Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 41

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$20 Gold Pt.2

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1803		1906-D in 14KT gold bezel with matching chain. AU-58. Appears new and ready to be worn. The chain weights 32.38 grams. Estimated Value $800 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,035
Lot 1804		1906-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Mostly untoned and a nice strike. Those who are apt to avoid bidding for fear that too many others will want this handsome 1906-S double eagle (2.0 million mintage) should take heart that there are sufficient numbers of other fine pieces in the sale to go around. Full-blown luster throughout; minimum of bagmarks. Pop 199; 2 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 9051) . Estimated Value $3,700 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,645
Lot 1805		1907 $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-62. Light golden toning on nicely frosted surfaces. Last year of the Liberty head design (PCGS # 9052) . Estimated Value $700 - 725. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $840
Lot 1806		1907 $20 Liberty. AU-58. Frosty mint luster (PCGS # 9052) . Estimated Value $600 - 625. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1807		1907-S $20 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-64. Light even toning on both sides. A nice strike for this date, the last year in the Liberty $20 gold series. Only 2.16 million minted. Pop 186; 2 in 65 none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 9054) . Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,105
Lot 1808		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck and lightly toned. Deep yellow gold with warm orange tones and the best luster imaginable for the grade, luster that seem to grow on a person the more the coin is studied. It is one of those rare pieces that attains the beauty and spirit of the design forever on a disk of gold. A few light hairlines in the field are easily forgiven; the wings of the eagle have only a few tiny marks breaking through the smooth golden finish. In summary, the present example is a great looking coin for the grade. We feel it is the most beautiful of all American coin designs. Many would agree. How could they not? The "wire rim" details -- in mint parlance, a thin "fin" or lip of gold that squeezed from between the dies under the enormous pressure striking -- are evident on both sides. We can give thanks to the American sculptor Augustus St-Gaudens for giving birth to this beautiful numismatic design. And a nod goes to the President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who through force of personality took the process by hand to its final contested conclusion in the form of this highly impressive high relief $20 gold piece (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $24,000 - 26,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1809		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. NGC graded MS-63. A few areas of roughness and abrasion in the field left of Liberty; a thin line beneath R of LIBERTY, the color is a rich blend of flamboyant gold and pale honey-gold shades. Struck with meticulous care by the dies as on virtually all High Reliefs seen. The numismatist can spend enjoyable hours studying the designs under a low power magnifier and never grow tired of the beauty and remarkable composition. Difficult to believe this high relief $20 gold caused the stir it did when it was first proposed (PCGS # 9135) . Even now, the MCMVII issues of 1907 are highly respected by coin collectors and scholars. They are among the favorites in all American numismatics. When the Treasury Department planned issuance of the new gold bullion coins in 1986, no better design could be formulated than to reawaken Augustus Saint-Gaudens' 80-year-old motif. The mint even used the Roman numerals for a time. Estimated Value $18,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1810		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-63. A hint of light golden toning. No coin sale would be complete without at least one offering of this beautiful and prized High Relief Saint-Gaudens $20 gold piece struck in 1907. The coin is an example of the so-called Wire Rim variety, in which a "fin" of metal was forced up between the dies and the restraining collar during repeated impressions. Often 3 to 5 blows from the dies were required to strike these fully. The surviving numbers of the High Relief twenties has always been a subject of discussion, but those in better grade were obviously set aside at the time of issue and remain cherished possessions today (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 19,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1811		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. PCGS graded MS-62. In an old green label holder. Satiny golden surfaces with wisps of bright and sun-rich yellow colors illuminating this fine illustration American artistry. The high relief twenties were by Augustus Saint-Gaudens who, sadly, never lived to see the finished production (he died in August 1907, a couple of months before the High Relief pieces went into production. The present coin is a choice one. The high-relief folds of Liberty's flowing raiment show intricately, while the bald eagle flies off towards the sunrise. Those looking to purchase a nice MCMVII $20 will want to enter a bid here (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $16,963
Lot 1812		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. AU-55. Slight rim bruise at 2 o' clock. Attractive light toning. A satiny example of this majestic coin with strong fundamental luster for the grade. Nicely struck, as always - which is why collectors like the design, there are never any weak spots to have to apologize for, everything about the AU55 grade is merited. Indeed, the strike of the present coin easily rivals that of a Mint State specimen (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,475
Lot 1813		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, wire rim. Sharpness of AU-50. Light hairlines from old cleaning but still deserving your full attention due to its bold relief, scintillating luster in and around the devices, and historic presence. The high relief of this design stands out in boldly against the (slightly beveled) field. A remarkable coin it is. Neither before nor since in U.S. history has such a coin been made for circulation. The high relief is usually reserved for Mint Medals due to the difficulty in achieving a favorable result on the mint's regular coining press. (MCMVII $20 gold pieces were struck on the same hydraulic press used to imprint medals at the Philadelphia mint.) (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1814		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. High relief, flat rim. NGC graded MS-64. Attractive regular yellow gold color with robust luster on both sides and the look of a gem. Without a doubt, the fields are high-end for MS64 quality, free of significant marks or tarnish spots, or other signs of handling. We imagine that if it were not for a few stray hairlines in the fields it would perhaps be a full gem. The face on Liberty is complete, there are no marks on the chest, leg, or knee (the usual areas that attract problems). We can't imagine a collector being anything but 100% delighted with the beauty of this flat rim High Relief Saint-Gaudens MCMVII Roman numerals specimen! (PCGS # 9136) . Estimated Value $24,000 - 26,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $25,875
Lot 1815		1907 $20 St. Gaudens. Flat relief. AU-50. Cleaned. First of the new modified design without motto (PCGS # 9141) . Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $690
Lot 1816		1908. No Motto $20 Saint Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66. A blazing gem with rich mint bloom colors. The No Motto type was minted in 1907-08 before Congress instructed the mint to include the motto henceforth. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,070
Lot 1817		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-65. A fully lustrous gem (PCGS # 9142) . Estimated Value $950 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,208
Lot 1818		1908-D $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-64. Light golden toning with attractive satiny luster throughout (PCGS # 9143) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 1819		1908-D $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned and graced by smooth frosty luster from top to bottom (PCGS # 9143) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,553
Lot 1820		1908-D $20 St. Gaudens. No motto. PCGS graded MS-63. Bright and lustrous (PCGS # 9143) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 1821		1908 $20 St. Gaudens. With motto. PCGS graded Proof 64. A choice sandblast Proof lightly toned. Mint records list 101 Proofs struck of this early Saint-Gaudens coin in 1908. These have IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse after Congress directed the Mint to reinstate the motto on the $20 gold coins after removing it in 1907. This handsome Proof with the darker sandblast finish very closely resembles the other Proof denominations this year with their almost diamond-faceted smooth-grain finish. As expected on a Proof 64 example, there is considerable sparkle in the sandblast texture, sparkle that is enjoyable to study when intimately examined using a magnifying glass. Some might offer the opinion that, with its largish mintage, the 1908 Proof twenty is a readily available coin. The truth is this date is the most frequently seen among the eight dates in this series. However, after years of attrition, perhaps as few as 60 remain in all grades, and that is surely a small number. The coin offered in the current lot impresses us with its splendid, smooth finish, so desirable in large format gold coin. We see no nicks, cuts, copper-spots, nor are there any abrasions such as grazes in the finish that could be used to denigrate the coin. None whatsoever. The coin is beautiful. The coin is essentially "as struck," razor-sharp and breath-taking in its appearance, thereby placing it at the summit for this grade designation. Pop 15; 8 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 9205) . Estimated Value $34,000 - 38,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1822		1910-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Mostly untoned with very clean, supremely satiny surfaces. Fully pulsating with lovely vibrant-gold color, the surfaces are free of bothersome striking incompleteness. A nice frosty Premium Quality coin (PCGS # 9156) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,760
Lot 1823		1911-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-66. Nice golden toning. This example, illustrative of the gem quality only now and then seen in its grade class, has iridescent gold surfaces and no discoloration. Another positive feature (among many), this too, displays a precision strike on the legends and main figure of Liberty with her torch, which is desirable for the date, and not even a trace of soft detail at the eagle's wings or breast feathers. Pop 412; 9 finer in 67 (PCGS # 9158) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,520
Lot 1824		1913 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Lustrous with nice mint bloom colors. We note a minor tar streak on the reverse (PCGS # 9161) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1825		1914 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Nice golden colors. A popular scarce date whose low mintage (95,250) draws in the buyers. Choice with well proportioned devices (PCGS # 9164) . Estimated Value $2,800 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,415
Lot 1826		1916-S $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-65. Light pinkish color gold. Nice and frosty. This is a shimmering, vividly-original Gem. The bold strike is impressive for the Saint-Gaudens series, especially for the pre-1920 "satiny" surfaced examples such as this 1916-S. Both sides are typically smooth for the grade (PCGS # 9169) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1827		1920 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded AU-58. Charles Ponzi made a name for himself in 1920, the year of this $20 gold piece (PCGS # 9170) . Estimated Value $600 - 625. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $720
Lot 1828		1920-S $20 St. Gaudens. Sharpness of AU-58. Very little actual wear. We note scratches on Liberty's face and neck. Marks are also evident on the rays to the right of Liberty. Rare key date should easily surpass conservative estimate. A total of 558,000 minted, but the vast majority of these were subsequently melted. The 1920-S is a formidable rarity, the earliest among the Saint-Gaudens double eagles. Most examples are in circulated grades or low level Mint State and have fairly low eye appeal. Unlike some of the former rarities in later years in the decade, the supply of 1920-S has not been augmented by hundreds of throusands of recent imports (PCGS # 9171) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $19,200
Lot 1829		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty gem with light rose color highlights. The luster radiates from the surfaces of this attractive coin. Pop 950; 7 finer in 66 (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1830		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Fully lustrous with reddish gold color (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $930
Lot 1831		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. From tip to toe an brilliant specimen that has impressive golden color over spotless surfaces (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 1832		1922 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. A nice untoned coin, frosty and attractive (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $990
Lot 1833		1923 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-65. A lustrous gem with full mint bloom. Isolated swirls of pale orange iridescence confirm the originality of this scarcer P-mint Gem. Fully lustrous and quite clean for the issue, which is most desirable. Pop 277; 3 finer in 66 (PCGS # 9175) . Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1834		1923 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. A hint of gold tone on the choice frosty surfaces (PCGS # 9175) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $949
Lot 1835		1923 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Sparkling with luster (PCGS # 9175) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 1836		1924 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely rich golden toning (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 1837		1925-D $20 St. Gaudens. NGC graded MS-64. As in the instance of the 1924-D double eagle, the Denver delivery of 1925 also had its rarity ranking readjusted since the mid-20th century by the emergence of a few small hoards overseas. While both dates are similar in overall rarity, the edge in high grades goes to the 1925-D. We only rarely offer a near-Gem, and these get snapped up quickly. Typically well struck for the issue, the devices rise boldly above the fields with solid overall detail. The luster is frosty in quality, and the surfaces are bathed in original orange-gold to pale pinkish-gold color. A small mark is seen on the sun rays to the left of Liberty; this is the only meaningful pedigree marker. Pop 94; 8 finer, 7 in 65, and 1 in 66 (PCGS # 9181) . Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1838		1925-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Mostly untoned. The heavily attrition suffered by the 1925-S Saint-Gaudens accounts for so few Mint States; it is one of the few branch mint issues from the 1920s that in point of fact circulated to any substantial degree. When offered, the grade is most apt to be Extremely Fine or About Uncirculated grades. Even marginal MS60-61 quality Uncirculated pieces are seen far less often than their lightly circulated counterparts in contrast to, say 1922-S, 1926-S. This Choice Mint State 63 example far excels what is normally offered for the '25-S, being lustrous under a uniform array of faint orange gold to bright gold patina. We note a touch of softness on the lower stars on the obverse, but surface marks are minimal for the assigned grade while the overall aesthetic appeal is far up the scale. Pop 68; 24 finer. (PCGS # 9182) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1839		1925-S $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. Nice golden toning. The 1925-S is one of the key dates in the Saint-Gaudens series, and one of the few mintmarked issues from this decade that circulated to any extent. Most specimens that are offered are in Extremely Fine or About Uncirculated condition with, dare we say, submarginal quality. Uncirculated coins are quite elusive. In MS 63, those in the now rate this issue as among the most difficult to obtain. This is a nicely struck example that has warm toned satin-like luster and shows minimal hairlines and a pleasing lack of abrasions for the grade. A pleasing Choice BU specimen, in other words, something to heighten the interest of the connoisseur. Pop 72; 23 finer (PCGS # 9182) . Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1840		1926 $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-64. Nice and frosty, lightly toned (PCGS # 9183) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $978
Lot 1841		1926-D $20 St. Gaudens. PCGS graded MS-63. A solid coin for the grade. Rich, sunny, fill-your-lungs kind of golden-orange mint bloom color. And very choice, both sides exhibit only a few scattered blemishes including several on the blouse, one or two on Liberty's thigh, and a small mark in the field above the outstretched arm. All are consistent with the choice MS63 grade, of course. Collectors of rare date Saint-Gaudens $20 gold seeing the photos understand this coin is nicely struck for the a Denver Mint issue, best of all entirely so. Certainly a coin that gets proper mention where completeness of design is almost a must. And the kind of quality collectors keep an eye on for upward trends in the marketplace. Pop 35; 23 finer, 16 in 64, 5 in 65, 2 in 66 (PCGS # 9184) . Historic note: In the range of dates of the 1920s, the production figure for the 1926-D was on the low side, just 481,000 pieces. As seems likely, a few were distributed, perhaps 1,000 or so; the others were stored in bank vaults. Today, the population is believed to lie in the range of 300 to 450 pieces, making it a rarity. Until a few years ago, only a handful were known, and much ink was spilled in extolling the fame of the 1926-D, which retains this illustrious cache. Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $35,650

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