Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 47

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

The Bailey Collection of Mexico

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2868		Mexico. Order of Guadeloupe. Grand Cross Breast Star by Rothe. Gilt silver & enamels, 95mm high x 86mm wide, pinback. Werlich-914, Grove O-17 & 23. On reverse the affixed maker plate reads "Rothe Joyero De S.M. El Emp. De Austria Y Del Shah De Persia Viena Kohlmarkt N. 7"; also marked "C.F. Rothe" and "Wien" on the pin. There is old repair and overglaze on the cross arms and also the green oval circlet. In the center, the figure of Our Lady of Guadeloupe is gold without enamel and the upper right quarter of the gold wreath is lacking, otherwise Very Fine and Very Rare. Named in honor of Our Lady of Guadeloupe, the Patron Saint of Mexico, the Order of Guadeloupe was originally established by Emperor Augustin Iturbide in 1822, with slightly differing design details, this first version becoming obsolete upon the fall of his empire in early 1823. Santa Ana re-established the order in 1853 but it once again became defunct with the fall of his government in 1855. It was re-established for the final time on July 1, 1863 by Emperor Maximilian I, as an award to both Mexicans and foreigners for military merit, a civil division being added in 1865. Insignia exist in five classes and a collar. Though only lasting for about four years, its third incarnation was the longest in the order's history. The order fell into its final obsolescence with the execution of Emperor Maximilian I by firing squad on June 19, 1867. In addition to the important historical aspects, the insignia of the order are considered to be among the most beautiful of all the world's orders and are in constant demand by many who are attracted to this numismatic specialty. The various classes are scarce to very rare, the Grand Cross grade being limited to no more than 30 active members at any one time. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $3,795
Lot 2869		Mexico. Order of Guadeloupe. Commander Neck Badge. Civil Division, in gilt silver & enamels, 81mm x 51mm, excluding cravat loop. Werlich-913, Grove O-25. An exceptional specimen of high quality manufacture with a superbly modeled crowned eagle suspension. A few tiny enamel chips are mentioned for accuracy, but do not seriously detract from the great beauty of this very handsome specimen. Choice Extremely Fine and very rare this nice. Estimated Value $2,750 - 3,250. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,335
Lot 2870		Mexico. Order of Guadeloupe. Officer Badge in Gold. Civil Division, gold and enamels, 62mm x 37mm. Design as Werlich-913 and Grove O-26. Superb quality manufacture by expert craftsmen, including a beautifully hand painted enameled rendition of the Virgin within the central oval medallion. We note a tiny test area on the right reverse eagle wing tip, otherwise Choice Nearly Mint State. Mounted on an old narrow width watered silk ribbon with rosette. Very Rare in gold and especially this nice. Estimated Value $2,250 - 2,750. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,600
Lot 2871		Mexico. Order of Guadeloupe. Knight Breast Badge. Civil Division, gilt silver and enamels. Design as Werlich-913, Grove O-26. Excellent hand painting of the center oval. A few very tiny and unobtrusive enamel nicks, otherwise nicely toned Choice Extremely Fine and quite scarce in this superior condition. Mounted on a correct old silk ribbon. Estimated Value $900 - 1,200. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,725
Lot 2872		Mexico. Order of Guadeloupe. Knight Breast Badge. Civil Division, gilt silver and enamels. Design as Werlich-913, Grove O-26. A few small enamel chips, mostly at the extremities of the star points, and on reverse, the left 60% of the green enamel within the oval circlet is missing. The important center obverse design in excellent condition. Very Fine, mounted on a correct old silk ribbon. Scarce. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 2873		Mexico. Maximilian Empire. Order of the Mexican Eagle. Established by Emperor Maximilian I on 1 January 1865 in six classes to award exceptional military or civil merit, becoming obsolete upon his death by execution on 19 June 1867. Neck Badge of a Commander in gilt silver and enamels. Werlich-911, Grove O-32. Excellent 19th century quality manufacture with a finely sculpted eagle overlaid with light antique toning. A few tiny chips hardly detract from the beauty of this very handsome specimen. Mounted on a full cravat with ties, this modern, and nicely framed for display. Choice Extremely Fine and Extremely Rare. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $6,613
Lot 2874		Mexico. Maximilian Empire. Order of the Mexican Eagle. Established by Emperor Maximilian I on 1 January 1865 in six classes to award exceptional military or civil merit, becoming obsolete upon his death by execution on 19 June 1867. Neck Badge of a Commander in gilt silver and enamels. Werlich-911, Grove O-32. Excellent 19th century quality manufacture. Few tiny enamel chips and without ribbon, otherwise Extremely Fine and Extremely Rare. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,290
Lot 2875		Mexico. Maximilian Empire. Order of the Mexican Eagle. Established by Emperor Maximilian I on 1 January 1865 in six classes to award exceptional military or civil merit, becoming obsolete upon his death by execution on 19 June 1867. Badge of a Knight in silver and enamels. Werlich-911, Grove O-33a. Excellent vintage quality manufacture, mounted on an old watered silk ribbon. Few tiny enamel chips otherwise, handsomely toned Extremely Fine and Very Rare. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,200. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,645
Lot 2876		Mexico. Maximilian Empire. Order of the Mexican Eagle. A stage copy of a pinback breast star of the order, in silver and gold colored metal with red and green painted details, 92mm x 88mm. As Grove O-31, Extremely Fine, mounted on a small wood panel for hanging or display. Purportedly worn by actor Brian Aherne, who played Maximilian in the 1929 movie "Juarez". Also included is a black/white 8x10 photo (possible reprint) of Mr. Aherne in the costume of Maximilian for the movie. Total of 2 pcs. Estimated Value $500 - 600. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $460
Lot 2877		Mexico. Order of San Carlos, First Class. Established April 10, 1865 as an award for ladies' charitable acts or merit. Werlich-915, Grove O-36, Vernon-8. First Class badge in silver and enamels on bow suspension. Nicely mounted and framed for display, with a round reproduction color photo of Empress Carlotta. Choice Extremely Fine or better and Rare. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,415
Lot 2878		Mexico. Order of San Carlos, Second Class. Established April 10, 1865 as an award for ladies' charitable acts or merit. Werlich-915, Grove O-37, Vernon-8. Second Class badge in silver and enamels on bow suspension. Nicely mounted and framed for display, with a reproduction color photo of Empress Carlotta in long gown. Choice Extremely Fine or better and Rare. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,495
Lot 2879		Mexico. Maximilian Empire. Civil Merit Medal in Silver. 32.3mm, type by Navalon with a high relief bust of Maximilian, signed at lower reverse. Grove D-252a, Vernon-14. Nicely toned Extremely Fine on a newer red ribbon. Scarce. Estimated Value $450 - 550. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 2880		Mexico. Maximilian Empire. Civil Merit Medal in Silver. 34.2mm, unsigned with a ball suspension, having a high relief bust of Maximilian, likely of late 19th century French manufacture. Vernon-14, and of very similar style to Grove D-271a, though with "Merito Civil" reverse. About Extremely Fine on a new color variant ribbon, scarce. Estimated Value $350 - 450. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $414
Lot 2881		Mexico. Original Maximilian Autographed Medal Award Document. An award document for the Maximilian Civil Merit Medal bestowed upon Don Santiago Landwehos on October 4, 1863 for merit in the Arts of Sombredena. With blind chancery stamp and original hand signature of Maximilian at bottom. Folded and worn with chipping and paper loss at the top and bottom edges, none of which affect the signature. A Very Rare signature especially on an award document of the period. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 2882		Mexico. Maximilian Empire. Military Merit Medal in Silver. 32.3mm with a high relief bust of Maximilian. Grove D-267a, Vernon-11, signed Navalon at lower reverse. Nicely toned About Extremely Fine and scarce. On a new red watered silk ribbon. Estimated Value $500 - 600. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $460
Lot 2883		Mexico. Maximilian Empire. Military Merit Medal in Silver. 32.3mm. Similar to Grove D-267a, Vernon-11, with indistinct remnants of signature at lower reverse. On an older red tri-fold ribbon. Toned About Very Fine and scarce. Estimated Value $350 - 450. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $334
Lot 2884		Mexico. Maximilian Empire. Military Merit Medal in Bronze. 32.5mm. Grove D-267b, Vernon-11, signed Navalon at lower reverse. Mounted on an old green, white and red watered silk ribbon, mentioned as correct by Grove for the bronze medals. Very Fine and scarce. Estimated Value $300 - 400. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $288
Lot 2885		Mexico. France, Medal for the Mexican Campaign. Silver, 31mm, type signed by Barre. Grove D-290a, Vernon-265. Choice near Mint State with attractive old toning, and mounted on the rare original embroidered ribbon (double eagle) in excellent condition. Estimated Value $300 - 400. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $368
Lot 2886		Mexico. France, Medal for the Mexican Campaign. Silver, 31mm, type signed by Barre. Grove D-290a, Vernon-265. Toned Very Fine, mounted on an old embroidered ribbon (single eagle) in excellent condition. Estimated Value $250 - 300. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $300
Lot 2887		Mexico. 1860s Mexican Intervention Attributed French General's Order of Guadeloupe and Legion of Honor Medal Group. A two piece group awarded to French General Decaen, consisting of an Officer's Badge of the Order of Guadeloupe in silver and enamels with rosette on the ribbon, along with a Second Empire Legion of Honor Breast Badge in gold, silver and enamels, mounted and framed together with their presentation cases of issue and a gilt crowned eagle badge, possibly from a helmet of the period, all these over a map of Mexico. We have not removed the items from the frame, but close visual inspection reveals a Guadeloupe in Extremely Fine condition with excellent enamels, and an LOH with minor chipping of the star points as common with these issues, otherwise Very Fine. The cases having gold imprinted tops, the Guadeloupe excellent though faded and the LOH box with some top damage, and the gilt badge EF. From a Paris Drouot Rive Gauche auction of June 1978. Rare. Total of 5 pcs. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,200. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $3,105
Lot 2888		Mexico. France, Miniature Medal for the Mexican Campaign. Silver, 11.2mm. Similar to the full size medal but without designer's name. Grove D-310am. Mounted on the rare original ribbon with double embroidered eagle. Choice near Mint State with lovely old tone. Rare as a miniature, especially this nice. Estimated Value $250 - 300. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $345
Lot 2889		Mexico. Original Maximilian Era Button, also French Foreign Legion Battle of Camerone Medal. 1) An original button, vintage mid-1860s, as worn on a military or imperial court tunic, in gilt bronze with the crowned double M cypher of Maximilian. Attachment loop on reverse with maker name "Superieur France". Choice nearly Mint State and very rare. 2) Undated pinback medallion in silver colored metal, 50.5mm, likely made in 1963 for the 100th anniversary of the famous French Foreign Battle of Camerone on April 30, 1863, when 65 French Legionnaires under the command of Captain Danjou, charged with the protection of French convoys, held off an attacking Mexican force of cavalry and infantry numbering 2000 men. The Legionnaires fought for 11 hours, until only three were left standing, most having been killed, with some others alive but seriously wounded. As these three stood back to back, totally surrounded and about to be slain by bayonet weilding Mexican soldiers, a Mexican officer, Col. Cambas asked for their surrender. The three agreed if they could care for their wounded and keep their weapons. Cambas replied "One refuses nothing to such men as you." Estimates of the Mexican dead were 300 to 400, and the battle has become legendary and among the most important and evocative in all of Legionnary and French military history. Choice lightly toned EF-AU and the first we have seen. Total of 2 pcs. Estimated Value $400 - 500. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $414
Lot 2890		Mexico. Northern Frontier Defense Medal. Bronze, 25.3mm. Grove D-141b, wherein that author calls this a trial strike. As gold and silver strikes are known, it is also possible that these medals conform to a system whereby gold medals were reserved for general or other high ranking officers, silver medals for lower ranking officers and bronze for enlisted men. This specimen has been holed at the top, possibly for suspension and wear by a recipient, if indeed the bronze strikes were awarded to other ranks. The fields tooled, otherwise near VF and scarce. Estimated Value $400 - 500. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $460
Lot 2891		Mexico. 1867 Benito Juarez Medal. Bronze, 33.3mm, with integral loop as made. Commemorates Juarez as Savior of His Country. Head left, signed T. De La Pena at truncation; rev. legend in wreath. Grove P-231b. Few tiny verigris spots, with considerable mint red, especially on reverse. Scarce. Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated. Estimated Value $125 - 175. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2892		Mexico. Important 1867 Maximilian Memorial Medal in Silver. Signed A. Kleeburg below the bust, 41mm, as Grove-139b (white metal) but this specimen in silver. High relief head of Maximilian right, legend around, rev: seated angel with trumpet guards monument with Maximilian arms, terminal dates above and below. Mixed brilliant and matte Proof finish; Choice near Mint State with lovely old lilac and blue iridescent toning. Rare this nice and especially so in silver. About Uncirculated. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,380
Lot 2893		Mexico. Rare Maximilian Peso Box Medal. An intricately constructed box medal made from one or more Maximilian pesos, the reverse of this one dated 1866 Mo. Opening from the back, the reverse is hinged, moving upward and forward to reveal a circular area for a photo, lock of hair, etc. Marvelous 19th century workmanship, difficult to reproduce today. Very rare. Ex-Lois Bailey Collection. Very Fine to Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2894		Mexico. Maximilian Empire 1864 Bond framed with coins. English language. Decree of 10-11 April 1864, 6% Public Foreign Debt Bond in the amount of 16 Pounds 13 Shillings 4 Pence, Series A No. 125,408. Black on light gold underprint, 5.5" x 13.5", in excellent condition, handsomely framed with two Maximilian Pesos, showing obverse and reverse, both nicely toned Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $600 - 800. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $604
Lot 2895		Mexico. Maximilian Empire 1864 Bond framed with coins. English language. Decree of 10-11 April 1864, 6% Public Foreign Debt Bond in the amount of 500 Pounds, Series F No. 698. Black on light blue underprint, 5" x 15", with six coupons attached. Excellent condition, handsomely framed with two Maximilian Pesos, showing obverse and reverse, both Very Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 600. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $414
Lot 2896		Mexico. Maximilian Empire 1864 Bond framed with coins. English language. Decree of 10-11 April 1864, 6% Public Foreign Debt Bond in the amount of 420 Francs, Series A No. 159,941. Black on light green underprint, 9" x 14", handsomely framed with two Maximilian 50 Centavos, showing obverse and reverse. Bond with small centerfold split otherwise nice Very Fine, the two coins both nicely toned Very Fine. Estimated Value $400 - 600. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $460
Lot 2897		Mexico. Maximilian Empire 1864 Large Framed Bond. English language. Decree of 10 April 1864, 3% Interest Consolidation Bond in the amount of 100 Pounds Sterling, Series G No. 60,137. Black on pale green underprint, 10.5" x 17", in excellent condition, handsomely framed to allow viewing of front and back, the latter displaying a large coat-of-arms of the Maximilian Empire. A rare and very attractive bond. Estimated Value $400 - 600. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $504
Lot 2898		Mexico. Maximilian Empire 1865 Bond framed with coins. French language. Decree of 4 April 1865, Public Foreign Debt Bond in the amount of 500 Francs, Second Series No. 409,393. Black on pink underprint, 5.25" x 10.25", handsomely framed with two Maximilian Pesos, showing obverse and reverse, one Choice EF and the other VF-EF, both nicely toned. The bond with a tear at lower left, otherwise near EF. Estimated Value $500 - 600. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $546
Lot 2899		Mexico. Maximilian Empire 1865 Bond framed with Peso. Spanish language. Decree of 1 April 1865, Public Foreign Debt Bond in the amount of 500 Francs, Second Series, No. 261,316. Black on light blue-green underprint, 5" x 15", in excellent condition, nicely framed with a Maximilian Peso, showing the obverse, this About VF, cleaned. Estimated Value $350 - 450. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 2900		Mexico. Maximilian Empire 1865 Bond framed with coins. Spanish language. Decree of 4 April 1865, Public Foreign Debt Bond in the amount of 500 Francs, First Series, No. 410,566. Black on light blue-green underprint, 5.25" x 10.25", in excellent condition and handsomely framed with two Maximilian Pesos, showing the obverse and reverse, both Choice VF-EF and nicely toned. Estimated Value $400 - 600. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $483
Lot 2901		Mexico. Maximilian Empire 1865 Bond framed with coins. Spanish language. Decree of 1 April 1865, Public Foreign Debt Bond in the amount of 500 Francs, Second Series, No. 409,392. Black on salmon pink underprint, 5" x 15", framed with two Maximilian Pesos, showing the obverse and reverse, Fine and Very Fine, cleaned. Taped repair to a tear, this unobtrusive, otherwise nice Very Fine. Estimated Value $350 - 450. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $604
Lot 2902		Mexico. Pancho Villa's Wallet and Memorabilia Archive. A group of Pancho Villa related items purportedly acquired from his widow, Luz Corral Vda. De Villa, who subsisted by operating a Pancho Villa Museum and selling Villa related artifacts. The lot consists of: 1) A hand tooled decorated wallet with "F. Villa" carved into the top cover, this with 4 pockets containing 30 Chihuahua banknotes of various denominations and condition. 2) A book, "Pancho Villa En La Intimidad" by his wife Luz Corral Vda. De Villa, published Mexico, 1948, 277 pages, illustrated, with card covers rebound in leather. 3) An original photographic printing plate of the photo on page 209 of the aforementined volume showing Villa with government enginneers and commissioners. 4-5) Two fiscal documents related to Luz, one a 1930 invoice for a used Chevrolet and a 1926 telephone receipt. 6) A signed 1923 statement regarding the exhumation of Villa's remains and reburial at the Monument to the Revolution in Mexico City. 7-9) Three identical color copies of a photograph of Villa's wife Luz in 1932. Total 9 pcs. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 2903		Mexico. Order of the Aztec Eagle Grand Cross Set. Established 1933 as an award to distinguished foreigners. Werlich-906, 907. Grove O-41,42, Vernon-17,18. A set of mid-20th century vintage, consisting of the Grand Cross Badge and Star in gilt silver and light blue enamel, the badge on a golden orange sash of aprox. 100mm width. We note a small enamel chip under the eagle's tail on the star, otherwise near Mint State with attractive iridescent toning. Handsomely mounted and framed for display and ready for hanging. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,110
Lot 2904		Mexico. Book. Condecoraciones Mexicanas Y Su Historia. By Carlos Perez-Maldonado, published Monterrey, 1942. 212 pages, black & white illustrations, card covers with first type Order of Guadeloupe in color on front. Minor chipping and fading to front cover, else Very Good condition and a very scarce reference on the subject. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $311
Lot 2905		Mexico. Book. Medallas De Mexico. By Carlos Perez-Maldonado, published Monterrey, 1945. 484 pages, black & white illustrations. Card covers chipped and faded. A scarce and informative reference on Mexican medals. Estimated Value $125 - 175. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $173
Lot 2906		Mexico. Book. Bound Copy of Don Bailey's Maximilian Era Auctions. The April 27, 1975 and October 13, 1979 auction catalogs from Don Bailey offering Maximilian Era coins, medals, paper items, books and related memorabilia, these leather bound into one volume. Both extensively illustrated with prices realized. A scarce and invaluable research resource on this ever popular subject. Very Good condition. Estimated Value $75 - 125. Don Bailey Collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $604