Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 41

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$3 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1536		1854 $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-58. Untoned and nicely lustrous. Popular first year issue suitable for a U.S. gold Type set (PCGS # 7969) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,185
Lot 1537		1854-D $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-55. Always in great demand as the only Dahlonega Mint $3.00 gold coin. Only 1120 struck. Here is a lovely, problem-free example, well struck with some luster still evident within the protected areas and all a lovely organish color gold. This coin can have few peers. The question is open, but only a handful of coins that were saved long ago meet the rigid standard for About Uncirculated 55 condition. Typical of most examples of the 1854-D, the present piece has limited definition on some of the denticles on either side, particularly this is noticeable at the top and sides, and some lightness elsewhere. Although the present piece is in a confining plastic holder, there is little doubt if it were removed it would show only faint reeding at the top of the coin, this being another feature of the Dahlonega dated threes. For decades, rare coin collectors have searched the attics and bourse floors for the elusive 1854-D three. They began to be appreciated once collecting began by date and mint in the 1890s. Today, with all the information that is available somewhere around a hundred examples are known. As always, the date is very boldly impressed into the die (there being but a single die combination used to strike the entire year's coinage). The shaft of the 1 is shifted farther to the right than on the 1854 Philadelphia coins, and is situated mostly under the right curve of O (DOLLARS). The mintmark sits high in its space under the ribbon bow. Pop 13; 39 finer (PCGS # 7970) . Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $41,400
Lot 1538		1854-D $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-53 PQ. Nicely toned with traces of mint luster peeking thru near the devices. Very few coins struck. Always popular as the only Dahlonega $3.00 gold coin. In light of the fact it would be difficult to picture a more desirable $3 gold coin than the 1854-D three dollar, this again being the only issue struck at the Dahlonega mint. It has an very low mintage of 1,120 pieces, few of which are extant in the 21st century. As a consequence, it has several levels of interest (including its fine provenance) that may be attractive to Dahlonega gold coin collectors. This is a lovely example and is Premium Quality for the given grade. This piece shows a normal strike for the issue, that is, uneven in some areas especially affecting the hair and the rim denticles which for a large part are weak or missing; however that said, it is finer detailed than nine out of ten competing 1854-D three dollar gold pieces seen in the upper tranches of the grading scale. On the obverse, the rim definition is weak from 12 to 3 o'clock, then it strengthens a little at the 6 to 11 o'clock curve. Liberty's hair waves shows flatness but with nice delineation of the curls below the ear and the headdress is very acceptable. The reverse has less softness at the denticles, many areas are sharp. The date and mintmark show boldly, which is always advantageous for this rarity. On both sides there are a couple of very minor ticks noted, none of which are out of the ordinary. With demand for the rare American gold dates increasing monthly, we would be surprised if the ex John Pittman coin doesn't sets an auction high for the grade at this sale! Pop 8; 52 finer. (PCGS # 7970) . Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $34,500
Lot 1539		1854-O $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-55. Light golden toning. While often taken out of the limelight in this series by the more loudly touted 1854 Dahlonega issue, in high-end About Uncirculated condition this sole O-mint $3 is a major rarity that should be a magnet for all U.S. gold buyers. It is easily distinguished from lesser '54-O threes as there is abundant mint frostiness. The luster shines around the devices and extends well into the field on both sides. The fields are choice, the strike much more than mere "adequate", is strong. This one-year subtype (small letters in the word DOLLARS) is sure to generate excitement among gold connoisseurs at lot viewing, and later at the auction as well. Only 24,000 struck. Pop 119; 101 finer (PCGS # 7971) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,338
Lot 1540		1856 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 62. Placed in NGC holder 2892350-004. Lightly toned with beautiful glittering fields offsetting the golden-frosted devices. Very rare in Proof condition. The distinguishing features include: Only a portion of JBL (for James Barton Longacre) visible on the neck truncation; bases of F almost gone on the Proofs; first feather still more incomplete; dentils mostly joined. Reverse Large over small DOLLARS; hub doubling on wreath (plainest on left and right cotton leaves) and 3. The only $3 die with such an extraordinary blunder. Breen 6353, Proofs only. Mintage unknown. The following specimens are traced: (1) F.C.C. Boyd, WGC:271. Ill. Breen Proofs book and Encyclopedia (2) Garrett:394 (3/76), $21,000, Superior's "Connoisseur" sale 1/89:338, $39,600, Superior's Jascha Heifetz sale 11/89:4242, $49,500, Superior's Boys Town sale 5/90:5506, $68,750, Superior Keston 1/96:40, $42,350, always as "superb" now NGC Proof 64 Cam #211713-003. Weak on several feather ends and ribbon just below bows (3) RARCOA section of Auction '81:391, $20,500, Dennis With. Slightly impaired (4) J. F. Bell I (1944). No data. Possibly same as last or one of following (5) Harry Bass. Possibly same as no. 1 or 2 (6) Mike Brownlee (7) Superior's Trompeter 2/92:98, $14,850 reappearing in Superior Keston 1/96:41, $12,650 (8) Bowers 1/95:1177, PCGS Proof 55 (9) Bowers 7/2002, PCGS Proof 65 $66,700. As can be seen by this brief roster, the 1856 is extremely rare (and seldom offered) in Proof format. Encased in NGC holder 2892350-004. Pop 1; only 1 other graded at NGC in PF 65 CAM (PCGS # 8019) . Diagnostic feature: Identifiable by a U-shaped lint mark in the field at Liberty's forehead. Estimated Value $15,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1541		1856 $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-58. Light golden toning. A frosty specimen with strong underlying luster still in plain sight around the main devices, plus choice surfaces on both sides. Nicely struck for the date, as well, which is always desirable, therefore a coin that gets to the front of the line where fullness of design is measured. Only 26,010 struck. Pop 193; 117 finer (PCGS # 7974) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,760
Lot 1542		1859 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 65 Ultra Cameo. Encased in NGC holder 1561372-001. A wonderful fully untoned gem. The finest example we have seen. In short, a heavenly $3 gold Proof, this issue is the first date in the series for which the Red Book lists a mintage figure. A total of 80 pieces struck is reported in archival records, although it seems implausible that all went to collectors by year's end. Mint Director Snowden's campaign to market Proofs to collectors was still in its formative stage. It could be that only one-third of this mintage actually made it into coin collections; today, as few as 11 to 13 Proof 1859s are believed to exist, the present Gem certainly ranking as one of the most appealing. Both sides show nice cameo frosted finish with the field entirely glittering, reflective and superlative as it provides the firm foundation upon which the satiny devices rest. Effervescent yellow-gold color. There are no blemishes or copper toning spots either. Provenance concerns alone lead us to describe a tiny lint mark in the field to the right of the 3 in the denomination. This along with the holder number can be used for tracing purposes. With bold technical virtues, top-notch intrinsic worth, and captivating aesthetic appeal, this coin will serve as a cornerstone in the best quality collection of U.S. gold. Pop 2; none finer. Only 2 ultra cameo graded at NGC. No ultra cameo graded at PCGS (PCGS # 8022) . Estimated Value $60,000 - 70,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $59,225
Lot 1543		1859 $3 Gold. NGC graded MS-60. A well struck example with luster that is slightly reflective around the devices. Some light marks and hairlines scattered about. Pop 7; 90 finer (PCGS # 7979) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,623
Lot 1544		1861 $3 Gold. PCGS graded MS-62. A hint of light gplden toning. Glistening fields rise and fall with original golden mint bloom. Against this are set serious, satiny design elements with only a few light hairlines in the fields restricting the grade. Especially bold strike. Low mintage: 5,959 pieces. Pop 15; 26 finer. (PCGS # 7982) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,050
Lot 1545		1863 $3 Gold. Mount removed. Low mintage of only 5,000. Untoned (PCGS # 7984) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $949
Lot 1546		1870 $3 Gold. PCGS graded AU-53. Only 3500 coins struck. Light golden toning over amply lustrous surfaces. A short line on the jaw. Scarce. Housed in an old green holder. Pop 15; 93 finer (PCGS # 7991) . Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1547		1873 $3 Gold. Closed 3. NGC graded MS-61. Housed in NGC holder 3775180-007. Nice golden toning with reflective surfaces. A very rare date. The Mint Director's report says nothing as to how many circulation strike pieces of this date were made, though research shows that 25 Proofs with Closed 3 were struck. The 1873 Closed 3 gold $3 coin is a rarity in any grade, business strike or Proof, high-end or low! The present glittering specimen is one which should have received the prooflike label from NGC. It gives the impression of an even higher grade than MS61. Beautiful honey gold it delights the eye with its lightly frosted motifs and nicely reflective fields. Some faint hairlines and marks in the fields in no way obliterate the fact this is a "must have" date for any serious date and mintmark collector of rare gold coins. Pop 4; 1 in 62, 1 in 64 (PCGS # 7995) . Diagnostic feature: Identifiable by a small lint mark at the front of the headdress; a line in the field paralleling the lower left side of the wreath. Estimated Value $27,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1548		1874 $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-55. Lightly toned with semi reflective fields (PCGS # 7998) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,725
Lot 1549		1888 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 64 Ultra Cameo. A blazer! Deep yellow gold with outstanding mirror and frosted contrast. Pop 1; none finer. This is the only Ultra Cameo graded by NGC. Only 291 proofs struck (PCGS # 8052) . Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1550		1888 $3 Gold. MS-60 Plus. Well struck and fully lustrous with faint hairlines in the right obverse fields. Attractive uniform honey color gold. Rare low mintage date as only 5,000 were struck (PCGS # 8010) . Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,415