Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 84

January 25-28, 2015 Pre Long Beach

$2.50 Liberty

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1858		1840-C. PCGS graded MS-62. Bright and mostly lustrous yellow-gold with some typical minor scuffing visible in the fields on each side; this probably being the grade-limiting factor. Areas of bold mint frost engage the protected regions around the devices. Essentially unmarked with no individual blemishes that require our assessment. One of just 12,822 examples struck at Charlotte in 1840, most of which circulated long and hard in the channels of commerce in and around the Southern regions. An elusive date in Mint State, as shown by the PCGS Population figures. Pop 2; 4 finer in 63. (PCGS # 7718) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1859		1841. PCGS graded AU-53. The 1841 quarter eagle, also known as the "Little Princess," is one of the rarest of all United States coins with just 16 examples known. Long considered a proof-only issue, the number of known circulated examples implies that an uncertain number were minted as circulation strikes. Unfortunately, mint reports failed to provide any records that business strikes were, in fact, coined at all. For decades, there was nearly unanimous agreement that all 1841 quarter eagles were struck in the proof format -- there were no business strikes at all. There is now an ongoing debate which is of tremendous importance, even to collectors who cannot afford 1841 quarter eagles. The debate relates to the definition of a proof and whether experts can agree on the proof status of a large number of 19th century coins, including many that are not particularly expensive. In Feb. 2012, the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) announced that most known 1841 quarter eagles are really business strikes, not proofs. They determined that all but four 1841 quarter eagles are "regular strikings," however, many experts remain deeply divided over this issue. Close examination of this PCGS-certified AU-53 example shows definition similar to that seen on business strikes, not proofs. There is no evidence of a multiple series of strikes by the dies, no wire edge, and the fields are only modestly reflective, not deeply so, as would be indicative of a proof. The definition is not quite full on Liberty's hair, the eagle's neck and leg feathers. The rim is slightly rounded on each side of the coin as it intersects with the edge. Struck in bright yellow-gold with a slight reddish tinge at indirect light angles, a few minor marks have collected from its time in the channels of commerce. Traces of bright luster remain in the most protected areas of the design elements. For future pedigree identification, a pair of diagonal marks are noted to the right of the denomination on the reverse and a couple of additional marks are seen on Liberty's cheek. These are mentioned for identification purposes only, not because they detract from this coin's attractive appearance. Altogether, this is certainly a pleasing example of this classic gold rarity. The 1841 Liberty quarter eagle is listed among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. Pop 2; 2 finer, 1 in 58, 1 in 61. Estimated Value $120,000 - 130,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1860		1842. PCGS graded AU-55. In 1842, the Mint at Philadelphia coined a very small amount of 2,823 quarter eagles. Since that time, most were either lost over time, heavily circulated, and cleaned or damaged. Surviving examples in any grade are rare with an estimate by PCGS of just 50-60 pieces presently known. This Choice AU presents typical light wear on each side, with a few small marks visible above the eagle. Struck on a soft green-gold planchet with subtle hints of orange in certain recesses. This piece certainly boasts a pleasing level of eye appeal. Pop 2; 2 finer, 1 in 58, 1 in 62. (PCGS # 7723) . Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1861		1842-D. PCGS graded AU-58. Very well struck by the standards of the Dahlonega Mint, both the obverse and the reverse exhibit a pronounced sharpness of detail with only the lightest signs of handling from circulation. There are no individually distracting abrasions, and the surfaces show subtle green-gold color with flickers of modest reflectiveness remaining in the fields. The 1842-D is a highly elusive issue with a mintage of just 4,643 pieces. Presently, only 75 to 85 coins are believed extant in all grades (per Doug Winter, Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint: 1838-1861). An important high grade offering for the gold enthusiast or type collector.Pop 5; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7725) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1862		1842-D. PCGS graded AU-53. A legendary rarity among Dahlonega Mint quarter eagles, the 1842-D was produced to the extent of just 4,643 pieces. With only 75 to 85 coins believed left, most of which are lower grades, the 1842-D now ranks fifth in rarity in this D-mint gold series. It is thus rarer in an absolute terms than the other Dahlonega Mint quarter eagles with the exception of the 1840-D, 1854-D, 1855-D, and 1856-D. In high grades (AU and Mint State), Winter accounts for no more than 10 survivors, all of which he reports as AU. The major grading services confirm that the 1842-D is almost unobtainable in Mint State, there being no coins graded finer than AU-58 at PCGS. Along with the 1856-D, the 1842-D is the second rarest Dahlonega Mint quarter eagle in high grades after the 1840-D. Only a few abrasions are reported, mostly on the obverse; the rims are without bumps or other problems. Pleasant deep golden color with some red accents when closely examined. An important opportunity for the collector of Southern gold. Pop 5; 12 finer, 7 in 55, 5 in 58 (PCGS # 7725) . Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1863		1843-C. Large Date, Plain 4. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. CAC Approved. An interesting, conditionally rare Mint State example. We note the digits of the date are boldly repunched both high and low, as well as the "C" mintmark. A condition rarity in any Mint State grade, let alone a near-Gem, this pleasing coin boasts fully lustrous fields, attractive yellow-golden color and remarkably clean surfaces. The strike is sharp on the stars and other peripheral details, but some softness is noticed especially on the eagle's left (facing) leg. The fragile fields are free of significant bagmarks or other distractions. A mintage of just 23,076 pieces was recorded. The current offering is likely in the top 10 or higher to have survived. Pop 2; 1 finer in 65. (PCGS # 7728) . Estimated Value $35,000 - 37,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1864		1843-C. Large Date, Plain 4. PCGS graded AU-53. The 1843-C Large Date quarter eagle is common in lower grades but becomes considerably more difficult to locate as an AU. Traces of luster reside in the recessed areas of this rich honey-gold specimen. Generally well struck except for typical central softness, a characteristic of the issue. A nice minimally abraded piece that will fit comfortably in a high-grade type collection. Pop 7; 36 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7728) . Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,703
Lot 1865		1849-C. PCGS graded MS-60. PQ. A median rarity in the Charlotte Mint Liberty quarter eagle series, the 1849-C (10,220 coins struck) ranks 5th in overall rarity and 11th in high-grade rarity among the 20 issues in this mintmarked gold series according to Doug Winter. Properly graded AU examples are rare, while Mint State survivors are very rare and seldom offered at even the largest numismatic gatherings. This piece is generally sharp in strike with only the eagle's left (facing) leg on the reverse exhibiting mentionable softness of detail (as usual). A lustrous, frosty-to-semi-reflective texture is easily seen as the honey-gold surfaces rotate under a light. There are few abrasions of note, and a hairline-thin graze in the lower-right obverse field between stars 12 and 13 is the most readily evident pedigree marker. Among the finest certified. Pop 1; 2 finer, 1 in 62, 1 in 64. (PCGS # 7753) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1866		1850-C. PCGS graded MS-61. Soft, subtle green-gold surfaces appear to have a certain (limited) reflective quality, the effect of which is quite appealing. Exceptionally well defined including the often-weak central regions and obverse stars. Some scuffing and light field marks are seen overall that serve to limit the grade. Fortunately, there are no marks or other distractions that are worthy of individual mention. Only a dozen or so Uncirculated pieces are believed extant from a tiny production of 9,148 coins. Pop 3; 3 finer, 2 in 62, 1 in 62+. (PCGS # 7756) . Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1867		1850-O. PCGS graded AU-58. CAC Approved. A partially lustrous yellow-gold specimen with no readily mentionable marks on either side, only light rubbing on the design highpoints. Currently, PCGS has certified just 19 examples of the date in Mint State, making a Choice AU specimen, such as the present lot, all the more appealing. Only 84,000 pieces were struck. Pop 7; 19 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7758) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,821
Lot 1868		1852-D. PCGS graded AU-53. Bright honey-golden surfaces with the initial visual impact of a moderately finer grade. Unmarked to the unassisted eye and with no serious disturbances to be found. For future identification, a couple of tiny abrasions are seen near Liberty's mouth, however, these virtually require magnification and are not a distraction. Just 4,078 examples were struck at Dahlonega Georgia. An excellent choice for the type collector. Pop 7; 28 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7765) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1869		1852-O. PCGS graded MS-61. CAC Approved. Merely 250 pieces of this elusive date are estimated to have survived. Pleasant straw-golden color with mint luster evident on each side. Well struck overall, only the legs and claws on the eagle appear rounded and not as sharp as the remaining details. Full, square rims with complete dentils, the New Orleans branch consistently made their coins look sharp in this decade, with only a few