Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 84

January 25-28, 2015 Pre Long Beach

Nickels

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1084		1866. Rays. PCGS graded Proof 66 Deep Cameo PQ. CAC Approved. The Act of May 16, 1866 authorized a new five cent coin made of 25% nickel and 75% copper. This created the unusual situation where two coins of the same value circulated simultaneously, the other coin being the silver half dime. A massive quantity of nearly 15 million new "nickels" was produced in the first year, partly to promote the new coin and partly because of the availability of nickel and copper compared to the higher cost of silver for half dimes. The new "nickel" was produced at a time when the Mint was desperately trying to catch up with the huge demand for small coinage after the Civil War. The use of nickel instead of (unavailable) silver, which was being hoarded at the time, was the decision rendered by the powers that be. James Barton Longacre quickly designed the new coin and had patterns struck for various congressmen. Upon striking only a few coins, the dies were found to crack. Longacre determined that the rays were a contributing factor to this rapid die deterioration, and eliminated them after only a small number were struck in 1866-67. The proofs of this type are now well known for their rarity. It is estimated that slightly over 600 proofs were struck for this first year type, few of which remain this nice. This intensely brilliant Gem Proof features deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices with pale champagne-gold iridescence at indirect light angles. The strike is needle-sharp and the eye appeal is fantastic. For future pedigree purposes, a tiny dark spot is at the rim under the T of CENTS. The Act of May 16, 1866 authorized a new five cent coin made of 25% nickel and 75% copper. This created the unusual situation where two coins of the same value circulated simultaneously, the other coin being the silver half dime. A massive quantity of nearly 15 million new "nickels" was produced in the first year, partly to promote the new coin and partly because of the availability of nickel and copper compared to the higher cost of silver for half dimes. The new "nickel" was produced at a time when the Mint was desperately trying to catch up with the huge demand for small coinage after the Civil War. The use of nickel instead of (unavailable) silver, which was being hoarded at the time, was the decision rendered by the powers that be. James Barton Longacre quickly designed the new coin and had patterns struck for various congressmen. Upon striking only a few coins, the dies were found to crack. Longacre determined that the rays were a contributing factor to this rapid die deterioration, and eliminated them after only a small number were struck in 1866-67. The proofs of this type are now well known for their rarity. It is estimated that slightly over 600 proofs were struck for this first year type, few of which remain this nice. This intensely brilliant Gem Proof features deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices with a fully brilliant appearance overall. The strike is needle-sharp and the eye appeal is fantastic. For future pedigree purposes, a tiny dark spot is at the rim under the T of CENTS. Pop 2; 2 finer, 1 in 66+, 1 in 67. (PCGS # 93817) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $17,038
Lot 1085		1871. PCGS graded MS-66+. CAC Approved. Fully brilliant and untoned. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. Tied for the finest known at both services (PCGS # 3798) . Estimated Value $7,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1086		1872. PCGS graded MS-65. Fully lustrous and essentially unabraded with a snow-white finish overall. All design elements are sharply defined. A notable Gem example. Pop 37; 22 finer, 20 in 66, 1 in 66+, 1 in 67. (PCGS # 3799) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,410
Lot 1087		1873. Open 3. PCGS graded MS-66+. Satiny surfaces with exceptionally bright cartwheel luster on both sides. Beautifully struck with no surface blemishes. A lengthy vertical die crack is noted at the left portion of the obverse rim. This specimen ranks among the few finest known survivors of the date. Neither PCGS nor NGC have graded any finer examples than this one. In fact, PCGS has only two additional grading records at this level, and NGC has graded none at the MS-66+ level. A prime candidate for a Registry Set collector who is seeking the very best. Pop 3; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 3800) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1088		1874. PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo. This is a carefully cared for Superb Gem Proof example with light gold toning over deeply reflective fields and frosted devices. Both sides exhibit sharp design motifs and an excellent cameo contrast between the fields and devices. This specimen is tied with just one other for the finest cameo proof certified by PCGS, with none finer at either service. The numeral 4 in the date is repunched on this example which is not seen on all 1874 proofs. The ratio of repunched dates and normal dates seen on proofs is not currently known, although this is interesting to see on any proof issue. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. Tied for the finest graded at both services. (PCGS # 83828) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 8,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1089		1876. PCGS graded Proof 67+ Cameo. PQ. CAC Approved. This barely toned Superb Gem proof has coruscating spot-free fields that provide a high degree of contrast against the frosty devices. Traces of a thin veil of pastel-gold color are reported on each side. The date and IN GOD WE TRUST are lightly strike-doubled as is often seen on proof 1876 nickels. High-grade proof examples of this popular Centennial-year issue are always eagerly sought by collectors, however, this one is special with the "+" added to the suffix of the Superb grade assignment by PCGS. This example is the single finest thus far certified by that service. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 83830) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1090		1876. PCGS graded MS-66+. CAC Approved. The surfaces are softly frosted in texture with not a single detracting blemish in view. This fully brilliant, sharply defined piece appears to have been recently minted. It is knocking on the door of a Superb Gem grade and is currently the single finest certified example by PCGS. An exciting coin to view and certainly a prize to own.Pop 1; the finest graded at both services. (PCGS # 3805) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1091		1877. PCGS graded Proof 66 Deep Cameo. This barely patinated Gem example is free of distracting contact marks with field-to-device contrast easily seen at all angles, thus the coveted Deep Cameo designation by PCGS. One of the most popular proof issues in the Shield nickel series, the 1877 was produced solely in the proof format. The original mintage is unknown with certainty; it has been estimated at just 510+ pieces. Currently, this is the single finest Deep Cameo example graded at PCGS. Pop 1; none finer, and the only example graded Deep Cameo at PCGS. (PCGS # 93831) . Estimated Value $10,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1092		1877. PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo PQ. CAC Approved. This example features deeply mirrored fields, lustrous devices, and an outstanding cameo contrast. Just the lightest tinting is seen on each side. Certainly one of the best remaining from the approximately 510 pieces minted. Deep Cameo proofs are extremely rare, with only a single piece thus far certified by PCGS. Pop 35; 8 finer, 1 in 66+, 7 in 67 (PCGS # 83831) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,050
Lot 1093		1879. PCGS graded Proof 67 Deep Cameo. CAC Approved. Delicate pale gold tinting is evident on the surfaces, especially on the reverse, although the coin basically presents as brilliant. Smooth and carefully preserved throughout, there is sharp cameo contrast between the fields and devices. The grade is simply outstanding, as is the eye appeal. This example is the finest graded with the Deep Cameo designation and is a remarkably appealing example. Pop 1; the only DCAM example graded by PCGS and none finer at both services. (PCGS # 93833) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 21,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1094		1880. PCGS graded Proof 67+ Cameo. CAC Approved. A dusting of pale patina is seen on both sides and enhances already exceptional eye appeal. This coin is fully struck throughout, the dies also providing a pronounced satin finish to the devices that contrasts nicely with mirror-finish fields. As expected of the Cameo Proof 67+ grade, there are no visible surfaces distractions or hairlines on either side. Conditionally rare, and attractive in all regards, this one is the single finest example thus far seen at PCGS. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 83835) . Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1095		1882. PCGS graded Proof 66+. Highly reflective with a bold strike and lovely ice-blue toning overall. Some pastel-golden color also circles the rims. One tiny mark is mentioned in the reverse field above the 5, this being helpful as a future identifier. Pop 2; 37 finer in 67 (PCGS # 3837) . Estimated Value $850 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $793
Lot 1096		1882. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo. Well struck and lightly toned overall. The pleasant reflective fields and satiny devices demonstrate lots of luster as the viewer tilts the coin from side to side. Varying amounts of pastel-gold toning are noted on each side for further eye appeal. One of only 3,100 proofs minted (PCGS # 83837) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $646
Lot 1097		1883, 3 over 2. FS-304 (FS-013.3). PCGS graded Genuine. Our grade is AU-55. Despite a light cleaning, the surfaces are still pleasant and well defined. A clear 2 shows under the 3 of the date. Popular final year Shield nickel issue (PCGS # 38415) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $969
Lot 1098		1883, 3 over 2. PCGS graded EF-45. Steel-gray with a few small marks from circulation. Well struck from a shattered obverse die with the overdate details plain under low magnification. A rare prize in any grade (PCGS # 3814) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $764