Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 84

January 25-28, 2015 Pre Long Beach

$5 Liberty/With Motto

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1953		1870-S. PCGS graded AU-58. CAC Approved. One of the four finest 1870-S half eagles graded by both PCGS and NGC combined, with no Mint State examples graded by either service. A mere 17,000 pieces were coined for the year and all apparently entered circulation at least for a time. Pleasing yellow-gold and copper-gold throughout, with minimal surface nicks and good visual appeal. It is estimated by PCGS that a total of only about 85 examples are known in all grades. A scarce coin overall and a formidable rarity so well preserved that is worthy of the finest collection. Pop 2; none finer at both services. (PCGS # 8321) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1954		1871-CC. Sharpness of Fine, holed and cleaned. In 1871 at Carson City, 20,770 half eagles were struck, nearly all of which saw heavy circulation. This example is not an exception, as it has been holed, plugged, and cleaned. The repair was crudely done. Perhaps just 90 to 120 examples are extant in all grades, and many collectors have "settled" for a coin such as this. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,116
Lot 1955		1871-S. PCGS graded AU-58. The bright yellow-gold surfaces exhibit light circulation but only minimal marks, especially to the naked eye. From a modest mintage of just 25,000 pieces, most of which saw heavy circulation in and around San Francisco and the early West. The typical survivor today is apt to be just VF or XF, with few examples attaining the higher grade ranges of AU and Mint State. Indeed, PCGS has certified just 12 Mint State examples of the 1871-S five, all of those being MS-61s. The preponderance of grading events for the date at the AU-58 level leads us to suspect some resubmissions may have occurred. Pop 12; 4 finer in 61. (PCGS # 8324) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1956		1871-S. NGC graded AU Details, Improperly Cleaned. Orange-gold surfaces with the majority of design features showing bold definition. This one has possibly been cleaned long ago. The "S" mintmark is clear which is not always the case. Only 25,000 examples were minted and nearly all of them passed into channels of commerce. The vast majority seen are in XF and lower grades (PCGS # 8324) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1957		1872-S. NGC graded AU-53. Similar in overall rarity to the more highly regarded 1872-CC, the 1872-S, just 36,400 pieces struck, is an issue that has largely disappeared through commercial use and/or export. One of the few survivors in numismatic hands, this lightly worn AU is bold-to-sharp in strike with minimal rub and only a couple of notable milling marks on the obverse portrait. Attractive orange-gold and pink-gold toning overall, and conditionally rare for the issue. Pop 25; 30 finer, 22 in 55, 5 in 58, 3 in 61. (PCGS # 8327) . Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,880
Lot 1958		1873. Closed 3. NGC graded MS-66. A remarkable example! A needle sharp strike combined with blazing mint luster that is highly reflective makes this beauty a candidate for Finest Known. Only 49,280 minted. Pop 2; none finer at NGC. Tied for the finest example graded at both services (PCGS # 8329) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1959		1874-CC. PCGS graded AU-55. The bright yellow-gold surfaces of this partially lustrous Carson City half eagle display a fully original appearance. The strike is slightly soft (as usual) at the central regions, and the devices show faint, even wear on both sides. Regarding the strike on 1874-CC half eagles, Doug Winter's fine reference on the Carson City Mint coinage notes: "Any piece with good eye appeal routinely sells for a large premium over a typical quality piece," and happily for bidders, the present coin is certainly aesthetically appealing. The surfaces yield some scattered ticks, mostly seen under low magnification, but the overall visual quality is absolutely choice overall. From a mintage of 21,198 pieces, much of which endured prolonged commercial activity with today's survivors more apt to be VF or so. The present piece, however, is among the two dozen finest currently listed at PCGS. Pop 14; 9 finer, 7 in 58; 2 in 62. (PCGS # 8334) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,925
Lot 1960		1874-S. PCGS graded AU-50. Pretty rose-gold and orange-gold color lightly overlay both sides, the fields revealing traces of luster from the more protected areas around the devices. Well struck for an S-mint half eagle from the 1870s, and conditionally rare for an issue that is typically heavily worn or is damaged in some way. From a mintage of just 16,000 pieces. Pop 9; 11 finer, 4 in 53, 6 in 55, 1 in 58. (PCGS # 8335) . Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,200. Ex Rive d'Or Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,350
Lot 1961		1878. PCGS graded MS-65. Well struck, mostly untoned and intensely lustrous. We note some natural toning deposits on the reverse that attest to its originality. Although relatively common as a date, this coin anything but common in the Mint State grades. This gem fits nicely within the condition census for the issue. Pop 3; 2 finer in 66. (PCGS # 8345) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1962		1879. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck and virtually untoned. The splendid surfaces are thoroughly frosted and keen-edged with the noteworthy golden luster spiraling outward from the centers. The devices were struck with the primary energy required to impart the design to the outer areas around Liberty as well as enough vigor by the dies to impart clear-cut centers to the portrait and the eagle with its shield. This is a not well-known trait of dates in the 1870s, often these are found less than sharp and heavily bag marked. Pop 22; 8 finer (PCGS # 8348) . Estimated Value $2,900 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1963		1879-CC. PCGS graded AU-55. Traces of luster are still visible on the deep honey-gold surfaces of this attractive Carson City half eagle. Nicely struck with only light wear from circulation on the highpoints of the design. From a modest mintage of just 17,281 pieces, the vast majority of which saw heavy commercial use in the West. The typical condition for an 1879-CC half eagle is just VF to XF with an occasional AU -- PCGS has registered just four pieces grading Mint State, with the finest of those MS-62. A pleasing example of this conditionally elusive Carson City Mint half eagle. Pop 20; 24 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 8349) . Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1964		1880-S. PCGS graded MS-64+. CAC Approved. The lightly marked honey-gold surfaces of this near-Gem example show a few minor signs of contact, typical of the assigned grade. The design elements are sharply detailed and eye appeal is exceptional. Pop 10; 2 finer in 65 (PCGS # 8353) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,469
Lot 1965		1881 88/88 VP-001. NGC graded MS-63. Bright and lustrous with a few small scattered marks. Some black incrustation is noted on the reverse. Pop 3; 1 finer in 64 (PCGS # 8354) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,175
Lot 1966		1881, 1 over 0. PCGS graded MS-63. An attractive, fully lustrous example with yellow-gold patina. Close examination with a loupe reveals clear evidence of the 0 under the last 1 of the date. Just a few small bag marks have accumulated on the surfaces that limit the grade. Always a popular Red Book variety.Pop 12; 2 finer in 64 (PCGS # 8355) . Estimated Value $2,900 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1967		1881-S. PCGS graded MS-65. The 1881-S half eagle has a well-deserved reputation as a common issue in most grades, but at the Gem level, the population thins out quickly. PCGS has certified just five coins at this level with none finer. Exquisite detail enlivens the central devices, while the honey-gold surfaces exhibit swirling, satiny luster. Pop 5; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 8357) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1968		1882-S. PCGS graded MS-65. While the 1882-S half eagle is not particularly scarce as a date in lower grades, the eye appeal of this Gem example sets it apart from the rest. A combination of rich honey-golden color, satiny fields, and virtually no contact marks have created an especially attractive appearance not normally seen on this issue. This is certainly is one of the top examples currently available for the serious collector of the series. Pop 9; 1 finer in 66. (PCGS # 8360) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1969		1883-S. PCGS graded MS-64. A boldly lustrous deep honey-gold specimen with rich rose iridescence throughout. The strike is sharp and the surfaces are close to Gem quality when viewed with the unassisted eye. From a comparatively small mintage of 83,200 pieces, most of which saw some use in commerce. Indeed, the present is tied for the finest certified by PCGS. An important opportunity for the informed half eagle specialist. Pop 3; none finer at PCGS. Tied for the finest graded at both services (PCGS # 8363) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1970		1884-S. PCGS graded MS-65. This attractive S-mint five, possibly the finest survivor from its issue of 177,000 pieces, offers excellent detail on the sharply defined devices, and the rich yellow-gold surfaces offer plenty of flash. Occasional minor luster grazes in the fields are consistent with the grade. While the 1884-S is priced close to type for most grades, this issue is substantially more elusive in MS-63 and MS-64, Gems are virtually non-existent. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. Tied for the finest graded at both services. Here is a candidate for Finest Known (PCGS # 8366) . Estimated Value $15,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1971		1885-S. PCGS graded MS-65. A common date S-mint half eagle, but one that is infrequently seen as a Gem. Fully detailed throughout with crisp definition on the hair curls of Liberty, the peripheral stars, and the eagle's plumage. The surfaces are highly lustrous with rich red-orange tinted surfaces, and there are no singularly reportable abrasions. A solid Gem example. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Pop 52; 6 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 8368) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,350
Lot 1972		1886. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo. CAC Approved. A scant 72 half eagle proofs were struck in 1886. Of that number, PCGS estimates that today only 25 to 35 individual proofs still exist. Only 11 submission events have been recorded at that service as non-Cameo, Cameo, and Deep/Ultra Cameo combined (12 at NGC, some are likely crossovers). The mirrors are exceptionally deep on each side and noticeably contrast against the modestly frosted devices. Some very light pastel-orange patina is seen on each side. The fields otherwise have traces of "orange-peel" texture so common to proofs of this era, and there are only the faintest hairlines evident with magnification that serve to limit the grade. Pop 1; 2 finer, 1 in 65, 1 in 66. (PCGS # 88481) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 27,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1973		1886-S. PCGS graded MS-65. Both sides are remarkably lustrous with beaming golden-orange color and a spray of pink at certain light angles. In many ways, the strike is almost more important than the mint bloom, being sharply defined throughout. As a final "plus" on this fine example, there is an absolute minimum of visible marks on either side. Pop 15; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 8370) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1974		1891-CC. NGC graded MS-62. Fully lustrous honey-gold surfaces. The devices are sharp and crisp, and a few scattered marks are noted that are typical of the grade assignment by NGC. The year 1891 witnessed the most prolific production run of Liberty half eagles from the Carson City Mint with a mintage of 208,000 pieces. This helps to make this date a candidate for a Mint State gold type set (PCGS # 8378) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,350
Lot 1975		1891-CC. NGC grade UNC Details, Improperly Cleaned. A well struck piece with some deep reddish-russet toning at a portion of the reverse border. The "cleaning" referred to by NGC is not obvious or a distraction to the viewer (PCGS # 8378) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,087
Lot 1976		1895-S. PCGS graded MS-61. Attractive peach-gold toning is seen in certain recesses of the peripheries. Both sides feature a good strike, above average luster, and a few small ticks and hairlines, typical of the assigned grade. A low population in Mint State completes the picture. Pop 5; 12 finer, 6 in 62, 4 in 63, 1 in 64, 1 in 66. (PCGS # 8391) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,174
Lot 1977		1895-S. PCGS graded AU-58. CAC Approved. Deep orange-gold color with some light wear and a few scattered abrasions. Pop 26; 17 finer (PCGS # 8391) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $705
Lot 1978		1897. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo. While the business strike 1897 half eagle is among the more common issues in the series, the similarly dated proof is a rare coin that is extremely difficult to locate. Both sides present an orange-gold appearance, but a couple of marks in the lower left obverse field are seen that limit the assigned grade. The sharply struck devices are moderately frosted, and the highly reflective fields provide notable cameo contrast as is indicated by PCGS. The eye appeal is similar to that of a smooth, carefully preserved specimen. Pop 1; 2 finer in 65. (PCGS # 88492) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $11,750
Lot 1979		1898. PCGS graded MS-65+. CAC Approved. The rich honey-golden surfaces have a satiny appearance and just a couple of microscopic nicks which appear when closely examined. The strike is sharp and the eye appeal is exceptional for this issue. Scarce at the lofty Gem level and rarely-seen quality for this later date Liberty half eagle. Perfect for the date or type collector who demands such high quality. Pop 1; 2 finer in 66. (PCGS # 8396) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1980		1899. NGC graded MS-66. A sharply defined, expertly preserved Gem with much to recommend to the advanced gold type or date collector. Even rose-orange color shows on both sides, the surfaces softly frosted in texture, with not a mentionable blemish in evidence. Conditionally scarce. Pop 71; 14 finer, 2 in 66+, 11 in 67, 1 in 68. (PCGS # 8398) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1981		1900. PCGS graded MS-62. Always a popular date to collect. Fully lustrous with some minor abrasions (PCGS # 8400) . Estimated Value $370 - 400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $470
Lot 1982		1901. NGC graded MS-64 PQ. CAC Approved. Rich yellow-gold with soft, satiny surfaces. With only a couple of tiny field scuffs, this example is perhaps on the conservative side of the grading scale (PCGS # 8402) . Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,146
Lot 1983		1902-S. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved. Well defined with deep reddish-golden color and just a few small marks and hairlines (PCGS # 8406) . Estimated Value $500 - 525. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $617
Lot 1984		1903. PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo. A glittering lightly patinated Gem Proof specimen with a natural toning spot at the center of the reverse. This is mentioned mainly for future identification purposes. Only 154 proofs minted and few remain today exhibiting the beauty of this specimen. Both sides exhibit bright and highly reflective yellow-gold with hints of orange toning, especially on the obverse in a mottled fashion. The deeply mirrored fields have some "orange-peel" ripple, and the cameo motifs combine to produce extreme contrasting beauty. (Beginning in 1902, the sunken parts of the dies were also polished by mint employees, and frosted cameos, such as this lot, from this era are seldom available.) We heartily concur here that survivors from the proof mintage of 154 pieces are hard-pressed to equal the beauty of the present Cameo Proof 66 coin. Indeed, the PCGS grading service has certified only four finer proofs of the date. This prestigious Gem is both exciting and enchanting when beheld in person. We encourage all interested parties, even those who do not buy proof Liberty gold, to enjoy a casual moment visualizing this lovely Gem. Pop 1; 4 finer, 2 in 67, 2 in 67+. (PCGS # 88498) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1985		1903-S. PCGS graded MS-66. Exceptional quality for this Liberty half eagle, with satiny orange-gold luster in the fields and devices on each side. Sharply struck and carefully preserved since the time of issue, as most examples show ample signs of handling, circulation, or damage. A delight for the type or date specialist who demands the finest quality. Pop 17; 2 finer in 66+. (PCGS # 8408) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1986		1904. PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo. Remarkable yellow-gold surfaces greet the viewer from both sides of gorgeous Superb Gem example. All design elements are as sharp as expected, and the fields are glittering mirrors which show the Philadelphia Mint's famous "orange peel" texture under low magnification. The cameo contrast is especially bold on the reverse of this specimen. Only 136 proof half eagles were struck during the year, and this is the single finest specimen PCGS has certified. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 88499) . Estimated Value $60,000 - 65,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1987		1905. PCGS graded MS-67+ PQ. The present Superb Gem is the single finest thus far graded at PCGS, one finer (an MS-68) has been seen at NGC. These late-date Philadelphia Liberty Head gold coins represent ultimate value for collectors, and they seem to see unceasing demand. The 1905 is scarcer in Gem (and finer) conditions than other late dates in the series. This bright honey-gold piece is frosty with amazing cartwheel luster radiating from each side. Even moderate magnification fails to reveal any mentionable marks, as expected of the assigned grade. A few of the peripheral obverse stars are softly struck, as are some of the eagle's neck feathers on the reverse, the only mentionable footnote on this otherwise gorgeous type coin. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 8411) . Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1988		1906. PCGS graded MS-65. Boldly struck with a pleasing satiny sheen and light shades of olive and pastel-orange toning. Only superficial marks are found on either side of the coin, none worthy of singular mention. A no-questions Gem example of a Liberty half eagle. Pop 70; 29 finer (PCGS # 8413) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,174
Lot 1989		1907. NGC graded Proof 62. The year 1907 marked the final year for proof Liberty half eagles as, even though 1908s were struck for circulation, no proofs were coined due to the pending release of the newly designed Indian half eagle by Bella Lyon Pratt. Slight mishandling over the years has left this example with minor hairlines and scattered nicks along with some light haze on the surfaces that is commonly seen on these delicate coins. Fully defined throughout with strong visual appeal and struck in the expected non-contrasting finish seen starting in 1902 on these rare half eagles. Only 92 pieces were struck and this one remains highly collectible, even in a lower grade like this. Pop 3; 14 finer, 4 in 63, 8 in 64, 2 in 65 (PCGS # 8502) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,169
Lot 1990		1908. PCGS graded MS-68 PQ. CAC Approved. Here is a candidate for Finest Know! The strike is full and the unblemished surfaces shimmer with intense golden mint luster. A truly remarkable specimen worthy of a record bid. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. Tied for the finest graded at both services (PCGS # 8418) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1991		1908. NGC graded MS-65. A nice reddish-gold piece with notable luster throughout. A blazing Gem whose devices were struck with such force and energy by the dies that all design fundamentals show boldly. As expected of the grade, there are no mentionable marks on either side. Pop 272; 59 finer (PCGS # 8418) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,586
Lot 1992		A lot of $5 gold coins. Consist of: 1847, VF; 1886, XF; 1891, XF. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details	Realized $999