scattered exceptions. Pop 7; 6 finer, 5 in 62, 1 in 63. (PCGS # 7766) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1870		1853-D. PCGS graded MS-61. This coin represents one of the finest known of this rare Dahlonega issue, as the highest thus far certified by either grading service is MS-62. The original mintage of 3,178 pieces has been reduced by time and attrition to fewer than 100 known today, with many of those well circulated and/or damaged and cleaned. The present example shows full mint luster, attractive golden-orange color, and a typical strike for the date. As are always seen on this obverse die, a fine engraver's die line extends from the top of Liberty's head just missing the left point of obverse star 8, and small raised lumps are seen above stars 9 and 10. The surfaces are free of all but minor handling marks when closely examined. This is a superior Mint State representative of this rare date. Pop 7; 2 finer in 62. (PCGS # 7768) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1871		1854-C. PCGS graded MS-62. Delightful khaki-gold with soft green iridescence for the planchet stock. A scarcer date with a meager mintage of just 7,295 pieces for the entire year. Few survive in Mint State condition, with a total of about 20 reported between both PCGS and NGC, with the finest being a single MS-63 coin at the top (NGC). The strike is decent but not bold at the centers, as these are seldom if ever found with sharp definition throughout. Clean and attractive surface quality as Liberty's face and neck are free of heavy marks as are the reverse fields. Tied with about ten others (at most) as the second finest certified of issue and a desirable coin. Pop 4; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7770) . Estimated Value $22,000 - 24,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1872		1857. PCGS graded MS-65. Rarer than the 1855 and 1856, the 1857 quarter eagle is particularly elusive in grades of MS-64 and above. Here we offer a solid Gem example with eye appeal to spare. In fact, this coin easily qualifies as Condition Census piece. Both sides are covered in softly frosted luster and handsome yellow-gold color. The surfaces are expectably smooth for the assigned grade. Overall sharp in strike, with only minor weakness on a couple of the obverse stars. This one is sure to sell for a strong bid. Pop 1; 3 finer, 1 in 66, 1 in 67, 1 in 68. (PCGS # 7782) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1873		1859-D. PCGS graded AU-55. The 1859-D is the final Dahlonega Mint Quarter Eagle in U.S. coinage history, and has a very small mintage of just 2,244 pieces. Numismatists and collectors of the day must have realized that this issue signaled the end of an era, as a fair number of coins were set aside within a few years of issue. Today, between 120 and 140 coins are known to exist -- a limited total in an absolute sense but one that is great enough to establish the 1859-D as only a median rarity in the Dahlonega Mint quarter eagle series. This lightly circulated survivor is finer than most seen with partial mint luster remaining and no mentionable marks or other distractions. As is entirely normal for this issue, some striking incompleteness is seen at the centers on each side. Medium honey-gold in color, there are some deep reddish-gold highlights visible on the reverse. Pop 16; 25 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7789) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1874		1860-S. NGC graded AU-58. Frosty orange-gold with great overall eye appeal for the near-Mint grade. No mentionable marks are present, and the remaining luster is nearly complete. Additionally, the strike is quite bold for this often weakly defined date. One of just 35,600 examples struck, most of which saw heavy circulation near the West coast. The typical survivor is just VF or so, and we note that only 10 examples have been certified finer by NGC. Pop 22; 10 finer, 2 in 60, 6 in 61, 1 in 62, 1 in 63. (PCGS # 7793) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,704
Lot 1875		1861 New Reverse. NGC graded MS-61. Nice honey-gold color overall with a few scattered marks that explain the grade assignment. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $705
Lot 1876		1862. PCGS graded MS-61. Light obverse tarnish. Only 98,508 minted of which merely 140 examples are estimated to have survived. Pop 7; 17 finer (PCGS # 7796) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1877		1862. PCGS graded MS-61. The surfaces are sharply struck throughout, and free of individually mentionable abrasions despite overall scuffiness that helps explain the BU designation from PCGS. Mostly yellow-gold color with a hint of red at certain light angles. The 1862 is the first of the low-mintage (98,508 pieces produced), Philadelphia Mint quarter eagles from the Civil War era. Examples are scarce-to-rare in all grades with most Mint State specimens in the latter category. Pop 7; 17 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7796) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1878		1862 NGC Unc Details. Improperly cleaned. A nominal mintage of 98,508 Liberty quarter eagles was produced in 1862. As a result of the Civil War and later conditions, few examples were saved for numismatic purposes. This sharply detailed example exhibits lightly abraded yellow-gold surfaces with a number of hairlines that suggest a light cleaning in the past (PCGS # 7796) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,528
