfaces. And so on to the next qualification, the strike. Here we see quite good detail on this first-issue 1906 Denver Mint date, with not even minor weakness to the sharp centers or stars. The coin is breathtakingly gorgeous! Pop 6; 1 finer in 67 (PCGS # 8414) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1871		1907. PCGS graded MS-62. Light hint of gold tone (PCGS # 8416) . Estimated Value $375 - 400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $400