Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 36

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$2.50 Liberty Head

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 3673		1840 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-64. First year of type. Only 18,859 minted. A hint of light toning. Minor softness on the hair and on the eagle's leg. The devices elsewhere were struck with such force and energy by the dies that all design elements show boldly. The frosty gold color is especially vibrant on this handsome piece from the first year of issue, a coin that many never supposed existed in such superlative condition. The reason for this supposition is that very few ever make their way to market, most "big name" sales are silent when it comes to an offering of the 1840 in Mint condition. Don't miss it! NGC serial number 1996267-002. Pop 5; none finer at NGC. Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 3674		1840-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Untoned and well struck. Semi-reflective surfaces. Only 12,822 struck. Pop 1; 3 in 63. Struck from a perfect reverse die without cracks, and extremely rare as such. This is one of two varieties for the year. It also happens to be the single most important Dahlonega quarter eagle of any date. What's more, it is one of the few truly Uncirculated 1840-D that we are aware of surpassed by only 3 others graded MS63 by NGC, and is by far the sharpest struck piece we are aware of. The devices are amazing for the date. Both the obverse and reverse show virtually full detail, with uncommonly crisp centers. The reverse shows no die crack, and this is one of only three or four perfect-die coins known. There is some minor roughness in the obverse field, as made, as well as a few ticks that are consistent with the assigned grade including one a fraction of an inch away from the top of the forehead. This coin is head and shoulders most any other 1840-D quarter eagle in terms of eye appeal with its splendid strike, so much so that it almost seems unfair to mention them in the same description. The luster is slightly subdued, with some natural greenish gold color; the obverse is just a bit reflective, while the reverse is frostier in its texture. The color is all natural, uncleaned, enticing. Such beauty in a coin may well fill the prospective bidders with a curious blend of emotions, mainly pleasant. Fate, in its capacity to surprise us, seems destined to assign the next owner the task of puffing out his chest and preening with deserved authority over the accomplishment of its purchase. Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. Ex: Ashland City. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 3675		1840-O $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Nice luster with lovely gold toning. Only 33,580 struck. Pop 7; none higher at PCGS. Some light striking at the centers, as definitive on authentic pieces, a coin possessing lovely mint frostiness overlaid by original toning. The color is greenish-gold on this handsome early branch mint quarter eagle. Rarely is this date found in described as Choice Brilliant Uncirculated. In fact, the quality we offer in this lot makes it a superb contender for top honors, barring the MS64 (PCGS) Harry Bass piece sold in the latter part of the 1990s. The mintage of 1840-O quarter eagles, some 10,780 coins in all, quickly and unobtrusively passed into the circulation, where most pieces became worn. A typical grade seen today is Very Fine or, if chance permits, Extremely Fine. There was little numismatic purchase of gold coins in the 1840s, which means that the survival of the present MS62 was a rare happenstance! For the quarter eagle specialist this represents a milestone in acquiring a top-quality set of Liberty quarter eagles. Date logotype deeply impressed into the die and quite high, about three times closer to the neck truncation than to the dentils. On the reverse, a large O mintmark, as usually seen, the mintmark tucked in tight to the tip of the tail feather (PCGS # 7720) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,800
Lot 3676		1841-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Well struck and mostly untoned. Only 10,281 minted. Pop 1; the finest graded at PCGS. A satiny frosted specimen of this early issue. Supple underlying luster is enveloped in pale toning iridescence whose lovely orange to "antique" look gives this coin a wonderful appearance. The photographs show, as first-hand experience confirms, this is a pleasing example of the date. It shows boldness on all the prominent design relief, with no lack of detail in Liberty's hair and hair bun, or the eagle's showy feathers. Gobrecht would have been proud of this one! (PCGS # 7721) . Now that we have described this coin, readers may be wondering what events were taking place in America back in 1841. On the one hand, 1841 was a pretty dull year in the nation's history. There were no gory battles being fought, no empires a-building or being torn asunder, no artistic endeavors coming to fruition that were worth noting -- none of these. There were, on the other hand, two small beginnings taking place which would have an impact down the road. First, Samuel L. Clemens was growing up alongside the muddy Mississippi River in a dusty town called Florida, Missouri, that would become famous as "Hannibal." Mark Twain (the name he later went by) was soaking up the lore of the South in its stories about the mighty Mississippi, in his crafty, six-year-old's brain. At the same time, 1841 was a dark year for newly elected Whig party President, William Henry Harrison. Harrison -- nicknamed "Tippecanoe" (everyone liked nicknames back then). Why was it a dark time? For the simple reason old Tippecanoe died of pneumonia 31 days after taking office in 1841! His Vice President, John Tyler, would become our first non-elected President. And because of his unprecedented elevation to the Presidency, his followers nicknamed Tyler President "Your Accidency"! To further confuse things, when Harrison and Tyler ran for office the year before, their platform slogan was "Log Cabin and Hard Cider." Imagine today's front-runners using such a campaign slogan! 1841, therefore, was either dreary or interesting depending upon your point of view. Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $23,575
Lot 3677		1843-C $2.50 Liberty. Small date, crosslet 4. NGC graded MS-61. Untoned with pleasing reenish gold luster. Above average strike for this key variety and date. Low mintage of 2,988 sturck. Pop 3; 2 in 62. A splendid specimen of one of the most elusive and also most distinctive quarter eagles in the Liberty series. There is a noticeable die bulge at the point of the bust of Miss Liberty, as struck, as always seen, and no doubt this bulge was responsible for the early demise and replacement of this die, seemingly after only 2,988 were struck. So rare is this issue that the Harry Bass sale offered only an AU58 example. On this variety, the date in small numerals, all in the same size font. The logotype was punched into the die quite high, about three times closer to the neck truncation than to the dentils. The aforementioned bulge is very distinct, and likely was caused during die preparation. Walter Breen writes that the 1843-C Small Date, Crosslet 4 quarter eagles were delivered on April 28, 1843, struck from a pair of dies shipped from Philadelphia on December 23, 1842. The small date numerals are consistent with those used 1840-1842. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3678		1843-O $2.50 Liberty. Small date, crosslet 4. PCGS graded AU-58. Nice and frosty. Lightly toned. In fact, flattering mint frost still in residence, luster that pulsates with yellow-gold to deep warm orange-gold color. All devices were struck with the usual inconsistency of this year by the dies that left elements of the detail soft in places. Most notable are the E in LIBERTY, the hair below this point, and a large section of the eagle from neck to legs including the right claw. Some flattening on the denticles on this side as well (PCGS # 7731) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $776
Lot 3679		1845-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Untoned and a nice strike. Squarely centered on a nice, problem-free planchet with the extremely well devices outstanding for the issue. Usually, this date shows a touch of weakness on the curls over the ear of Liberty and on the eagle's neck and legs. The eagle's entire body including its claws and legs are remarkably bold here. What's more, both sides are fresh and lustrous; their greenish-gold color expands smoothly across both the obverse and reverse without tarnish or discoloration. There is a very small mark on the front edge of the coronet that serves as an identifier. This is the one of the few times a certified Mint State 1845-D quarter eagle has been sold at public auction. Clearly, it is a coin to remember, one that provides an opportunity for the Dahlonega quarter eagle specialist. The 1845-D is one of the more readily obtainable D-mint quarter eagles in circulated grades, but like all gold pieces struck at this Southern branch, it becomes very rare in Mint condition. Only 19,460 struck. Pop 4; 1 in 62; 1 in 63. Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3680		1846-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Mostly untoned with semi reflective surfaces. A nice strike for the date. Only 4,808 minted. Pop 2; 1 in 63. This exceptionally pleasing Mint State example of this low mintage C-mint rarity, it has rich greenish patina over each side with subtle accents of "old silver" toning around the periphery. There is a shallow scratch in the field between the 11th and 12th stars. For the date, this is an average struck example exhibiting fine detail to all the high points on the obverse but a little trivial weakness on the eagle and shield (as always). Give your mind free-play when contemplating bidding on this handsome Mint State specimen. Never forget that it is one of only 2 certified in MS62 by NGC, with just a single example higher. Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3681		1846-O $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-50. Only 62,500 minted. A warmly toned specimen whose brownish to orange-copper patina is fresh, original, and covers very choice surfaces. The eagle is generally well struck with the only soft detail being found at the leg feathers (PCGS # 7743) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 3682		1847-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Bold strike with light even gold toning on both sides. Only 23,226 minted. Pop 6; 6 in 64. Wonderful lustrous surfaces are flourishing with rich gold and peach-orange brilliance. Well struck for the date, in fact, magnificently so, with all of the reverse details present, including the detail on the eagle's neck feathers, leg feathers, and bumpy feet. Fully struck coins of this date are desirable. Combined with choice frosty mint state originality, the two cannot be beat (PCGS # 7745) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $17,250
Lot 3683		1847-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Untoned. Boldly struck with semi reflective surfaces. Only 115,784 minted. Pop 1; 1 in 64; 3 in 65. Radiant and exhibiting little if any color other than moon-glow greenish-gold freshness. There is a little spot to the left of the coronet's edge. A very pleasing example of this '47-D quarter eagle. So much, then, for the luster. As for the devices, these were struck with sufficient power by the dies that they left every design element showing (including full stars), and showing clearly, unlike many where a few areas tend to be mushy. All collectors need to know or care about is that this coin ranks high in the Condition Census as well as the grading census. Therefore, having hustled yourself into the auction room, don't throw away your bid by being timid or self-effacing. Instead, show vigor when this ex Ashland City coin's lot number comes up for sale. It deserves nothing less (PCGS # 7746) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 20,000. Ex:Ashland City. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3684		1848-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Lightly toned. Nice details. Only 16,788 minted. Pop 1; finest graded at PCGS. Glowing mint luster, toned and attractive, almost pulsating with a golden hue that trades off with splendid orange-tinted color. A diminished impact was sometimes left by the blow of the dies that struck this year's mintage, but this handsome offering is above average in its detail in the hair and on the eagle, with only a little flattening on the eagle's leg and foot (PCGS # 7750) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $16,100
Lot 3685		1848-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Well struck,light greenish-yellow gold. The 1848-D is one of the three most affordable Dahlonega quarter eagles in Mint quality. There are close to 200 pieces known with perhaps fifty in the various About Uncirculated grades and another couple of dozen in Uncirculated. Well struck, lustrous, and very appealing. Pop 3; 20 better. Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,475
Lot 3686		1848-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Untoned and well struck. The reverse is rotated. Only 13,771 minted. Pop 46; 23 finer. Here, too, we are pleased to describe a well struck example from the Dahlonega branch mint, a lustrous AU of the finest order in its class whose extensive remaining luster adorns the faint greenish gold surfaces. Unexpectedly sharp for the date, easily finer in sharpness than many in nominally higher grades (PCGS # 7751) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,175
Lot 3687		1849-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Mostly untoned. Only 10,220 minted. Nice strike. Pop 2; none finer at NGC. Unrivaled in terms of exterior preservation, this being the tied for finest certified at NGC. Both sides of this golden beauty are well frosted and for all intents and purposes tone-free. There are a few light scratches on the portrait and a short line in the field between the neck and the first star, among others. Both the peripheries and the central reverse are detailed and close to 100% crisp for their sharpness of strike with the sole exception of the lower feathers of the legs. All this is is a forceful reminder in a coin from this scarce branch mint that it is quality that counts. The year 1849 is, of course, famous for the California gold rush. But also this year, Minnesota was established as a Territory with slavery prohibited. On March 4, 1849, David Rice Atchison served as President of the U.S. for this one day. President Polk's term had expired, but because it was a Sunday, President-elect Zachary Taylor chose to be inaugurated the following day, a Monday. Since the nation could not be leaderless for even 24 hours, the next in line of succession, the President pro tempore of the Senate, Senator Atchison, took over the office. When asked what he did during his time as President, Atchison said that because he had been exhausted by his work in Congress he slept soundly all through his term as Chief Executive. Finally, on June 15, 1849, ex president James Knox Polk died at the age of 53 (PCGS # 7753) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3688		1850 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. A few thin hairlines on the face, but lustrous throughout and well struck. Nice mid-century date that is suitable for a gold Type set. Estimated Value $525 - 550. Frank McCarthy Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $460
Lot 3689		1850-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Untoned with some luster evident, the color on this choice Mint State example is light greenish gold. There is a small mark at the upper lip, another on the chin, plus a couple more, equally immaterial, on the horizontal stripes in the shield. There is some weakness on the curls around the face, about half the stars, and the eagle's legs and claws; a touch of Mint-made roughness surrounds the portrait. This is a truly fresh appearing, original coin with splendid color over choice lustrous surfaces. Only 9,148 struck. Pop 2; 1 in 63. Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3690		1850-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-61. Nice strike on a normal rough planchet. Only 9,148 minted. Some luster evident. Pop 2; 1 in 62. The lustrous, matte-like surfaces are draped in soft greenish-golden patina and show minimal abrasions but this was struck on a rough planchet, resulting in a more textured than satiny appearance. The devices that were left by the dies lack a certain precision due to insufficient die pressure in the centers, but it often found on this date. A rare issue. So while sitting in the auction room twiddling your fingers while the auctioneer drones on, prepare yourself for this upcoming 1850-C quarter eagle by deciding on a firm bid, one that it clearly deserves (PCGS # 7756) . Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,225
Lot 3691		1850-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Only 9,148 minted. Mostly untoned. Pop 21; 17 finer. A lustrous example of this scarcer date, and of the optimum quality given the rarity of this issue in Uncirculated. An actively collected design, the centers are somewhat weak in places, and there are a few noticeable marks on Liberty's chin, upper lip, and elsewhere. Still and all, a desirable rarity offering (PCGS # 7756) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3692		1850-O $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55. Natural color, as befits a coin in which the surfaces are retain much original luster in nice brownish-gold color. A dullish impression was left by the recoil of the dies that struck the reverse, leaving a rounded impression on the eagle but still enough detail to be acceptable for a gold quarter eagle set. Only 84,000 minted (PCGS # 7758) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. The Victor Kramer Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,610
Lot 3693		1851-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck with light gold toning. Only 14,923 minted. Pop 8; 2 in 62. Bright with tawny-gold to greenish color that includes a region of coppery orange beside Liberty and around the eagle. Both sides exhibit scattered blemishes with a small nick at the eyebrow and another on the lower edge of the chin. A ineffectual imprint was sometimes left by the rebound of the dies that struck this year's coinage, but on the present coin, any softness is limited to the hair curls above the ear, on the shield horizontals, and just barely affecting the topmost feathers of the eagle's leg. The coin has a very attractive appearance, and is far more lustrous than others in this condition (PCGS # 7760) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3694		1851-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Mostly untoned. Light marks in the fields. Nice strike. Only 14,923 minted. Pop 15; 12 finer. A solid About Uncirculated example in all regards. The satiny surfaces are alight with still-evident luster, the strike is clear-cut and unusually clear for a C-mint coin, only some minor bluntness in the strike at the eagle's legs and around the frame of the shield on the reverse. Best of all, this well preserved coin has the eye appeal collectors like to see (PCGS # 7760) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3695		1852-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Light toning with semi reflective surfaces. Only 9,772 minted. Pop 5; 2 in 62. Attractive satin-like fields almost sway under the weight of its highly frosty greenish-gold color. Struck with controlled precision throughout the outer peripheral areas including all stars, although somewhat weak and compromised (from worn dies?) at the following locations: the hair curls under LIBERTY, the left edge of the shield, and the left leg of the eagle. A minor rim nick at the third star. An important, low population rarity from the middle part of this Southern branch mint's existence (PCGS # 7764) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3696		1852-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Mostly untoned with an average strike with the centers softly struck as usual. Pop 20; 10 final at NGC. A worldly dose of heavy orange-gold patina enlivens the abundant luster that spreads over the broad expanse of surface on both sides. The portrait of Liberty is slightly rough, possibly from rust on the die more than anything else, otherwise everything is smooth and choice, and while the strike isn't bold enough to warrant special mention, it is right in line with most other 1852-C quarter eagles that have sold recently. There is a small scrape in the shield on the eagle's breast that bidders may want to be aware of. Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 3697		1852-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Well struck and untoned. Only 4,078 minted. Pop 4; 1 in 63. Such low mintage means that the 1852-D is one of the half dozen rarest Dahlonega quarter eagles. There are perhaps 75 to 85 known with 15 to 18 in About Uncirculated and only five or six in Uncirculated. The finest is a PCGS MS63 in the Duke's Creek Collection while four are tied in the PCGS roster for second best at PCGS MS62. Beginning with this issue, the quality of strike for Dahlonega quarter eagles worsens somewhat, most noticeable on the eagle. However, this coin is quite well impressed, certainly above average. Some of the reverse dentils fail to show, however. The obverse is completely detailed with no weakness on the hair above the ear. As for the luster, here we find a full accompaniment of original satiny greenish-gold luster on the choice surfaces. Curiously, this issue is sometimes found with very good luster, especially in comparison to other D-mint quarter eagles from this period. Now that you've decided to bid, it's all right to pay a big price, since we expect that competition for this handsome 1852-D to be strong, with a passion for bidding often ineradicably implanted in the heads of those who will be opposing you (PCGS # 7765) . Estimated Value $24,000 - 26,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $28,750
Lot 3698		1852-O $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Appealing luster throughout. Pop 84; 25 finer. Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,200. Frank McCarthy Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,783
Lot 3699		1852-O $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Semi reflective fields. Light yellow gold with brownish orange patina. Much mint luster still remains in protected surfaces, particularly on the reverse. A very attractive coin, and one which is decidedly elusive in grades above Very Fine and Extremely Fine. Date high and closer to the neck truncation than to the dentils. Reverse with O mintmark fairly high, and with a small "spike" from the arrow feather extending from into the opening to the upper right. Pop 56; 100 finer. (PCGS # 7766) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3700		1853 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-63. Frosty and lightly toned. A pleasant choice '63 example swooning with warm copper luster. Pop 110; 47 in 64; 10 in 65. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,265
Lot 3701		1853-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-61. Lovely golden toning on both sides. Nice eye appeal. Only 3,178 struck. Pop 4; 1 in 62 as best at PCGS. Creamy gold surfaces eddy and churn with almost blinding red to apricot-tinted golden luster. Nothing daunts the fresh appearance of this one. The eye is charmed by its color. With the design of the devices, the dies left only a partly bold impression behind with some ordinary weakness or imprecision only at the centers (PCGS # 7768) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $15,525
Lot 3702		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Warm peach-orange to golden toning, a highly attractive combination on any gold issue, but especially desirable in a low mintage rarity like 1854-C. Better than average strike, with marginal weakness seen only in the hair at the brow and on the eagle's neck and leg feathers. Only 7,295 minted. The presently offered coin is one of the very finest examples graded. A small handful of coins surpass it in numerical grade, but when the combination of the present numerical grade is supplemented by a very generous measure of eye appeal, this coin will hold its own with any other example. If ever bidders needed fresh evidence of a coin's value, it is this handsome MS61 1854-C quarter eagle, a coin we are confident will achieve a successful new high for the issue when the bidding is through. Pop 5; 6 in 62. Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $13,225
Lot 3703		1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Only 7,295 minted. Untoned. Pop 17; 16 finer. A frosty specimen with just a trace of circulation wear on the highest curls and wing edges; a coin with eruptions of faint greenish gold and brown on both sides. Nearly fully struck, however just a modicum of limitation in the detail at the centers. To borrow from the French, a very scarce bird in this condition! (PCGS # 7770) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3704		1854-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. Light even golden toning. Low mintage of 1,760. Pop 6; 2 in 61; 2 in 62. This beautiful rarity sums up nicely the experience of the gold consignment of which it is a part. The coin exhibits nicely toned satin luster on a well presented and attractive planchet with only a trace of wear on the high points. It is the kind of coin that collectors expect to find in the grade. Elusive as a date, very elusive. Even more so in high grades. Next, the strike. The strike is crisp in some areas, though so-so in others. Some lack of detail may be noted at the obverse rim denticles, the central hair just below the word LIBERTY (but not on the stars). When describing the reverse, we see the same unevenness on the denticles as well as marginal weakness on the eagle's leg and claws. Some bidders might edge nervously away when presented with an 1854-D quarter eagle. After all, this is one of the rarest dates in the series struck at all the branch mints. Only the P-mint is common. However, as the population figure suggests, the coin is high in the Condition Census and deserves special mention because it is so fresh looking (PCGS # 7771) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $14,375
Lot 3705		1855-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Mostly untoned. Better than average strike. Low mintage of 3,677. Pop 11; 22 finer. Dancing original luster still careens from the satiny, matte-like surfaces of this attractively greenish gold specimen. A blend of shades can be seen on both sides the main color predominates. The strike is somewhat spongy on the reverse at the eagle's shield and legs as well as along the crest of hair below LIBERTY, though the design elements are generally very acceptable for a coin from this branch mint. Choice rims, plus full dentils prove it to have been carefully handled since it first went into the hands of a coin collector (PCGS # 7775) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,763
Lot 3706		1856-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Untoned with the normal soft strike. Only 7,913 minted. Pop 12; 28 finer. Lustrous, mint-frosty surfaces put on a show with their rich pale russet gold and greenish yellow iridescence, the overall appearance greatly reinforced by the ample luster. Regarding this date, the very low mintage and subsequent attrition in circulation makes it a very scarce item. It is our humble opinion such a coin offers a large scope for the new collector's interest, as well as an opportunity for the advanced collector who has many years under his belt collecting rare date U.S. gold (PCGS # 7778) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3707		1858-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck with nice gold toning. Only 9,056 minted. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. A satiny matte-like specimen with resilient underlying luster and lovely toning highlights. From center to periphery, the coin is generally well struck with just a hint of soft design in the area around the shield. Sometimes collectors expect an early branch mint coin of the 1850s to be like clay in the palms of the press operators who manufacture such coins, turning out one perfect specimen after the next. But it was a difficult task to generate consistent quality in the atmosphere of a hardworking mint establishment. The main problem facing Charlotte (and also Dahlonega) was a shortage of talented labor that had to be drawn from the rural surroundings in which these mints were built. The mint's equipment was up to the task, don't think it wasn't. When these two branches were erected in 1835-38, they were equipped with all the latest equipment. But it takes more than machinery to tweak and fine tune a minting press. We should be thankful that a few really choice, frosty pieces like this 1858-C quarter eagle exist and can be acquired today (PCGS # 7787) . Estimated Value $21,000 - 24,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $25,200
Lot 3708		1858-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded EF-45. Lightly toned. Type collectors will want to know that the 1858-C is the most affordable C-mint quarter eagle produced in the 1850s, and it is the most easily obtainable C-mint Quarter Eagle of any decade after the 1839-C, 1843-C Large Date, 1847-C, and 1848-C. This is not to say that it is common in an absolute sense, as the Charlotte Mint recorded an original delivery of just 9,056 pieces. The choice, lustrous level of preservation makes the present Extremely Fine 45 example an excellent choice for the collector. Pop 23. (PCGS # 7787) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3709		1859 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Untoned. A gorgeous AU58 of the finest order with only minor disturbance in the obverse field at lower right (near the 12th stars). The lustrous surfaces exhibit balanced light golden color. Adequately struck as well, not fully so on the second star and the eagle's leg, but near enough to merit mention here since the centers are all clearly displayed. Pop 26; 30 finer. Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3710		1859-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-61. Light gold toning. Only 2,244 minted. Some mint luster evide3nt. Pop 4; 2 in 62. Uncommonly smooth with fully metallic, golden-amber features. Another scarce quarter eagle, this 1859-D too, displays a better than average strike on the legends and main device, which is unusual for the date, and only a small area of soft detail at the right claw and left leg feathers on the eagle. Some rim denticles are also flat, but this is acceptable in a D-mint rarity like 1859-D. The sale of this specimen will not be performed in silence. We expect to hear some active bids from the room as well as from bidders on the telephone represented by those at the table in the front of the room (PCGS # 7789) . Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $25,300
Lot 3711		1860-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Untoned and a nice strike for the date. Only 7,469 minted. Pop 3; 2 in 63. Resplendent golden to pale greenish surfaces that are thoroughly frosted with keen-edged, gold luster spiraling outward from the centers on both sides. And what is most desirable to see, the main devices were struck with the primary energy required to impart most of the design to the outer areas as well as enough vigor by the dies to impart clear-cut centers. Only a few leg feathers on the eagle are flat, as is the claw on left with a threesome of leaves. This is a not well-known trait of 1860-C, to have splendid mint frostiness and a more than adequate strike! Rare (PCGS # 7792) . 1860 was a difficult year in America. The "wedges of separation" caused by slavery, and more importantly, the passage of the punitive Morrill Tariff act, split the nation. The crucial point was reached in the presidential election of 1860, in which the Republican candidate, Abraham Lincoln, defeated three opponents, Stephen A. Douglas (Northern Democrat), John C. Breckinridge (Southern Democrat), and John Bell of the Constitutional Union party. Lincoln's victory was the signal for the secession of South Carolina (Dec. 20, 1860), and that state was followed out of the Union by six other states, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. Estimated Value $19,000 - 21,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 3712		1860-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-50. An impressive specimen of the elusive 1860-C in all regards. The choice surfaces retain some luster in and around the devices, the strike is sharp or at least above average, even to the eagle, a problem area on 1860-C gold, not just the quarter eagle. Plus the eye appeal is right up there where a collector can appreciate the coin's originality. Only 7,469 minted. Pop 18. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,300. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3713		1860-S $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Lightly struck at centers and on some of the stars, but a lustrous example of this low mintage issue. Only 35,600 quarter eagles were made at San Francisco in 1860. Pop 24; 9 finer. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. Frank McCarthy Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,783
Lot 3714		1861-S $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded EF-40. Soft strike on reverse. Rare in high grade. With only 24,000 made, and most having reached circulation where they performed their duty, the 1861-S is rarely offered in any condition, let alone in pleasing Extremely Fine like the present coin. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 3715		1869-S $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-50. A few areas of weakness but generally lustrous and displaying clean surfaces. Only 29,500 minted. While gold never circulated in the eastern half of the country after the Civil War, in the western states, gold was king while paper money was often shunned. That is why mintage, though still low by today's standards, was larger for San Francisco in the 1860s than at Philadelphia, with only one or two exceptions. Pop 18. Estimated Value $800 - 850. Frank McCarthy Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 3716		1876-S $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55. Beautiful warm orange gold color with ample mint luster remaining. There is a mint-made "hole" in Liberty's ear, believed by some to be the centering point when making or positioning the dies. A similar dot is found on several other denominations of gold coins scattered across 20 or 30 years of time. Pop 13; 22 finer. (PCGS # 7825) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. Frank McCarthy Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,581