Lot 1879		1862, 2 over 1. FS-002. NGC graded AU-55. Currently, NGC has certified a mere eight coins at this level with just 30 finer. The discoverer of this overdate variety is believed to be the late Aubrey Bebee who was a dealer and collector. In his 1988 Encyclopedia, Walter Breen states that there are only 'possibly 12 known, none UNC.' Since the time of the author's writing, a number of additional examples have been confirmed, including Uncirculated examples. This is a coin that no advanced collection of 19th century gold should be without (PCGS # 7797) . Estimated Value $2,800 - 2,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,290
Lot 1880		1865 PCGS graded Genuine Fine Details. One of the famous rarities in the Coronet quarter eagle series, and one of a tiny mintage of only 1,520 business strikes. Early research led Walter Breen to believe the business strikes were more rare than proofs, of which only 25 were minted. PCGS suggests that somewhere between 35 and 40 pieces still exist, so the 1865 is still a very elusive quarter eagle in any grade. This piece is well worn with a polished appearance. Still, the emphasis here is on rarity and not condition, of which the 1865 quarter eagle obviously excels (PCGS # 7801) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1881		1873. Closed 3 PCGS graded Genuine Unc Details. Questionable color. An elusive variety that is widely collected, as the Open 3 variety is much more common. A personal examination is recommended (PCGS # 7817) . Estimated Value $300 - 325. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $541
Lot 1882		1888. PCGS graded MS-65 PQ. CAC Approved. Frosty honey-gold with some subtle rose highlights. Gem Uncirculated quarter eagles of the era are desirable and scarce due, in part to their low initial production figures. Only 16,001 quarter eagles were struck for circulation this year. Currently, there are no finer examples graded at PCGS. Pop 20; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7840) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1883		1890. PCGS graded Proof 65 Deep Cameo PQ. CAC Approved. During the decade from 1890 to 1900, the Philadelphia Mint excelled in creating some of the most beautiful proof gold and silver coinage ever seen, most with a highly desired cameo effect. On gold coins in particular, sometimes the fields enjoy a peculiar "orange peel" appearance, which is both highly reflective and textured at the same time, and the lettering and devices are well frosted by the dies. Creating these proofs took many steps: first the hardened high quality steel dies are dipped in either a weak acid or lightly sandblasted. This process created the dull, frosted devices, raised on the coin but in recess on the die. Next, the fields on the die are polished to a fine mirror-like finish, which gives the coins their unique reflectivity in the fields and contrast with the frosted devices. Only a few proofs were made each year, and sometimes the proof dies were later reused to create normal business strikes for general circulation as an economy measure. By the end of the 1880s, collector interest in proof gold coinage was increasing, and the Mint produced some 93 proof quarter eagles in 1890, a rather substantial mintage for the era. About half of those pieces, however, are not known to survive, making extant specimens rare in any grade. This piece easily qualifies for the assigned Gem grade level in both sharpness of strike and overall preservation. Deeply reflective fields frame heavily frosted devices, beautifully showcasing the Deep Cameo contrast as stated by PCGS. Soft peach-gold color deepens slightly toward the borders adding to the visual appeal. Close examination with a loupe reveals a few microscopic spots and a couple of minor hairlines in the fragile fields; these being normal for the grade assignment. Pop 3; 5 finer, 3 in 66, 1 in 66+, 1 in 67. (PCGS # 97916) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 27,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1884		1892. NGC graded MS-62. Sharply defined with bright yellow-gold luster that is accented with hints of pink. Though a number of pinpoint marks and wispy abrasions are seen on each side, the overall eye appeal is strong for the grade. One of only 2,440 pieces struck. Housed in an NGC Old Style Holder. Pop 38; 34 finer at NGC. (PCGS # 7844) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,058
Lot 1885		1895. PCGS graded Proof 66+ Deep Cameo PQ. CAC Approved. The small productions of business strike quarter eagles that began in the 1880s only slowly increased in the 1890s. The year 1895 saw a modest production of just 6,000 circulation strikes accompanied by 119 proofs. Interestingly, all of the other gold denominations, from half eagle through double eagle, had generous to enormous mintages for the era, perhaps leading to this issue being generally somewhat underrated. The potential bidder should not fail to appreciate this piece, however, as its combination of impeccable surfaces, lovely bright yellow-gold patina, and a full strike with deeply contrasting surfaces will elicit only the highest admiration of advanced collectors. Pop 1; 3 finer in 67. (PCGS # 97921) . Estimated Value $35,000 - 38,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1886		1896. ANACS graded Proof 62. This is considered a rare proof gold coin as only 132 examples were produced for the year. The surfaces have scattered handling marks and shallow scuffs but lack the copper spots or deep marks that are often found on these delicate surfaces. A couple of tiny abrasions are noted in the left obverse field between star 3 and Liberty's nose. Attractive orange-gold surfaces throughout and attractive for the modest grade assigned. Housed in an ANACS Old Style Holder. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,600. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1887		1897. PCGS graded Proof 62 Deep Cameo. This is a nicely contrasted specimen featuring deeply frosted devices and nicely reflective fields resulting in the coveted Deep Cameo designation by PCGS. Attractive peach-golden patina further adds eye appeal and only some minor scuffing and hairlines in the fields from mishandling serves to limit the grade. From a tiny Proof mintage of just 136 pieces, the smallest production figure of any Proof quarter eagle issue from 1897 through to 1913. Pop 2; 14 finer (PCGS # 97923) . Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,878
Lot 1888		1901. PCGS graded Proof 67 Deep Cameo. History shows the 1901 is among the more easily obtainable issues in the proof Liberty quarter eagle series, not to say that the 1901 is a common coin -- far from that! In fact, Mint records indicate that just 223 proofs were produced, and the number of survivors is now estimated by this cataloger at 125 to 150 pieces. This is a beautiful black-on-white Deep Cameo with deep, watery fields and heavily frosty devices. None of the features reveal even the most trivial hairline or spot, and the color is an even, yellow-gold hue. Spectacular quality for the discerning specialist and one of the finest graded. Pop 4; 3 finer, 1 in 68, 1 in 68+, 1 in 69. (PCGS # 97927) . Estimated Value $32,000 - 34,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1889		1902. PCGS graded Proof 53. Rich deep reddish-gold toning decorates each side of this lightly circulated proof. Aside from wear and noticeable scuffing in the fields, there are no individually mentionable marks on either side. The warmly toned surfaces have the familiar smooth mirror finish remaining in the more protected areas of the design, while devices are needle-sharp as befits a well-made proof. Mintage was low throughout the period with only 193 proofs struck in 1902. A rare proof example for not a lot more than a Choice BU would cost (PCGS # 7928) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,998
Lot 1890		1906. PCGS graded MS-68. PQ. The 1906 quarter eagle is not an issue that attracts great attention from type collectors. While it is a readily available date through most grades, including better Mint State designations, the 1906 yields to other dates in the Liberty quarter eagle series in terms of overall numbers and affordability. At the rare Superb Gem level, however, even this relatively plentiful issue (or any other) becomes a conditional rarity. The Registry Set collector should note that this is one of just two MS68 representatives certified by PCGS, with none finer. The strike is as sharp as one could possibly imagine, with complete definition on the central and peripheral motifs alike. Shimmering luster enlivens the immaculate yellow-gold and peach-gold surfaces with a hint of sky-blue on the reverse. Close inspection with a magnifier only confirms the initial impression of virtual perfection. It would be hard to imagine a finer piece. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7858) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 28,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1891		1906. PCGS graded Proof 66. A highly reflective appearance greets the viewer of this richly toned orange-gold Gem proof example. Outstanding quality is presented as there are virtually no signs of handling or hairlines so often caused by casual wiping. The watery mirrored fields invite the numismatist to linger to enjoy the frosty presence of the devices although this is not noted on The PCGS holder. A total of 160 pieces were coined in proof format for the year, most show evidence of handling today, and Gems are scarce. Although 11 Cameo and Deep Cameo examples have been graded at PCGS at this, or finer grade levels, this is a remarkable Gem worthy of a fine collection. Pop 26; 3 finer in 67. (PCGS # 7932) . Estimated Value $19,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1892		1906. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. CAC Approved. Bright and lustrous overall with a bright, yellow-golden appearance. Light incrustation is seen on each side (PCGS # 7858) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. The Agora Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $646