Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 84

January 25-28, 2015 Pre Long Beach

Seated Liberty Half Dimes

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1148		1837 No Stars, Large Date. NGC graded MS-65 PQ. CAC Approved. Pointed Top 1. Considered the more common of the two variants, Gem examples are still quite elusive. This is a fully lustrous example that has aquamarine centers that are accented speckles of red and lilac-gray. Fully struck throughout. Housed in an Old Style Holder. Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,200. The Agora Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,851
Lot 1149		1837 No Stars. NGC graded MS-64. Struck with a worn reverse die, some clashing and die rust is evident at the center. Lovely deep turquoise-blue and russet toning has accumulated on each side. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $881
Lot 1150		1837. No Stars, Small Date. PCGS graded MS-65. Very lightly toned on both sides in hues of lilac-gray and a nice, bold strike. The first year issue of a new design is often tempting for the collecting public. In the case of the 1837 half dime, the first year also comprises a scarce two-year design by Christian Gobrecht, noted designer and mint engraver at the time. The familiar figure of a seated Liberty is positioned in a simple, plain field. Later, the Mint would add 13 stars around her at the periphery. 1837 was an interesting period in American history. The two term president, Andrew Jackson would switch places in office in January that year with incoming Martin Van Buren, his hand-picked successor. The state of the nation was in turmoil (as it often was), but that did not hinder distribution of the sweet little half dimes of the new seated Gobrecht design Pop 25; 14 finer, 8 in 66, 1 in 66+, 4 in 67, 1 in 68 (PCGS # 4312) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1151		1837. No Stars, Large Date. PCGS graded MS-64. A frosty specimen with soft underlying luster that supports mottled russet, gunmetal-blue, and deep gold highlights across the obverse, the reverse with similar colorations but more crimson at the borders. Sharply struck throughout, a few small field marks and abrasions serve to limit the grade. Pop 140; 89 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 4311) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,116
Lot 1152		1852. NGC graded MS-66. A naturally toned Gem, the obverse exhibits peripheral shades including jade-green, sunset-red, and antique-gold; the central area is dominated by dove-gray and deep blue hues. The reverse is somewhat different with deep red and golden-orange tones at the border with a similar, but somewhat mottled blue-gray center. The strike is sharply executed throughout. Pop 10; 5 finer in 67. Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. The Agora Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,116
Lot 1153		1853. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved. Richly frosted with a pebbly surface texture, common to this issue. Deep sunset-gold toning circles the rims on each side. Sharply defined with near full definition, even on the surrounding stars. A no-questions Gem example featuring a coveted CAC sticker. Pop 39; 6 finer, 5 in 67, 1 in 67+ (PCGS # 4356) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,173
Lot 1154		1854-O. PCGS graded MS-67. To date, this specimen ranks with just one other as the finest 1854-O half dime certified by PCGS, being certified as a Superb Gem MS-67. For nearly three decades in the grading business, PCGS has certified just 13 With Arrows half dimes in MS67 (and 67+). This Superb Gem has soft, satiny luster beneath deep multicolored shades of iridescent toning. The obverse has lilac-russet, deep reddish-gold, mint-green, and sea-green colors, gradually deepening in tone toward the border. On the reverse, the central area inside the wreath is gray-lilac and silver, the wreath device and all lettering are a mixture of deep red, gold, and blue-green. This presentation of colors is exciting and is sure to please any collector. This is an extremely important opportunity for the specialized half dime or Liberty Seated collector. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. Tied for the finest example graded at both services. (PCGS # 4359) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1155		1855. PCGS graded Proof 66. CAC Approved. The 1855 is one of just three years of Liberty Seated half dimes with Arrows at the Date, a distinctive type. As proofs were not widely sold to collectors of the time until 1858, the appearance of any 1855 in this format is truly exceptional. The presently offered Gem is especially so due to its beautiful surface appearance. Stunning turquoise-blue and sunset-red toning spans the obverse; the reverse is a mixture of turquoise-blue and slightly deeper cobalt-blue. The strike is bold on all but the third and fourth stars which is typical of this issue. Examination with a 10X loupe finds little to fault, as the surfaces are free of all but traces of contact and the underlying glittering fields are intact. This example represents a prized rarity, as a mere 15 to 20 proofs are known today. This date is far more difficult to find than proof half dimes struck even three to five years later when numismatists began to buy specimens directly from the Mint in Philadelphia. Furthermore, this is the transitional Arrows variety that was struck for just three years, 1853 through 1855. An important opportunity as a Gem Proof for an astute collector.Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. Tied for the finest graded at both services. (PCGS # 4433) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1156		1856. PCGS graded Proof 65 PQ. CAC Approved. An outstanding example of this rare early proof Seated half dime that exhibits rich rose-copper and sea-blue toning over deep watery fields and lightly frosted devices (although the latter is not readily evident). The surfaces are clearly at the Gem level as precious few signs of handling are present, even when closely examined. The strike is exceptionally bold, and the eye appeal is high. Of the perhaps 40 examples known today, PCGS has not graded any finer than the present coin as a non-cameo (two Proof 66 Cameos have been graded there). Worthy of the finest collection. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 4434) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1157		1856. PCGS graded Proof 65 PQ. CAC Approved. Generally, the mintages of proof coins issued before 1858, were not recorded at the time of production. Today, it is well known that all mintage totals were extremely small, and many of those have been lost or damaged over the years. Breen estimated only 30 to 40 examples of the 1856 Seated Liberty half dime were still extant in 1989. This sharply detailed Gem displays moderately reflective fields under reddish-gold, violet, and sea-blue patina displayed in a somewhat mottled fashion over both sides. A carefully preserved specimen. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 4434) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1158		1857-O. PCGS graded MS-66+ PQ. CAC Approved. By the standards of the New Orleans Mint during the 1850s, the 1857-O half dime is actually a high-mintage issue with just over 1.3 million business strikes. Circulated examples are easy to obtain in today's market, and even lower-end Mint State coins can be had without a lot of difficulty, however, as a superior-quality Gem, the piece that we are offering in this lot is in a completely different category. Stunningly beautiful, each side is well preserved and nearly pristine. Some noticeable mint-made die clashing is noted on each side, however, this is entirely normal for the issue. Bright, satiny luster shimmers over snow-white, completely untoned surfaces. Sharp-to-full in strike -- an uncommon attribute for an O-mint coin from the 1850s -- with not a single distracting abrasion to report. Pop 2; 4 finer, 3 in 67, 1 in 68. (PCGS # 4366) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 4,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1159		1859. PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo. CAC Approved. PQ. An important one year hub type, the 1859 Seated half dime exhibits a slightly modified obverse design with hollow center stars and a refined portrait of Liberty. This design was superseded in 1860 by the Legend Obverse type. In keeping with the rarity of all proof 1859 coins, the half dime is much more elusive than the mintage of 800 pieces might imply. Many examples were unsold and subsequently melted. A particularly fortunate survivor, this high quality Gem fails to exhibit so much as a single distracting blemish on the surfaces. Lightly patinated with pale golden toning which allows full appreciation of the bold cameo contrast. Pop 3; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 84438) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1160		1859. NGC graded MS-65. Looks like a proof. Nicely toned. Pop 28; 56 finer . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,058
Lot 1161		1862. PCGS graded MS-66. Beautiful obverse toning in shades of sea-green, mint-green, and lilac-gray; the reverse is mostly brilliant. Smooth, satiny and boldly impressed, a delightful high-grade Gem example of the type. Pop 60; 71 finer (PCGS # 4381) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. The Agora Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,058
Lot 1162		1862. NGC graded MS-65. A lustrous Civil War era Gem seated half dime with essentially untoned, partially reflective surfaces. Sharply struck with an absence of usually-seen clash marks. Excellent eye appeal overall. Pop 93; 79 finer . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $564
Lot 1163		1869. PCGS graded MS-66+ PQ. CAC Approved. A frosty Gem with bright, untoned luster and exceptional eye appeal. The strike is bold overall, save for a point in the reverse wreath opposite the obverse shield. If a exemplary type set or Liberty Seated half dime collection is in your numismatic sights, it will do you well to take aim at this impressive example. Pop 2; 6 finer, 5 in 67, 1 in 68 (PCGS # 4394) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,704
Lot 1164		1871. PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo. CAC Approved. The mintage of the 1871 Proof half dime was 960 pieces, from which this is one of the finest we have seen. It is a nicely toned example featuring deepening shades of antique-gold at the outer border areas on each side. The highly preserved quality of the surfaces proclaims no detracting marks on the devices or within the delicate reflective fields. Pop 4; 5 finer, 2 in 66+, 2 in 67, 1 in 67+ (PCGS # 84454) . Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,585
Lot 1165		1871. V-1. PCGS graded Proof 64. Open topped D in UNITED. The center of the obverse exhibits a pebbly effect that Breen ascribes to die rust. The deep, icy-mirrored surfaces display rich multicolored iridescence featuring shades of blue and golden-red. An interesting variety.Pop 61; 39 finer (PCGS # 4454) . Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $646