Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 7

Coin and Currency Auction

Commemorative Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1354		A PHENOMENAL PANAMA PACIFIC SET OFFERED INDIVIDUALLY. NGC graded MS-66. This coin is tied for the finest graded by either service, with only 8 so graded by NGC, with none graded higher than MS-65 by PCGS. In the Goldberg's experience, it is by far the finest round $50 they have ever seen, and expect it to realize a record price for the issue. Full luster on both sides, and nearly free of contact marks, which is nothing short of amazing on a coin of this size. Furthermore, these were sold to attendees of the Panama Pacific Exposition in 1915, not to preservation crazed numismatists that would keep such a purchase and carefully preserve it. Hence very few are known in high grade, and to even locate a gem may take years, if another can be found. Only 483 were sold of the Round $50, most of which were mishandled. The strike is full and complete, with Athena sharp, and her helmet a picture of military dress. On the reverse, the proud owl stands tall on its pine branch, surrounded by a number of pine cones. We can not imagine a finer example. The Panama Pacific coins are some of the most beautiful and important commemorative issues ever struck. The Panama Canal had just opened on August 15, 1914, which was, of course, an engineering marvel. At last ships no longer had to make the treacherous voyage around the tip of South America, known for violent storms which claimed a great many ships over the centuries. In order to avoid the dangerous southern route, a train was available in Panama for ships to off-load their cargo on from the Pacific side, then the train would carry the cargo the distance over the mountains to the Atlantic side, where the cargo would be reloaded onto a waiting ship to complete its journey. Naturally, this was a long and hazardous process, handling cargo multiple times and exposing it to foul weather sometimes waiting for the other ship to complete the voyage. Once the Panama Canal was opened, ships no longer had to be unloaded and reloaded, coordinating the ships in two oceans was no longer needed. Navies no longer needed as many ships, and shipping prices for commodities plunged. The obverse displays Athena, in her Athenian helmet, while the reverse shows an owl sitting on a pine branch. Only 483 were sold of the round $50, the balance struck were melted. This $50 Round is the first coin offered from this phenomenal Panama Pacific Set. Immediately following in the next lot is the $50 Octagonal, then the $2.50 gold, next the $1.00 gold, followed by the half dollar and last but not least the original Copper frame which held these coins for the last 85 years. We stress that this is certainly the finest overall set we have ever seen, and with the $50 Round tied for the finest graded, it is probably one of the finest original sets in existence. We hope that an astute numismatist will purchase all the lots offered to keep this magnificent set intact, including the copper frame. Estimated Value $100,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $109,250
Lot 1355		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. NGC graded MS-64. An exceptional coin for the grade, this one came to us from an estate that was put away in the early 1970s. At that time, the collector found and purchased a superb original set of these Panama Pacific coins in the original copper frame. They have only been submitted to the services once. We note the usual swirl lines from die polishing in the fields, and the surfaces are well preserved. Full luster throughout, and this is certainly one of the better examples of the Octagonal $50 we have seen. NGC notes in their Population Report that 109 have been so graded, with just 17 graded higher. Light golden toning on both sides, and one that any collector will long cherish. Estimated Value $35,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $40,250
Lot 1356		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $2.50. NGC graded MS-66. Here is an outstanding quarter eagle from an original set that has been off the market for decades. Its only been to the grading service once. If you demand a mint-fresh stunning gem than take a look at this piece. The surfaces are pristine, without the usual contact marks or hidden cleaning lines, nothing but original radiant luster over near-perfect fields. We turn to the PCGS Population Report and note that it shows just 236 so graded, with only 10 coins graded higher. Certainly at the high end of its grading category, this piece will find a ready home from any collector willing to pay the price to secure it. Don't wait for a better one, they probably don't exist. Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,188
Lot 1357		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. One of the freshest of this issue to cross our desk in over a decade. The surfaces are so fresh, so well preserved, we could scarcely imagine a more perfect example. This coin was purchased over 30 years ago and held in the original copper frame, along with the other pieces of a complete gold set. Needless to say, this coin was only submitted once to PCGS, just before this sale. Although the Population Report shows 364 graded this high, we note that only 37 have been graded higher, all MS-67. Certainly one of the top survivors of the issue, and one of the most popular Commemortive coins struck for collectors. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,520
Lot 1358		1915 Panama-Pacific Half Dollar. MS-64. A coin that will delight the specialist, this is from an original set which has been held off the market for many years. The obverse has a delicate ring of toning at the periphery, while the reverse is darkly toned from the original copper frame. Examination will find that the surfaces are truly free of all but the most minute contact marks, and the strike is sharp. Seldom found without problems, this old time collection contained many treasures, such as this piece, which are just waiting to be sent to the grading services. One for the specialist who demands original coins. Estimated Value $600 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,668
Lot 1359		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $50 Octagonal. Grade on the Panama-Pacific Frame: Extremely Fine. The is the frame only, no coins are included with this lot. The original frames are extremely popular with collectors who often reassemble a set of these beautiful Commemorative coins. This particular frame retains the dark purple velvet coin holders and original paper inserts describing the coins. The ribbon above is bright and fresh too. As to the copper frame, it is in good condition and has been carefully preserved. A single set of coins would fill this frame (its not one of the rare double sets) and that would make an excellent display of some of this countries most important commemorative issues. Estimated Value $2,500-UP. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $3,279
Lot 1360		1922 Grant Gold Dollar, no star. PCGS graded MS-66. No problems here, no cleaning lines or other detriments, not even the usual handling marks tucked away on some device. Full frosty luster and boldly struck on both sides. One of the nicest Grant No Stars to cross our hands in some time, and a coin that would certainly be the highlight of any Commemorative gold collection. PCGS notes in their Population Report that 232 have been graded this high, with just 73 graded higher. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,830
Lot 1361		1903 Louisiana Purchase-McKinley Gold Dollar. AU-58. Probably cleaned, as the surfaces show some moderate hairlines. Estimated Value $225 - 275. View details	Realized $276
Lot 1362		1916 McKinley Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. A superb coin that boasts coppery luster on both sides and pristine surfaces. The strike is full, with sharp details on McKinley's head and on his memorial on the reverse. PCGS says in their Population Report that 276 have been so graded, with just 28 graded higher, making this one of the very best of the meager mintage of 9,977. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,400. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $4,313
Lot 1363		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned with coppery gold on both sides. The design elements are all well struck, and we can scarcely see a tick mark or anything else untoward on this coin, despite a rather moderate grade. Perfect for the collector who needs this grade. Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details	Realized $1,495
Lot 1364		1915-S Panama-Pacific Gold $2.50. NGC graded MS-65. A splendid gem example of the Panama-Pacific quarter eagle. The surfaces are mint fresh and abound with luster, and the strike is sharp throughout. Unlike later commemorative issues, these early pieces were generally sold to the non-collecting public at large, and today gems are scarce. This one was obviously carefully preserved from the time of issue. Always popular with numismatists, the unusual design motifs captured the era of expansion and increased trade while relying on ancient Greek and Roman traditions. Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $5,520
Lot 1365		LOVELY $50 GOLD OCTAGONAL. PCGS graded MS-61. Bright and lustrous, this prestigious coin boasts clean surfaces and excellent rims (which is important, as many of these heavy coins were dropped, and now show rim bruises or similar problems). A glass notes some light hairlines, perhaps this coin was cleaned and judiciously examined on a velvet tray during its past. These lines are common, and are seen on virtually all gold coins, and probably account for the moderate grade given by PCGS. As seen only on the octagonal pieces, 8 dolphins surround Athena on the obverse, and the owl on the reverse, one at each corner. Dolphins are the friendly companions of boats as they travel the oceans. Of course, the Panama Canal had been a project that many people attempted, but could not be completed before the devastating disease malaria was brought under control. The prior attempt in the 1850s to complete the Canal was ended after too many workers perished to the ravages of this dread disease. At last, modern medicine prevailed and the Canal was completed. Prior to this time, a ship had to sail clear around South America to get to the Atlantic from the Pacific Ocean, a delay of time, and a perilous journey to boot. It became standard practice to send a boat from the West Coast to Panama, offload the boat there, mule or train the cargo over the narrow ship of land there, reload another boat on the Atlantic side, which could then deliver the goods to the East Coast. With the Panama Canal completed, now boats didn't have to be unloaded, navies of various countries could reduce the number of ships needed as the could speed between the oceans as needed in a fraction of the time protecting both coast lines of the Americas, and shipping prices no doubt fell dramatically, as speed and ease of shipping were greatly increased. Here is one of the coins struck to commemorate this great event in our history, this magnificent $50 octagonal gold piece. The historical significance of this coin can scarcely be over rated. One of just 645 produced for the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, which commemorated the opening of the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914. Most of these coins were sold to the general public, hence a great majority have been mishandled and are rarely found choice. The obverse design shows Athena, in Athenian helmet with a Roman date (MCMXV) on shield, the reverse design employs Athena's owl (wisdom) atop a large pine branch. One of the most popular commemorative coins from its date of issue, this octagonal $50 has always found feverish demand from collectors. Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $25,300
Lot 1366		1926 Sesquicentennial Gold $2.50. PCGS graded MS-65. Check out this little gem! A couple of stacking marks from perfection, and only a couple of stray contact marks. Only 46 coins have been graded higher by PCGS, with 547 in this category. Satiny luster throughout, and an extremely difficult coin to locate in full gem. It is curious to note that some coins are frequently found in gem condition, while others are extremely difficult to locate. Naturally, many factors are involved, and in particular with the coin here, please note that the devices are generally shallow relief, and the surrounding fields are large and open. Hence, bagmarks get attracted to these open areas like bugs to a headlight. Furthermore, these Sesquicentennials were sold in 1926, long before many collectors were around to preserve them. Most were handled at the Fair along with trinkets, cotten candy and hot dogs, further diminishing the gem population. To find one with such flashy luster is a treat, and to find one graded higher than choice is an accomplishment. Estimated Value $2,400 - 2,600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,075
Lot 1367		1926 Sesquicentennial Gold $2.50. PCGS graded MS-64. Frosty luster on both sides, and only a couple of very light handling marks. This coin has the appearance and surfaces of a gem, but at a fraction of the cost. Sesquicentennial $2.50 are very difficult to locate in full gem condition, as noted before. An opportunity to purchase an excellent example if the prior lot brings too strong of price. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $920
Lot 1368		1926 Sesquicentennial Gold $2.50. PCGS graded MS-64. Tough to find so nice, and seldom seen even a grade better. Flashy luster and well preserved. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details	Realized $834
Lot 1369		1926 Sesquicentennial Gold $2.50. NGC graded MS-64. Well struck and untoned. A blazer for the collector who needs a near gem of this quarter eagle. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details	Realized $690
Lot 1370		1926 Sesquicentennial Gold $2.50. PCGS graded MS-62. One dark spot on the flame of the torch, maybe Liberty left it burning one night? Nice luster and color otherwise. Estimated Value $225 - 250. View details	Realized $265
Lot 1371		1926 Sesquicentennial Gold $2.50. MS-60. A few handling marks scattered on both sides, but still very choice. Estimated Value $200 - 230. View details	Realized $230