Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 32

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$3 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2403		1854 $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-53. First year of issue. The 1854-dated threes, and only those minted in that year, have small letters in the word DOLLARS. Attractively toned (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 2404		1854-O $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-53. This is the only "O" mint $3 Gold coin. Wear points include the topmost waves of hair above the brow and at the shoulder, as well as the puffs of the headdress. Since the design wasn't as thoroughly impressed into the planchet as on P-mint threes of this year, some of the feathers themselves lack definition even though this area of the design is far beneath the top surface and so rarely receives wear until a coin has been in circulation many years. As the lone "O" mint $3, a total of 24,000 coins were minted (PCGS # 7971) . Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,750
Lot 2405		1854-O $3 Gold. PCGS graded AU-53. Nice original toning on both sides. Only 24,000 struck. Pop 39; 25 in 55; 14 in 58. Very scarce (PCGS # 7971) . Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,613
Lot 2406		1860 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 66 Cameo. Offered here is one of the very finest 1860 Proof three dollar pieces graded, an enchanting high-grade bold-cameo rarity that we are delighted to have the opportunity to view and describe for you. Rich deep orange toning crossing both sides is highlighted by pleasing blushes of soft pale rose iridescence. The fields are nearly immaculate, though a few trivial lines from handling over the years account for the grade. A few minimal lintmarks, artifacts which stand as reminders of the careful attention paid by mint employees to the condition of Proof dies, are noted in the fields as well. The devices are sharp, frosted, and utterly glowing. If a guess had to be made, we estimate that as few as 10 to perhaps 12 Proofs exist at all levels. Even this figure may turn out to be on the high side. PCGS Pop 2; None finer. NGC Pop 2; None finer. Only 119 proofs minted. Over the years auction records show fewer of this date than of the more talked-about 1875 key! Purely and simply, this superb gem stands high on its own merits, its desirability is enhanced by the general rarity of the 1860 in circulation strike form, since few gem Uncirculated pieces exist either. Recent sales include multiple returns of only a few specimens: (1) Heritage 1/2005:30432, PCGS PF64 (2) Heritage 1/2005:30433, NGC PF66 Cameo #1716198-007 (3) ANR 8/2004:977, NGC PF66 Cameo, unsold (4) Heritage 8/96:8260, PCGS Proof 64, unsold (5) Larry & Ira Goldberg 6/2000:833 PCGS Proof 64 "planchet void beneath N of UNITED" (6) Superior 11/2004, NGC Proof 66 Cameo #1716198-007. Estimated Value $45,000 - 50,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $51,750
Lot 2407		1874 $3 Gold. PCGS graded MS-62. Lightly toned. Pop 180. An affordable date for a collector's 12-piece gold Type set (PCGS # 7998) . The $3 gold piece was authorized by the Act of February 21, 1853, a very important piece of legislation from a numismatic viewpoint, an act which also affected the silver coinage, namely the reduction in weight of the half dime, dime, quarter, and half dollar, and the addition of arrows alongside the date to indicate the new standard. Whether or not the $3 denomination was actually necessary or worthwhile has been a matter of debate among numismatists for well over a century. At the time of its introduction, 1854, the $3 had as a close companion -- the long established $2.50 quarter eagle. Estimated Value $3,300 - 3,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,175
Lot 2408		1797 $5 Capped Bust. 7 over 5. Large eagle. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck with nice shades of gold toning. An important major variety among early half eagles, the overdate 1797/5 is represented by fewer then a dozen extant specimens. Even smooth orange gold with brownish "antique" tints includes abundant remaining luster, particularly around the main devices. The reverse is nicely preserved as well and retains splendid luster, and some deeper orange toning may be seen throughout the reverse fields. The usual light areas of striking weakness are nowhere seen on the eagle's head and upper body and border of the shield on reverse, which is surprising and definitely atypical for the type. Some light abrasions on the surfaces are consistent with the high-end AU-58 grade. To put it in a nutshell, the overall aesthetic appeal is outstanding! The sharpness of this specimen is easily finer than the Bass duplicate, earlier from Eliasberg, which was sold in October 1999. That piece was graded AU-53 (PCGS) but showed substantial central weakness on both sides. Two obverses of the extremely rare 1797 Large Eagle $5 are known, this overdate variety and the normal date variety represented by a single specimen impounded in the Smithsonian Institution. This obverse shows a remarkably bold overdate, with the nearly total 5 underdigit unflinchingly visible to the naked eye. It must be considered among the sharpest overdates in the American series of coinage, comparable to the beloved 1817/3 half dollar. A legendary rarity in the Half Eagle series. Pop 2; 1 in 61. as finest by NGC (PCGS # 8077) . Estimated Value $100,000 - 120,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $126,500
Lot 2409		1834 $5 Classic Head. Crosslet 4. PCGS graded VF-30. Scarce variety with the crosslet 4 in the date, most 1834 half eagles of the modified designs by William Kneass used a Plain 4 date punch (PCGS # 8172) . Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,530
Lot 2410		1840 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55. Nice golden toning. Semi reflective surfaces. Shows typical slight weakness on the braid above the brow and in portions of the lovelock curl on Liberty's neck, etc. A lustrous example of this scarcer second-year of design. Christian Gobrecht so improved the half eagle look in 1839, that his design was kept in production all the way into 1908! (PCGS # 8194) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,783
Lot 2411		1840-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Nice untoned example. Wide Rim, Only 18,992 minted. Pop 10; 10 finer. Weak centers as almost always seen on this date, there is marginal detail in the hair just above the ear; also, we see some marks on the face, a short dent in the hair below T of LIBERTY, and another shallow graze in the field below Liberty's chin (PCGS # 8196) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,463
Lot 2412		1840-D $5 Liberty. Tall D. PCGS graded AU-58. Toned on both sides. 22,896 minted. Pop 3; 8 finer. Fields of flame-colored orange to peach colored toning from center to periphery with mint frostiness throughout the stars and legends working its way in toward the centers on both sides (PCGS # 8198) . Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,475
Lot 2413		1842-C $5 Liberty. Large date. NGC graded AU-58. Only 27,432 minted for all 1842-C. Well struck with some luster evident. Pop 19; 8 finer. A few little marks on the face and chin of Liberty. A lustrous and nicely preserved high-end About Uncirculated that has hues of light gold to greenish gold color (PCGS # 8209) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,338
Lot 2414		1842-D $5 Liberty. Small date. NGC graded AU-58. Undeservedly overshadowed by the scarcer 1842-C, there is no reason to sniff at 1842-D, particularly in this outstanding condition, a coin with a lot behind it in terms of history and rarity since only 59,608 pieces were minted and placed into circulation. This year tends to be found in grades hovering around Very Fine or Extremely Fine (PCGS # 8210) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2415		1842-D $5 Liberty. Large date. NGC graded AU-55. Well struck with warm orange toning on both sides. Very rare. Though at times overshadowed by the widely talked-about 1842-C half eagle, the 1842-D is a rarity in its own right, with this particular example so pleasing to the eye we expect it will fetch a strong price when it sells. Pop 4; 3 in 58; 1 in 61. (PCGS # 8211) . The town of Dahlonega is the seat of Lumpkin County. It lies in north-central Georgia, not far from the modern metropolis of Atlanta. In the early 1830s, however, there was no city of Atlanta at all, and there was just barely what could be described as a town at Dahlonega. What prompted the building of a branch of the United States Mint in this sleepy hamlet was the discovery of gold -- vast amounts of gold -- in northeastern Georgia in 1828. (For trivia buffs: Lumpkin is named for Wilson Lumpkin, the thirty-seventh governor of Georgia.). Estimated Value $11,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,075
Lot 2416		1844-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck with much luster still evident. Only 23,631 coins minted. Pop 6; 1 in 60; 2 in 61; 1 in 62; 2 in 63. Two tiny marks on the lower jaw, with natural light to medium "old gold" patina from years of careful preservation and storage (PCGS # 8220) . One of the significant events in the history of the Charlotte Mint occurred early on the morning of Saturday, July 27, 1844, the year this half eagle was struck. Superintendent Green W. Caldwell had been ill the Friday before and was not present when a fire was discovered. Small and contained to a single room, the fire might easily have been extinguished by the reservoir of water used to supply the boilers, but no one took the lead to do this. Nearly the entire edifice was destroyed and much of the machinery damaged. As luck would have it, the mint's bullion supply had been taken for safekeeping to the Branch Bank of the State of North Carolina, and the treasurer's account books had been spared damage. Blame flew wildly following this costly fire, though no satisfactory explanation for its cause was ever proved. Superintendent Caldwell argued that his quarters had been robbed and that the fire was set by the thief to cover his tracks. A servant named Calvin was briefly held as the alleged thief, but he was later released. The issue of rebuilding the mint was not a straightforward one. There had been many opponents to its creation in 1835, and the question once again became a political hot potato. The patience of the region's miners faded when no action had been taken months after the fire. A Miner's Convention was held in Charlotte on October 8, 1844 with the goal of presenting a united front for rebuilding the mint. It was not until after the general election that year, however, that the climate was finally ripe for action. After estimates for repairing the structure and machinery were prepared, more debate ensued. Payment was not authorized until March of 1845, with the construction contract awarded April 16. The appropriations bill specified that the Charlotte Mint could have just a single coining press! Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,050
Lot 2417		1844-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Only 23,631 struck. Toned on both sides. Pop 6; 12 finer. Minor weakness in the central hair most noticeable above Liberty's brow. The warm toning consists of natural brownish amber patina interspersed with frosty lighter gold luster around the devices.There is a tiny mark below the 11th star; rims are outstanding on both sdies as they are free of the usual nicks or bumps. The eagle's neck feathers are typically smooth-surfaced from lack of metal flowing into the deepest recesses of the die in this central location (PCGS # 8220) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,750
Lot 2418		1846-C $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. Only 12,995 minted. Well struck and lustrous. A few tiny marks on the cheek and in the field by Liberty's neck. Pop 4; 1 in 61; 2 in 62; 2 in 64. (PCGS # 8227) . Half eagles were likewise coined at Charlotte nearly every year from 1838 to 1861, the exception being 1845, when the mint was under repair from a catastrophic fire that had nearly destroyed it the year before. The greater utility of the half eagle and its more widespread popularity with depositors resulted in higher mintage for this denomination than for quarter eagles. The record was set in 1847, the year after this scarce 1846-C, when 84,151 five-dollar pieces were coined. Mintages rarely went below 10,000 pieces, though 6,879 half eagles were struck in 1861, the final year of operation. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,763
Lot 2419		1846-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Only 12,995 minted. A small mark by the lips, a few others, equally slight, in the fields, with one small rim bruise (barely noticeable in the picture) opposite the third star. Lustrous. Pop 9; 6 finer. (PCGS # 8227) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,888
Lot 2420		1847 $5 Gold Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. Breen-6567, Normal Date. Original light yellow gold surfaces with soft satiny luster that engulfs both obverse and reverse. Sharply struck on the devices and stars. Beautiful uninterrupted luster across the cheek. While the 1847 half eagle is the most common half eagle of the 1840's, it is not found with any frequency above MS-61. The present coin is an amazing Condition Census example of this "No Motto" half eagle. A notable opportunity to acquire this near-gem beaty! Most collectors would be hard-pressed to locate a nice and original MS63 example. For instance, Harry Bass, Jr. had three high grade 1847 half eagles in his collection, none grading higher than MS-63 at that time. The finest known is the Pittman-Farouk-Col. Green Specimen that David Akers described in his presentation of the John Jay Pittman Collection in 1997. Population 6 with none higher at NGC. Identified by a small scratch from the star 6 to star 7. There is a die break running from the denticle, in between star 3 and 4 and continuing to star 5. The reverse displays a die break that extends from the denticle in between the ES of STATES, continuing vertically down across the eagle's left wing to the talon holding the arrows at which point it splits, one part going down to the denticle to the right side of D and the other the left side of F of FIVE. (PCGS # 8231) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,488
Lot 2421		1847 $5 Liberty. 7 over 7. PCGS graded AU-55 PQ. Red book variety. Pop 2; 1 in 63; only 9 graded by PCGS. The luster is superior to most AU-58 half eagles of this vintage and No Motto issue, with moderately bright fields peering through rich flaming-orange color (PCGS # 8232) . Estimated Value $1,750 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2422		1848-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Light to moderate marks. Pop 12; 18 finer. Heavy marks on the face and in the fields, though lustrous throughout both sides and firmly within the AU55 classification (PCGS # 8237) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,450
Lot 2423		1849-C $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. Nice mint luster. Moderately weak in the centers, as noted in the photos. The surface has a lovely warm golden patina. Pop 4; 12 finer. (PCGS # 8241) . The Charlotte Mint in North Carolina never produced eagles ($10 pieces) or double eagles ($20), nor did it strike the three-dollar pieces, but Charlotte did contribute to the coining of gold dollars. Authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849, this small coin debuted the same year this half eagle was struck, but depositors preferred the larger $5 denomination for business and banking transactions since its size and weight closely resembled the most popular European and British gold denominations. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,463
Lot 2424		1850-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Lightly toned and lustrous. A few marks on the chin and neck, also a small mark in the field between the neck and stars 1 and 2. Scarce Charlotte Mint issue (PCGS # 8244) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2425		1850-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Only 63,591 struck. Nice strike. A small mark on Liberty's jaw. Pop 16; 20 finer. (PCGS # 8244) . The structure of the Charlotte, North Carolina mint was used early in the Civil War, after minting operations had been suspended, for rolling copper sheets for the manufacture of percussion caps. The mint's basement and outbuildings were also used during the war for the storage of naval supplies shipped there from Norfolk, Virginia. Some use of the mint was made by local citizens for various social functions, the building being one of the grandest in Charlotte. Only a skeleton crew remained at the facility, though the last Superintendent of the mint, Green W. Caldwell continued under in the employ of the CSA until his death on July 10, 1864. After the war, the mint building was used as a United States military post for about two years. It reopened as a federal assay office in 1867. Estimated Value $2,800 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,565
Lot 2426		1850-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Weak "C" mint mark. Pop 33; 17 finer. A small mark at the eyebrow, another at the throat, with scattered abrasions typical for the grade in the unprotected areas of the fields. Collectors hoping to find just one of the scarce Charlotte Mint half eagles will do well to go with this 1850 since it isn't as expensive as some of the other dates, yet includes all the rarity and charm this Southern branch mint is noted for (PCGS # 8244) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,600. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 2427		1850-C $5 Liberty. Weak C. NGC graded MS-60. Within this wonderful selection of rare Charlotte and Dahlonega Half Eagles, this very important Mint State 1850 Weak C variety must be considered one of the most exciting opportunities for date specialists. The present example is quite well struck with all details sharp and clear, except for the mintmark of course which is very lightly impressed. The original mint bloom is virtually complete and the surfaces very clean for the grade. A specimen with considerable eye appeal and worthy of a strong bid as appearances of Uncirculated coins are few and far between. Population 1, with only 2 pieces in 61 as the best graded. Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 2428		1850-C $5 Liberty. Weak C. NGC graded EF-45. The overall strike is acceptable, as is often seen with this issue, but the normally very weak C mintmark is seen only from the upper half as the lower portion has been obliterated by contact marks. Nevertheless, completely identifiable. One more chance for the Half Eagle specialist to acquire an example of this scarce variety. Pop 3 with 17 finer. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,438
Lot 2429		1850-D $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. Only 43,984 minted. Light yellow-gold color. Well struck and choice for the grade with grand eye appeal that should have every half eagle bidder champing at the bit. Pop 4; 1 in 60; 2 in 61. (PCGS # 8245) . It is common knowledge in the numismatic world that, generally speaking, the coins from the two southern gold mints (Dahlonega and Charlotte) tend to have a lighter coloration than their Philadelphia Mint counterparts. By law, gold coinage during the operation of the Dahlonega Mint (1838-1861) was 0.900 fine, meaning 900 parts per thousand (by weight) pure gold. The remaining 100 parts constituted the alloy (pure gold being too soft and malleable to produce coins that would stand up to the rigors of circulation). By law for that time period, the alloy for gold coins was copper and silver, provided that the silver did not exceed one-half the alloy. Thus, the silver content could be up to 50 parts per thousand. It was therefore lawfully possible to have coins with varying concentrations of silver, a metal that lightens the color of gold when in higher concentrations. Copper, on the other hand, gives a reddish tint to the alloy. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,763
Lot 2430		1850-D $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55. Well struck with some luster. A few scattered abrasions but generally very choice and presentable for this branch mint. Pop 13; 4 in 58; 1 in 60; 2 in 61. (PCGS # 8245) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,485
Lot 2431		1850-D $5 Liberty. Weak D. NGC graded AU-58. Specialists in the No Motto Half Eagle series will immediately recognize the importance of this rarity, especially in such high grade. Technicalities aside, this specimen also has a very nice look. It is well struck, except for the mintmark of course, with above average surfaces. Light russet tone handsomely frames the design providing excellent eye appeal. Breen-6588, "Prohibitively rare above EF." A die break begins at the D of the denomination and continues left along the tops of the letters to the E of States. Pop only 3 pieces, with none higher. Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,463
Lot 2432		1852-D $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. Well struck with nice greenish to yellow-gold luster. (Compare the color to the 1859-D in this grade offered shortly.) Pop 9; 2 in 61; 2 in 63. (PCGS # 8252) . It should be understood that the color of the Dahlonega gold coins was more a function of the minting methodology employed at the facility, than of the raw material from which they were produced. In fact, the Dahlonega Mint produced gold coins from a variety of gold sources: naturally-occurring gold (from Georgia, as well as other states), foreign gold coins, gold bullion, scrap gold, etc. The Dahlonega Mint even produced coins from gold that was brought in from great distances. For example, the Dahlonega Mint actually coined a great deal of California gold from 1851-1854, which was brought back by local miners returning from the California gold fields. Thus, there is no fool-proof way to know whether or not a particular Dahlonega gold coin was produced from locally mined metal. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 2433		1853-C $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-50 PQ. Luster still present although the centers are softly impressed by the dies. This has pleasing "old gold" patina suggesting it hasn't been cleaned or mishandled in the 150+ years since it was minted (PCGS # 8254) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,760
Lot 2434		1854-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Only 39,283 minted. Well struck except for the hair below ERT of LIBERTY and portions of the eagle, claws, and shield. Pop 14; 7 finer. (PCGS # 8257) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2435		1854-C $5 Liberty. Weak C. PCGS graded AU-50. This example is well struck except for the mintmark of course, which is quite faint, though complete. Breen-6607, "Extremely rare in EF" (or better grades!). Pale organge toning over quite decent surfaces. Pop 2, with 1 in 50, 2 in 55 and a single coin in MS-63 (PCGS # 98257) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2436		1854-C $5 Liberty. Weak C. PCGS graded AU-50. The mintmark is quite faint (thus the variety) though complete. There is some softness of strike on the brow and areas above it, as well on the lower right portions of the reverse. Attractive color in deep lemon yellow gold on clean surfaces for the grade. Rare this nice. Pop 2, with 1 in 53, 2 in 55 and 1 in MS-63 (PCGS # 98257) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2437		1855-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck with nice golden toning. 39,788 struck. Pop 19; 10 finer. This very nicely preserved specimen whose nice toning affects both sides, has a warm apricot-orange appearance, and is likely the result of the 10% copper alloy giving it this hue. The 1855 half eagles all have slanting 5s in the date (PCGS # 8262) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,549
Lot 2438		1855-S $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. The 1855-S is sometimes overlooked by collectors who concentrate on the more illustrious rarities from Dahlonega and Charlotte, yet this shouldn't be overlooked since mintage was small (61,000). What's more, as the second year of issue, many if not most went into circulation. Only a handful of lustrous About Uncirculated examples like the present coin ever make their way to market. This has brownish orange patina around the devices with a few toned spots at the date, as per the photos (PCGS # 8265) . Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,025
Lot 2439		1856-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck and untoned. Rare in mint state. Pop 25; 13 finer. A slight nick on the eyebrow and several on the face, but generally well placed to entice bidders with its high grade and plentiful luster on both sides. The strike is about as detailed as one could realistically expect for a gold coin from this coinage facility (PCGS # 8267) . Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,038
Lot 2440		1856-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Nice strike with mint luster evident. This is an absolutely respelendent coin for the grade, with clean surfaces and top-notch visual appeal. A strikingly attractive 1856-C half eagle. The 1856-C is one of the rarest Half Eagles delivered in the Charlotte Mint. The issue ranks sixth in overall rarity among the 24 deliveries in this series. In AU and Mint State grades, the '56-C ranks seventh, a position it shares with the 1839-C. This lovely Choice survivor is sure to please. Only 28,457 minted. Pop 25; 13 finer. (PCGS # 8267) . Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,038
Lot 2441		1857-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Nice strike and mostly untoned. Only 17,046 struck. Pop 35; 16 finer. There is a lovely interplay between orange-gold and reddish patina that gives this the eye appeal of an even higher grade. No objectionable marks or rim problems to speak of, indeed, the coin has a superabundance of "eye appeal." (PCGS # 8272) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,888
Lot 2442		1857-C $5 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55. 31,360 minted. The obverse shows signs of an uneven planchet. While the '57-C is often weak in the centers this piece is among the stronger strikes one could expect for this date and lustrous AU-8353655 grade. Pop 12; 17 finer. (PCGS # 8272) . Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,990
Lot 2443		1858-D $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck. Only 15,362 minted. Pop 28; 9 finer. This scarce D-mint half eagle has a small mark by Liberty's ear with typical soft hair curls at her temple (this being a high point on the coin which often fails to strike completely). Luster, luster everywhere, with plenty spilling over onto the main portrait and eagle devices to send it to the top of the scale for About Uncirculated quality (PCGS # 8278) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,325
Lot 2444		1859-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Struck on the normal rough planchet. Pop 4; 6 in 61; 1 in 62; 1in 63. Rare in mint state. Bright and lustrous apricot gold with much mint brilliance in the recessed areas and crossing the highest points of the design. A nicely struck example of the date as well, so far as the obverse goes, with full star radials and hair details. However, typical for 1859-C, the usual mushy strike weakness pervades the reverse, mainly noticeable at the eagle's neck, legs, and shield lines. There are several marks just right of the eagle (below R of AMERICA). The coin's mintage [31,847] gives this date one of the lowest mintage figure in the later Charlotte Mint half eagle series. Many were exported or melted, accounting for the extreme rarity in high grades (PCGS # 8281) . Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2445		1859-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Only 31,847 minted. Well struck and untoned. Pop 28; 12 finer. (PCGS # 8281) . The strike is about as sharp as one could realistically expect for a gold coin from this coinage facility. The reverse tends to be weaker on these late-date half eagles, possibly from overworking the dies. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. Ex Richmond Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2446		1859-D $5 Liberty. Medium D. PCGS graded AU-58. Nice orange and rich golden striated toning. The few really choice 1859-D half eagles in existence, like this lovely AU-58, are off the market and years can go by without a genuinely appealing piece being offered for sale. Fortunately for our bidders, the present coin is sharp and laden with eye appeal for the PCGS-assigned grade. Only 10,366 minted. Pop 5; 15 finer. (PCGS # 8282) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 2447		1860-D $5 Liberty. Medium D. PCGS graded AU-58. Well struck and lustrious with a warm reddish to brown-golden hue. Outstanding obverse strike and stars; the reverse will amaze you with its sharp wing and leg feathers, as only the neck detail is lacking a little clarity. Only 14,635 minted. Pop 13; 16 finer. (PCGS # 8286) . Clair M. Birdsall authored an excellent book in 1984, entitled The United States Branch Mint at Dahlonega, Georgia: Its History and Coinage. As part of his groundbreaking research, Mr. Birdsall had a number of Dahlonega gold coins non-destructively analyzed (by X-ray fluorescence) for their silver content. Many were found to contain upwards of 5% silver content in the early years of the 1830s, but then with decreasing amounts of silvery by the late-1850s and early 1860s. Hence, the variance in color from one year's minting to the next. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,613
Lot 2448		1860-D $5 Liberty. Medium D. PCGS graded AU-58. Well struck with nice even gold toning. Pop 13; 16 finer. Only 14,635 minted (PCGS # 8286) . When Abraham Lincoln, an avowed defender of the union, was elected to the presidency in November 1860, it was just a matter of time before a struggle developed with the southern states. South Carolina was the first to defect in December that year. Others seceded, with Georgia following on January 19, 1861. As a property and installation of the United States, one possessing a wealth of bullion and machinery, the Georgia mint at Dahlonega was essentially indefensible within the State of Georgia. The coming of civil war in April of 1861 between the United States of America and the Confederate States of America made its surrender seemingly inevitable. Initially, there was little change in the mint's routine. The new superintendent-treasurer, George Kellogg, had assumed office only months before in October of 1860, the year this half eagle was minted. He maintained a normal correspondence with Mint Director James R. Snowden, and both the receiving of bullion and the manufacture of coins continued at its usual pace, but business as usual could not last and the mint finally closed in the second quarter of 1861. Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900
Lot 2449		1865-S $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. This is a highly desirable coin that David Akers noted as usually being found in grades of Fine to Very Fine. Breen refers to 1865-S as "prohibitively rare above VF; unknown above EF" which will give collectors some guidance as to the rarity of this date in high grade. Today there are possibly 4 to 5 known in Mint State grade. The true number of About Uncirculated pieces is much lower than reported in the published reports, however. The large S mintmark is a bit weak, diagnostic to this variety. Overall the strike is firm, with decent details on Liberty, the stars, and the eagle. The fields show only slight handling marks, and these were from shipping about in a bag rather than heavy circulation, as the coin has so little actual wear. No heavy or annoying rim bumps are present making this coin a highlight of an advanced date collection. Frosty luster in the fields and graced by light coppery orange toning. Pop 17; 11 in 58; 5 in 61; 1 in 64 (PCGS # 8299) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2450		1869 $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. A few marks on the jaw and neck of this scarce 1869 eagle: only 1,855 pieces minted. Very scarce date. Nice prooflike surfaces (PCGS # 8317) . A famous gold market "corner" took place on Wall Street on a Friday in the autumn of 1869, the year of this $10 gold coin. Two cadgey speculators, Gould and Fisk, parleyed their "position" in gold into a near corner. They would have succeeded, too, had not President Grant instructed his Treasury Secretary to release some of the government's gold into the market to stem the buying frenzy. Prices in the metals markets, which had gone to a premium of 42% over par during the heat of the action, plummeted. And it took many months for international trade to return to normal afterwards. The Gould-Fisk manipulation would go down in the history books under the name of Black Friday. Estimated Value $4,200 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2451		1871-CC $5 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Only 20,770 minted. Well struck and untoned. Although production nearly tripled this year from the 1870-CC, the survival estimate for the 1871-CC half eagles is less than 1% of the original mintage, establishing this date as one of the rarest in the series. Occasional Extremely Fine examples are seen and are not that elusive, but About Uncirculated specimens are indeed a challenge, as guidance from the population reports attests. This is a nice, problem-free example for the specialist of the series. As the collector base for "CC" gold coins broadens, examples of this issue will quickly disappear. Pop 9; 5 in 58; 1 in 61; 1 in 62. (PCGS # 8323) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,075
Lot 2452		1871-CC $5 Liberty. NGC graded EF-45. Scarce date in high grades Only 20,770 minted. 1871-CC checks in as a very significant rarity among the $5 gold issues produced at the Carson City Mint. Relatively few were minted, and all seem to have been in circulation, often heavy circulation. There was no interest on the part of numismatists at the time. Collecting coins by mintmark didn't get a liftoff until the early part of the 20th century, long years after this 1871-CC was minted. The present piece is quite extraordinary, ranking as it does in the high end of the Extremely Fine grade. The striking is excellent, while a touch of luster is present around the devices. The fields show a few scattered marks, with the most notable being below the hair bun (PCGS # 8323) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,175

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