Lot 3717		1879-S $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Bold relief plus oceans of warm gold toning and frost. Pop 37; 12 finer. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,050. Frank McCarthy Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $978
Lot 3718		1881 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Lustrous but well abraded by coin-to-coin contact during its brief sojourn in circulation. This is a key date in the quarter eagle series, one that is only rarely seen in an auction in any condition. The extremely low mintage explains why: 691 pieces minted in all (including Proofs) (PCGS # 7833) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,625
Lot 3719		1898 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 66 Cameo. Light golden toning. Only 165 proofs struck. Pop 9; 5 in 67 Cameo; 1 in 68 Cameo An impressive gem! Warm orange-gold iridescence graces the strongly frosted motifs with deeply mirrored fields lapping at the shore, as it were, making for an impressive cameo effect that has all the appearance of having been etched from a block of fine gold the way an ancient goldsmith would have made a cameo brooch. The devices are detailed and crisp, with eye appeal to spare. For your edification, careful examination fails to find a reason why the present 1898 quarter eagle should not have been graded even finer! Perhaps 50% of the recorded mintage is known today, with the this lovely Proof 66 high among the finest available. A superlative gem in every respect. Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 3720		1900 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 65 Ultra Cameo. Only 205 proofs minted. Untoned. A flashy proof coin. Pop 7; 26 finer. A towering Gem Proof that is very brilliant with "ultra" frost on the devices, particularly so on Liberty's face, giving it the characteristic "cameo" quality. The fields will be the focus of the viewer's attention with their sleek mirror quality which retains all the freshness glow and shimmering "orange peel" effect imparted by the dies. Proof quarter eagles were struck carefully so that even the deepest recesses of the dies were brought out in strong relief on the coin that was struck from them. It is for this reason, Liberty's hair is piled high and the central star points razor-sharp. So, too, do we see the eagle's feathers fully present and a joy to examine under the magnifying lens. Such exceptional quality deserves more than these few words, but we are certain bidders will "get the picture" by bidding aggressively. Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $17,825
Lot 3721		1900 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo. Lovely rich orange gold toning. Only 205 proofs struck. Pop 5; 4 in 65 Cameo. Only 13 graded Cameo at PCGS. While not quite up to the perfection of a Proof 66 or 67 example, this is clearly a winner when it comes to describing a Proof gold coin that is 106 years old. We believe this piece comes as close to technical Proof 65 quality as any Proof gold coin of the denomination we have seen recently. It is very appealing. Smooth, watery Proof mirrors in the fields, delicately frosted devices, only a few light hairlines and defect-free. The beauty of the photograph helps convey the visual impact this coin makes when it is viewed first hand. As an issue, the 1900 is relatively plentiful. The mintage was 205 Proofs, and it has been estimated that up to 130 examples are still in collections today. Survivors run the scale from a barely recognizable impaired Proofs to this choice piece (PCGS # 87926) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900
Lot 3722		1904 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 68 Cameo. Perfection! A dazzling honey golden color gem. Pop 2; none better in Cameo. Incredibly beautiful light gold luster reflects off the fields and goes smashingly well with the pristine frosted devices. What a coin! And hard to believe this has found its way onto the market, since most of the high-end Proofs trade hands quietly in private transactions behind closed doors. They rarely see the light of day. A fairly bold impression is always left by the recoil of the dies that struck this year's coinage, 1904 quarter eagle Proofs are noted for their beautiful quality; just the same, we can report that this specimen, above all the others, is simply outstanding in its detail and razor-sharpness. Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $44,275

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