Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 84

January 25-28, 2015 Pre Long Beach

Seated Liberty Dimes

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1176		1837. NGC graded Proof 67. Boldly struck throughout with lovely antique hues of steel blue and light rose add to it's appearance. Only 30 examples struck. Pop 1; none finer at NGC. The finest example graded at both services . Estimated Value $90,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1177		1837. No Stars. PCGS graded Proof 63 PQ. CAC Approved. Large Date. Of the 30 or so 1837 No Stars dimes struck in proof format, all are believed to be of the Large Date variant. While both proofs and some early business strikes show the same die characteristics, proof strikings show a sharp die spur above the first T in STATES and distinct angling die scratch through ES O. The fields display the expected depth of mirrored reflectivity and each side is covered with moderate blue-green toning that also has pastel rose-colored accents. A dark toning spot is mentioned above the A of STATES, this being noted for future identification purposes. Pop 6; 14 finer, 10 in 64, 3 in 65, 1 in 66. (PCGS # 4718) . Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $11,163
Lot 1178		1838-O. No Stars. PCGS graded EF-45. Well struck with multicolored toning on both sides. Traces of original luster blends with the lovely toned highlights on the unmarred surfaces. The New Orleans mint opened its doors this year, following four years of construction. The dimes (and half dimes) were struck in limited numbers, and most entered circulation. Few high-quality specimens remain. A scarce date. Pop 31; 86 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 4564) . Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $734
Lot 1179		1838. Large Stars. PCGS graded MS-64. Nicely toned and well struck, an attractive Choice Mint State example of this first year issue. The seated figure of Liberty carries over from the No Stars type of 1837-38, with the addition of 13 stars to keep it consistent with other silver coin denominations. The mint in those days prided itself on consistency, whether that be the copper issues, the silver coins, or the look of America's gold denominations .Pop 74; 68 finer, 4 in 64+, 46 in 65, 16 in 66, 2 in 67. (PCGS # 4568) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $881
Lot 1180		1843. NGC graded Proof 65. As is the case with all early proof coinage, the 1843 Liberty Seated dime is a major numismatic rarity. Mintage estimates by leading researchers indicate somewhere on the order of 8 to 10 coins, this being solidified by David Akers in the October 1997 catalog for the John Jay Pittman Collection, Part One. The specific proof 1843 Liberty Seated dime we are offering in this lot was part of the Pittman Collection, from which it was sold as part of a complete 1843 cased proof set that included the gold coinage. That set has now been broken up; each coin offered separately to the public over the years. In his catalog, Akers wrote: This date in Proof is extremely rare and was absent from virtually every important sale of Dimes in recent years, including such great collections as James Stack, Floyd Starr, Harold Bareford, Allen Lovejoy and Louis Eliasberg. There was, however, a specimen in the Norweb Collection …. Proof Dimes were struck in 1843 only for inclusion on the 10-15 Proof sets of the year. A few more seem to be around than of the Half Dime, but the number of Proofs in existence still cannot be more than 8-10 pieces. We are now fortunate enough to offer this exceedingly rare 1843 Liberty Seated dime as a Gem proof -- one of the finest known examples. The proof characteristics are unmistakable with full striking details overall, deeply reflective fields, and a broad, sharp wire edge, particularly visible on the obverse. Deep, rich copper and sky-blue patina combines with deeper gray over both sides. There are no mentionable distracting blemishes, but a loupe does reveal a faint mint-made lintmark in the obverse field from the end of Liberty's foot that we mention only as a pedigree marker. It is believed that all proof 1843 Seated dimes were struck from a single die pairing. The reverse was from a master die that the Mint used to strike most proof Seated dimes from 1839 to 1852. This was a customary practice in the Mint of the 1840s as far as reverse dies for most proof coinage were concerned. The coin in this lot may be of even further importance if the proof set that it was once a part of was indeed the one that has been described in the past as, "Presented by President (John) Tyler." This possible pedigree is also outlined by David W. Akers' in his cataloging for the John Jay Pittman Collection, October 1997, lot 832, the 1843 cased proof set: If this Pittman set is a complete original set, i.e. the gold, silver and copper coins contained herein were issued together, as seems likely, then this set may be Winsor (1895): lot 1067, a complete 1843 Proof set with gold in original case which was said to have been, Presented by President (John) Tyler. This coin is an extremely important offering for the advanced numismatist. Pop 5; 1 finer in 66. Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000. Pedigree: Judge Joseph F. Sawicki, as part of a complete 1843 cased proof set of copper and silver coins (5/1948); The John Jay Pittman Collection, now as part of a complete 1843 cased proof set that included the gold coinage (David W. Akers, 10/1997), lot 832; FUN U.S. Coin Auction, now being offered individually after the aforementioned 1843 proof set was broken up (Heritage, 1/2009), lot 3688; The Bay State Collection (Heritage, 7/2009), lot 1070; Houston, TX U.S. Coin Auction (Heritage, 12/2009), lot 412, January Tampa FUN Sale (Heritage 1/2011), lot 5484. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1181		1844. PCGS graded Proof 64. CAC Approved. Although proof coinage mintage figures for many early U.S. issues before 1858 are either inaccurate or nonexistent, both Walter Breen and current authorities have estimated that perhaps eight examples of the proof 1844 Seated Liberty dime were produced. This coin issue is well-known to numismatists as the "Little Orphan Annie" dime, a case of early hype that originated in the 1940s, attributed to the Kansas City coin dealer, Frank C. Ross. The digits of the date are entered high in the die and slope upward from left to right, so that the last 4 is nearer to the base under Liberty than the 1. The pendant on Liberty's gown is a bit to the left of the upright of 4 in the date, and the shield is upright. The bottom left serif of the 1 in the date is over the right side of a dentil. Both sides display bright underlying luster, with champagne-pink, pastel-gold, sky-blue, and silver surfaces with some localized spotty russet color near the rims. There are a couple of thin hairlines in the obverse fields, visible only with magnification at indirect light angles. The strike is expectedly sharp, with sharp wire edges on each side. Liberty's head details, gown clasp, sandals, and the star centrils on the obverse are all well brought up, and no weakness is visible on the reverse either. Slight cameo contrast is also seen on each side, although unmentioned on the PCGS holder. This fully original and exceedingly rare coin, a true legendary rarity, should appeal both to collectors of early proof type coins, as well as to the many collectors of Seated Liberty collectors. Pop 3; 2 finer in 65. (PCGS # 4731) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1182		1849-O. PCGS graded AU-50. CAC Approved. Although obtainable in lower grades, the 1849-O is considered a scarce Seated dime above the XF level. Here we offer a modestly circulated AU-50 with original toning on both sides. The Large O variety is always found somewhat softly struck, as seen here. Pop 11; 28 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 4592) . Estimated Value $475 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $588
Lot 1183		1852. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo. CAC Approved. This is an extremely rare, early proof Seated dime with an unknown, although extremely limited original mintage. The exact number of coins produced is not known although Walter Breen (1988) estimates that there may be as many as eight specimens in numismatic hands. At least one of those coins, the ANS specimen, is impounded in that museum. Our research indicates that six different examples have appeared at auction over the past 15 years, thus Mr. Breen was quite close in his estimate. This coin possess needle-sharp striking detail in all areas from the rims to the centers. The rims are broad and square, the denticles are crisply delineated and there is a pronounced knife-like outer rim on both sides. Another feature that defines this example's proof status is the glittering, reflective finish that exists in the fields. Both sides are attractively toned with a thin coating of delicate champagne-apricot iridescence. As an identifier, a couple of small diagonal toning streaks are seen at star 10, however, these do not detract. This specimen will certainly awake the interest of specialized collectors. It is the finer of only two Proof Cameo coins graded by both services, combined. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 84739) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1184		1856. Small Date. Doubled Die Obverse. Greer-105. PCGS graded Proof 65. All known 1856 proof Seated dimes feature small digits in the date. This seems to be the only recorded obverse die for the issue, and it is probably the only one used by the Philadelphia Mint for proofs. This theory seems likely since the original mintage for the proof 1856 was undoubtedly small and easily achieved with a single die marriage. While the Mint did not record exactly how many proof dimes were struck in 1856, Bowers estimates that approximately 35 specimens are extant. Gorgeous deep gunmetal-blue and other natural toning spans both sides and the underlying reflectivity is clear. The strike is bold with each of the stars on the obverse and Liberty's curls sharp, as is the entire reverse. This Gem proof example is certain to delight any specialist of this series. This one is in the Condition Census for technical quality and even more desirable for its attractive toning. Pop 2; 3 finer, 2 in 66, 1 in 67. (PCGS # 4745) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1185		1857. PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo. CAC Approved. This glittering example is the result of an unknown, although obviously limited mintage -- PCGS estimates just 70 examples coined. It was not until the following year,1858, that the Philadelphia Mint increased yearly proof production with the intent of marketing such pieces to the contemporary collecting public. The proof 1857 Liberty Seated dime was prepared almost exclusively for presentation or other official purposes, and also for distribution to a handful of collectors with close ties to Mint personnel. The current PCGS Population Report accounts for approximately 30-50 examples of this issue in numismatic hands. Ranking among the finest certified, this snow-white Gem is free of both toning and detracting blemishes. Sharply struck from the dies, and also possessed of marked field to device contrast that readily upholds the validity of the Cameo designation from PCGS. Truly outstanding. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 84746) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1186		1858. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo PQ. CAC Approved. The year 1858 marked the first time the Mint began large scale distribution of proof coinage to fledging collectors of the time. This remarkable proof dime still survives from a small, but unknown mintage. Estimates of production vary between 100 coins (PCGS) and 300+ coins (Guidebook). A well-struck Gem, this piece exhibits appealing contrast between the fields and the devices. Areas of toning, primarily at the outer edges, include hues of orange and golden-brown. The fields are nicely reflective and there are no mentionable contact marks. Pop 1; 1 finer in 66. (PCGS # 84747) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,756
Lot 1187		1859. PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo. A frosty and partially brilliant portrait of Liberty sits amid a reflective field that displays wisps of rich gold, crimson, russet, and turquoise-blue iridescence that deepens toward the rim. The reverse is a study in lilac-gray and gunmetal-blue that is displayed in a mottled fashion. Random die artifacts are noted near the tips of most stars. The Guide Book lists a proof mintage for the date of 800 pieces, while Breen's Encyclopedia (1988) notes: "Many of the Proofs were melted as unsold, or spent." An exceptional specimen. Pop 3; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 84748) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1188		1870. NGC graded Proof 64. Dusky golden-gray and blue-green toning flashes with purple and crimson when examined under a light. The surfaces are well preserved for the grade, and the strike is bold. Housed in an Old Style Holder. Pop 56; 36 finer, 20 in 65, 11 in 66, 2 in 66 Star, 2 in 67 (PCGS # 4763) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $734
Lot 1189		1872. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. A later proof striking, as the head of Liberty is not quite complete. A brilliant white proof example, save for a couple of small areas of reddish-gold color on each side. A total of 950 proofs were struck. Pop 5; 12 finer, 8 in 66, 4 in 67. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,087
Lot 1190		1872-CC. NGC graded VF Details, Damaged. A recent find that had been buried in the ground of many years. The surfaces are pitted and porous, and a sizeable mark is near the center of the obverse. Still, a classic rarity from the Carson City Mint and date that is desirable in virtually any grade. One of 35,480 pieces struck. Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $617
Lot 1191		1873. No Arrows, Closed 3. PCGS graded Proof 67 Deep Cameo. Fully brilliant with fully rendered design motifs and a high, sharp wire edge. The devices are heavily frosted and the fields are deeply mirrored resulting in a remarkable Deep Cameo effect overall. Without question, the finest Deep Cameo Proof of the date certified by PCGS. All No Arrows proof dimes exhibit the Closed 3 style. Exceptional quality for the grade with surfaces that stand up easily to close examination. Pop 1; none finer at both services. (PCGS # 94766) . Estimated Value $19,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1192		1874. Arrows. PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo. The 1874 dime is an important and short-lived Arrows type coin. Both sides present a "just struck" appearance being fully snow-white without any spots or discoloration. The devices are well frosted and contrast nicely against the deeply mirrored fields. As expected of the grade, no marks or hairlines are seen, even with light magnification. The Philadelphia Mint only issued 700 proof dimes for the year, many of which have been damaged and/or cleaned. Many collectors require With Arrows coins, therefore pressure is always high when a splendid example such as this one appears for sale. Pop 1; none finer at both services. (PCGS # 84770) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,338
Lot 1193		1874. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-63. Nicely toned but weakly defined, especially on localized portions of the wreath. Lovely green and golden toning decorates each side (PCGS # 4668) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $705
Lot 1194		1876. PCGS graded MS-66. Sharply impressed with no mentionable abrasions. An original appearing example with attractive multicolored iridescence at the border areas. Pop 28; 4 finer, 1 in 66+, 3 in 67. (PCGS # 4679) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $881
Lot 1195		1877-CC. NGC graded MS-66. A frosty Gem with outstanding cartwheel luster that is overlaid with varied shades including sunset-red, sea green, gold, and blue on the obverse. The reverse exhibits a deeper mixture of cobalt-blue accented with bits of gold and red. The strike is bold and the eye appeal is superb. Pop 45; 14 finer, 10 in 67, 1 in 67 Star, 3 in 68. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,100. The Agora Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,761
Lot 1196		1879. PCGS graded MS-66 PQ. CAC Approved. Partially reflective fields with lightly toned surfaces. A luminous Gem of optimum quality throughout. The luster is first-rate and the strike is sharp, being crisp in all areas. Only 14,000 business strikes were produced. Pop 59; 29 finer, 5 in 66+, 23 in 67, 1 in 68 (PCGS # 4687) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,056
Lot 1197		1879. PCGS graded Proof 63. Toned in various shades including mint-green, gold, blue and pink. The devices are well struck and the grade is limited by a few scattered hairlines in the fragile fields (PCGS # 4776) . Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $517
Lot 1198		1881. PCGS graded Proof 65 PQ. CAC Approved. Rich turquoise-blue with pale golden border toning overlays both sides of this nicely struck and splendidly preserved Gem proof. This coin represents the last of the low mintage dates, with 975 proofs and 24,000 business strikes struck. Pop 48; 25 finer, 18 in 66, 6 in 67, 1 in 67+ (PCGS # 4778) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. The Agora Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,410
Lot 1199		1883. NGC graded MS-65. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Style Holder. Pop 79; 65 finer (PCGS # 4691) . Estimated Value $675 - 700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $823
Lot 1200		1884. PCGS graded MS-68. This is one of only two MS-68 examples thus far graded by PCGS with none higher. This nearly perfect Liberty Seated dime is a candidate for a superlative Registry Set. Each side is toned in a similar fashion. The centers are silver-gray, gradually deepening to reddish-russet hues that continue to change to colorful iridescent teal at the borders. The strike is very sharp including Liberty's head and the leaves of the wreath. Faint die clashing is noted with close examination. A stunning condition rarity that will add great dimension to even the most advanced collection.Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 4692) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,513
Lot 1201		1884. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved. A frosty, mostly white example that is quite well struck on each side. The brilliant surfaces have a sheet of silver luster that shimmers and sparkles and is uninterrupted by any noticeable abrasions. Pop 37; 29 finer, 4 in 66+, 23 in 67, 2 in 68 (PCGS # 4692) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,028
Lot 1202		1884. PCGS graded MS-66. Nice old time reddish toning with a hint of sea-green on the obverse, while the reverse shows pastel golden toning with bright steel-blue around the rims. Boldly defined including most of Liberty's head detail. Pop 37; 29 finer, 4 in 66+, 23 in 67, 2 in 68. (PCGS # 4692) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $764
Lot 1203		1884-S. PCGS graded MS-64. Lustrous and pleasing in appearance, with pleasing sunset-red toning that deepens at the peripheries on both sides. The strike is bold and well above average for this San Francisco issue. Surface quality is nice and frosty with only a few tiny abrasions that are typical for the grade. Pop 16; 4 finer, 1 in 64+, 1 in 65, 2 in 66. (PCGS # 4693) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,116
Lot 1204		1885. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo. CAC Approved. Somewhat mottled pale blue toning fills the centers, while the peripheries are deep sunset-gold color. Nicely struck and highly reflective with evident Cameo contrast. A few toning spots limit the grade. A mere 930 proofs were issued. Pop 23; 43 finer (PCGS # 84782) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $911
Lot 1205		1885. NGC graded MS-66. This Gem specimen exhibits mesmerizing multi-dimensional toning on both sides. Well struck with deeply frosted surfaces. Worthy of a premium bid just for the attractive colors. Pop 47; 18 finer . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $734
Lot 1206		1886. PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo. This glittering Gem is bright and essentially untoned overall. The original finish is readily appreciable at all angles, but not even close inspection calls forth a grade-limiting blemish. A subtle diagonal toning streak is noted at the right portion of the reverse. This sparkling example is worthy of the most advanced collection and features high eye appeal and outstanding quality. Just 886 proofs were coined for collectors in 1886. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 84783) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1207		1886. PCGS graded Proof 65. A nicely toned Gem Proof example featuring some colorful sky-blue and golden toning over each side. Some weakness on Liberty's head is observed, possibly due to die misalignment. A pleasing specimen. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Pop 33; 29 finer, 18 in 66, 2 in 66+, 9 in 67 (PCGS # 4783) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $852
Lot 1208		1887. PCGS graded MS-67 PQ. CAC Approved. A brilliant Superb Gem example that has coruscant luster and outstanding eye appeal. Precisely struck and unabraded with none of the often-seen mint-made clashmarks. Both services, combined, have graded only 10 examples at the MS-67 level, with just two finer. Pop 4; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 4698) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,288
Lot 1209		1887 NGC MS64 and ANACS MS64. Nicely toned. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details	Realized $564
Lot 1210		1890. PCGS graded Proof 64. Deep cobalt-blue toning has gathered over the obverse; the reverse is primarily sunset-gold with some cobalt-blue at portions of the periphery. An especially attractive, near-Gem example. Only 590 proofs were minted. Pop 50; 45 finer (PCGS # 4787) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $705
Lot 1211		1891. NGC graded Proof 65. Colorfully toned on both sides, somewhat deeper on the reverse. Shades of crimson-red, gold, blue-green, and violet enhance the nicely reflective mirrored fields. Sharply defined throughout. Only 600 proofs were minted. Pop 43; 43 finer . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $893
Lot 1212		1891. PCGS graded Proof 64. Sharply struck and nicely toned over both sides. One of just 600 proofs coined for collectors in this final year of Liberty Seated coinage. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Pop 43; 62 finer (PCGS # 4788) . Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $588
Lot 1213		1891-O. PCGS graded MS-67. The 1891-O dime is rarely available in such a superior condition. In fact, there are only five pieces certified in MS67 between both of the major services; three are at PCGS, two are NGC. The fully brilliant surfaces are heavily frosted, and the die flow lines in the fields and at the margins give the coin a slightly matte-like appearance. Light die clashing is seen on each side, and most of the coin is sharply defined, save for the I of DIME. A Condition Census example. Pop 3; none finer at both services. (PCGS # 4707) . Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold