Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 84

January 25-28, 2015 Pre Long Beach

Buffalo Nickels

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1112		1913-D Buffalo Nickel. Type 1. PCGS graded MS-67 PQ. CAC Approved. Satiny, barely toned surfaces with absolute full luster in the fields, and a trifle matte-like in appearance. The strike is well above average with minor softness only on the mintmark. Scarce this nice and a popular early mintmarked date. Pop 55; 4 finer, 2 in 67+, 2 in 68 (PCGS # 3916) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,233
Lot 1113		1913. Type 2. PCGS graded MS-66 PQ. CAC Approved. Highly lustrous with hints of golden patina on the obverse. Popular as a type coin featuring the revised "low ground" design on the reverse. Pop 198; 27 finer, 6 in 66+, 20 in 67, 1 in 67+ (PCGS # 3921) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $793
Lot 1114		1913-S. Type 2. PCGS graded AU-55. Mostly untoned (PCGS # 3923) . Estimated Value $500 - 525. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $646
Lot 1115		1914, 4 over 3. PCGS graded MS-63. Lustrous and frosty surfaces with a partial overlay of streaky russet toning. Heavy die clash beneath the Native American's chin provides a whisker-like appearance. The upper corner of the underlying 3 is plain under low magnification -- no doubt an early die state as the details of the underlying 3 are sometimes left to the imagination on some certified specimens we have seen. A pleasing example of this important overdated Buffalo nickel. Pop 9; 18 finer, 13 in 64, 1 in 64+, 2 in 65, 2 in 66. (PCGS # 93924) . Estimated Value $3,500 - 3,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,468
Lot 1116		1914/3-S. FS-014.89. SEGS graded VF-30. In The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels, David Lange states that Tom DeLorey turned up the first example of this variety a year or so after the P-mint overdate was found back in 1996: "While the P-Mint coins are difficult to identify, the S-Mint edition is extremely so. The horizontal top of numeral 3 is just barely evident on even the sharpest, early-die-state specimens. … One feature that seems to be present on each 1914/3-S seen thus far is a die crack on its reverse." This is a well detailed example with moderate wear and a few scattered surfaces abrasions. Worthy of a close inspection by the interested bidder. Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $423
Lot 1117		1915. NGC graded Proof 68. CAC Approved. Proof Buffalo nickels were coined from 1913 to 1916 utilizing the Matte or Sandblast finish. This lot represents a spectacular Superb Gem example of the penultimate Buffalo nickel Matte proof issue, struck in the quantity of just 1,050 coins. Over the years, many of that number have been lost or spent resulting in a marked shortage of high quality specimens today. Few survive in such a pristine a state of preservation or with such remarkable eye appeal as this coin. The surfaces are contact-free and boast a razor-sharp strike, as expected of the Proof 68 grade assignment. More importantly, the center obverse displays remarkable ice-blue patina that complements brick-red and golden-brown rim accents. The reverse offers similar colors but somewhat more evenly intermingled. A few minor flecks appear below the bison's head but fail to detract from this wonderful, near-perfect example. An absolutely amazing Superb Proof Buffalo nickel which would be nearly impossible to improve upon. Pop 3; 1 finer in 69. Estimated Value $20,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1118		1915. PCGS graded MS-67. Pale champagne-golden toning shows on both sides. Well struck and among the finest graded at PCGS; a coin that is certain to please even the most discriminating collector. Pop 40; 3 finer in 67+. (PCGS # 3927) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1119		1916. Doubled Die Obverse. NGC graded MS-63 PQ. CAC Approved. A well-known, eagerly sought variety in the ever-popular Buffalo nickel series, the 1916/16 Doubled Die Obverse is also a rare coin that is elusive at all levels of preservation. The first published report of this mint error came in the July 1962 issue of The Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine. The 46 years that elapsed since this report and the error's minting was sufficient to efface the date area and, hence, the most prominent doubling on many examples. Furthermore, many of those pieces that retain bold definition in the date area are still worn to at least some extent, and it is a rare event indeed when the collector or investor is presented with the opportunity to purchase a solid Select Mint State survivor of this important 20th Century mint error. The coin itself is luminous with some streaky deep reddish-russet toning over both sides. The Doubled Die feature is crystal clear and easily visible to the unaided eye. It is strongly appealing despite wispy abrasions and a flyspeck southeast of the portrait's chin, and the strike is decent, if a trifle soft on the bison's shoulder. An important and rare Mint State survivor of this cherished variant. Pop 5; 5 finer, 4 in 64, 1 in 64+. Estimated Value $120,000 - 130,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1120		1918-D, 8 over 7. NGC graded Good-6. Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $823
Lot 1121		1918-D, 8 over 7 PCGS graded Genuine Fine Details. Environmental Damage. A scarce overdate with the top of the 8 in the date extending halfway up into the horizontal bar of an underlying 7. As indicated by the grade, the surfaces are a steel-gray color with charcoal-russet encrustations in the recesses of the design on each side. The surfaces are also somewhat pitted, possibly from having been buried for some time. Still, a respectable example of this popular overdate (PCGS # 3939) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $852
Lot 1122		1923-S. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. CAC Approved. Although possessed of a relatively low-mintage of 6.1 million pieces, examples of the 1923-S can be obtained with little waiting through the Choice BU numeric designations. That said, a Gem, like that in the present lot, is seldom seen on today's market, with most pieces kept from the full-Gem rating by striking incompleteness. We have no doubt that this piece, every bit the Gem, is destined for a premier set in the series. A highly attractive veneer of ice-blue, crimson, and antique-gold runs over the lustrous surfaces of this lovely Gem. The design elements are well impressed, including the date, mintmark, and bison's hair. Close inspection reveals no mentionable marks or spots. Pop 45; 5 finer, 2 in 65+, 3 in 66. (PCGS # 3950) . Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,344
Lot 1123		1925-D. PCGS graded MS-66. The 1925-D Buffalo nickel is one of the most difficult dates in the series to locate in well struck condition. David Lange, in The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels, writes: "Well struck examples may be found but are rare in all grades. Even Mint State coins may show little or no sign of the bison's horn, while very few have complete horns. Some 1925-D nickels are known with the E in FIVE filled, and all are characteristically weak in the first two numerals of the date." The Gem we present in this lot displays above average striking characteristics, but is not fully defined The horn is bold and pointed, and the digits of the date and all of the lettering are quite sharp. Only portions of the hair on the heads of the Indian and bison are a tad soft, but this is only a minor distraction. Finally, an attractive overlay of ice-blue, orange-gold, crimson-red, and lavender toning resides on the lustrous, well cared for surfaces. This piece ranks among the finest examples certified by both services. Pop 10; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 3955) . Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1124		1926-D. PCGS graded MS-66+ PQ. CAC Approved. Most examples of this 1926-D, 5.6 million-piece delivery were very poorly struck. Also, few were carefully preserved at the time of issue -- most entered circulation and stayed there for years. Not so with the coin we offer in this lot. This gorgeous Gem displays essentially full definition on both the obverse and reverse. As expected of the assigned grade, there are no marks, spots, or mentionable distractions on either side. Lustrous and satiny with a thin coating of golden and lilac toning that is evenly dispersed on both sides. An important find for the Buffalo nickel enthusiast that requires the finest quality. Pop 2; 1 finer in 67. (PCGS # 3958) . Estimated Value $19,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1125		1927-D. PCGS graded MS-64. Fully lustrous with attractive golden toning overall, but softy struck on the reverse as is usually seen. Pop 442; 79 finer, 11 in 64+, 59 in 65, 4 in 65+, 5 in 66. (PCGS # 3961) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1126		1927-S. NGC graded MS-66. Star. Lovely rainbow toning. Pop 4; none finer at NGC. Tied for the finest graded at either service. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1127		1927-S. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. CAC Approved. Intense cartwheel luster is enhanced with a lovely arrangement of pastel-blue, rose, and pale champagne-gold iridescence on both sides. The strike is particularly sharp for the date, with bold design details including sharp pelt and head details on the bison. About as attractive as can be found in an MS-65 PCGS holder, and certainly a worthwhile, semi-key nickel to purchase. Pop 26; 2 finer, 1 in 65+, 1 in 66. (PCGS # 3962) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $17,038
Lot 1128		1931-S. PCGS graded MS-66+ PQ. CAC Approved. Soft rainbow-like toning decorates the periphery of the obverse, golden color is seen on the reverse. Certainly a Gem example of this popular Buffalo nickel date. Pop 10; 4 finer in 67 (PCGS # 3971) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,820
Lot 1129		1931-S. PCGS graded MS-66 PQ. CAC Approved. The satiny smooth, boldly lustrous surfaces are toned in soft golden-red with tinges of lavender that appear when the coin rotated is rotated under a light. Even with close examination, one fails to find any notable marks on either side. This is a perfect coin for a Gem quality Buffalo nickel set. Pop 466; 14 finer, 10 in 66+, 4 in 67 (PCGS # 3971) . Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $617
Lot 1130		1934-D. PCGS graded MS-66 PQ. CAC Approved. Shimmering, satiny surfaces are lightly tinted in beautiful reddish-golden, lilac, and pale blue iridescence. Overall sharply struck with only the most minor incompleteness at selected central highpoints. A conditionally challenging issue from the later Buffalo nickel series. Pop 63; 3 finer in 66+ (PCGS # 3973) . Estimated Value $3,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1131		1936. Type 1. PCGS graded Proof 68 Satin PQ. CAC Approved. An essentially perfect Satin Finish example of this first striking variant from 1936. Following the Matte proof coins that were struck two decades earlier, the first 1936 proof nickels had a finish reminiscent of the earlier coins, although without the grainy surface appearance. Razor-sharp striking definition and seemingly flawless preservation are hallmarks of this Superb proof Buffalo nickel. Light rose and gold accents on the obverse nad reverse enhance the appearance of this remarkable specimen. Certainly a memorable Satin Finish nickel. Pop 34; 1 finer in 69. (PCGS # 3994) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1132		1936. Satin. NGC graded Proof 68. In 1936, Proof Buffalo nickels were first produced with a satin finish, this being later revised to a brilliant finish due, in part, to complaints from the collecting public. While the former variety probably had a slightly higher original delivery, fewer examples were preserved over the years for the benefit of today's collectors. The 1936 Type I (Satin Finish) is particularly rare in the finest grades, and the present Superb Gem is simply a breathtaking coin to behold. Razor-sharp striking definition and seemingly flawless preservation are hallmarks of this Superb Proof Buffalo nickel. Light champagne and gold colors overlay both sides and further enhance the appearance of this memorable specimen. Pop 26; 2 finer in 68 Star. Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1133		1937. PCGS graded Proof 65. PQ. Lovely rich golden toning plus multicolored iridescence as the coin turns under a light. Housed in an Old Green Holder (PCGS # 3996) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,050. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,058
Lot 1134		1937. PCGS graded MS-67+. CAC Approved. Just a hint of ice-blue toning is seen over both sides with soft rose accents at certain areas of the design elements. Boldly struck with a powerful blow of the dies. Just a few tiny bag marks are noted that limit an even higher grade. Pop 22; 7 finer in 68 (PCGS # 3980) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1135		1937-D. 3 Legs. PCGS graded AU-58. This is an uncommonly well produced example of this famous 20th century mint error, both sides exhibit bold to sharp definition that even extends to the top of the bison's shoulder on the reverse. Near full luster and lightly toned in golden-gray hues, the surfaces are exceptionally smooth for the grade with barely a detracting blemish (PCGS # 3982) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,351