Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 7

Coin and Currency Auction

Three Cent Pieces

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1481		1875 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Rose to gold toning on both sides. Struck from rusted and lapped dies, with the left ribbon end showing an area of rust nearby as seen on the other specimen offered in this sale. Two were struck in pure nickel as an experiment for Joseph Wharton, the nickel mine owner who supplied the Philadelphia Mint, and these remain unlocated. However, they are awaiting discovery, the best test is to check all 1875 three cent nickels, if the coin is magnetic, its one of the two struck in pure nickel, otherwise, its just a regular copper-nickel alloy, as usually seen (Breen). Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details	Realized $1,150
Lot 1482		1875 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. This coin is boldy struck, but the planchet has some minor flakes in the fields. Hazy toning on the devices, and about as nice as this date is ever found, with just 55 so graded by NGC, and 2 graded higher. Mintage dropped to 700 pieces this year, as the economy struggled back to its feet from the depths of the 1873 depression. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,300. View details	Realized $1,093
Lot 1483		1876 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 66. Outstanding quality here, and one of the best of 1,150 struck in proof. Untoned and very frosty, the Mint worked hard to keep quality at the highest ever for this centennial year. Faint flyspecks noted in the fields, but they are mere shadows. One of just 10 so graded by PCGS, with none graded higher. Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details	Realized $1,093
Lot 1484		1876 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. One of the scarce dates in full gem proof condition, a recent PCGS Population Report notes only 72 so graded, with but 10 graded higher. Bold contrast on the obverse, a bit less on the reverse. Untoned, with a couple of stray hairlines noted in the fields. Estimated Value $775 - 850. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $748
Lot 1485		1876 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Deeply frosted devices are further enhanced by the sunset yellow toning around the periphery. Probably within the top ten percent of the date, and certain to please the gem proof collector. Free of flyspecks or other detractions. Estimated Value $775 - 850. View details	Realized $748
Lot 1486		1876 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Especially white and flashy, but this one has a peppering of minute dark specks. The Mint really worked hard in 1876 to produce the finest looking Proofs to celebrate the 100th annivesary of the county. Here is one of the best to survive, with just 82 graded this high, and 23 graded higher by NGC. Estimated Value $775 - 850. View details	Realized $719
Lot 1487		1877 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 66. Rare and always in demand, this proof only date is normally collected as part of the date set, keeping pressure on the price of these proofs. This is one of the finest to survive, with only 55 so graded by PCGS, and 5 pieces graded higher. Furthermore, this may be one of the 1877/6 overdates, as there is something near the left base of the last 7 in the date. Coppery wood grain toning is starting to form on both sides. A piece for the connoisseur. Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,875
Lot 1488		1877 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 66. A splendid gem example of this proof only date, with a meager mintage of 510 coins. Frosty devices and excellent mirroring keep this one at the head of its grade category, and the surfaces are problem free. Light hazy toning on both sides, with a few very microscopic specks to show its age. One of 69 so graded by NGC, with just 7 graded higher. This one also appears to be the overdate, so examination recommended. Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 1489		1877 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 66. One of the key dates to this series, only 500 were struck, and none were issued for circulation. Hence, demand by date collectors of the series must include a Proof example for the set to be complete. NGC has graded only 78 this high, with just 8 coins graded higher. Similar at PCGS, where they report 55 so graded, with 5 graded higher. While not the absolute finest known, this one is obviously in the top twenty percent of those known, probably much higher. This coin shows the 6 overdate under the last 7 in the date, and is free of spots or other problems. Lightly toned with gold hues on the obverse, and less so on the reverse. Flashy and desirable in every way. Don't expect to find a better coin of this date. Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,415
Lot 1490		1877 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. The key date to the three cent nickel series, with a meager reported mintage of 510 pieces. As noted in the Breen Encyclopedia, most of these were struck from lapped dies, which means the reverse leaves show less definition. Not so here, this is one of the early strikes with bold devices throughout. In fact, there is a hint of the 7/6 overdate seen with a glass. Frosty devices and well preserved, today with light tawny toning on both sides. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,750. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,840
Lot 1491		1878 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Orders for proof coins rose dramatically in 1878, and the mintage increased to 2,350 pieces for this denomination. However, no business strikes were produced, keeping demand high from the numerous date collectors that need an example for their date sets. Faint gold toning on both sides, sharply impressed and free of problems or spots. The last 8 in the date is filled, so this must be a fairly early proof strike, as the 8 is later less filled as the dies were lapped and repolished. Gems are sought-after and we expect strong bidding on a coin this nice. Estimated Value $565 - 600. View details	Realized $541
Lot 1492		1878 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Only 2,350 minted in Proof, no business strikes were made as the United States economy continued in a brief recession during 1878. All mints were focused on churning out millions of the new Morgan silver dollars, and hence little attention was given to coining other denominations. Sparkling mirror fields and frosty devices throughout, with a whisper of tan color starting on the lower obverse. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $633
Lot 1493		1878 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. A true gem for the connoisseur, this one has light bluish toning and deeply frosted devices. Examination with a glass notes microscopic flecks, but the surfaces are undiminished. Only 2,350 struck in proof. One of 242 so graded, with 84 higher. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details	Realized $633
Lot 1494		1878 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Another gem, this one with yellow-gold toning on the obverse, and a bit of hazy nickel color on the reverse. Boldly struck and well preserved. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details	Realized $541
Lot 1495		1879 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Frosty devices and well struck. A splendid gem coin. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $431
Lot 1496		1879 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. A flashy gem that boasts a mintage of 3,200, untoned and problem free. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $414
Lot 1497		1879 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Tawny nickel toning throughout, with a single minute spot on Liberty's forecurl. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $437
Lot 1498		1879 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Hazy toning on both sides, and well struck. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $414
Lot 1499		1880 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 66. Bright and untoned, this lovely example boasts frosty well struck devices and problem free fields. Only 23 graded higher by NGC, so don't wait for a better one. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details	Realized $552
Lot 1500		1880 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. A frosty, untoned gem. Estimated Value $440 - 480. View details	Realized $454
Lot 1501		1880 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Struck from lapped dies, with the lower ribbon in tatters as the dies were ground away. Nicely preserved and a perfect gem for the date collector. Estimated Value $440 - 480. View details	Realized $443
Lot 1502		1880 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. A flashy white gem that is well struck and very pleasing. Struck from a heavily lapped reverse die, with most of the ribbon missing. Proof mintage blossomed up to 3,955 this year, and this is one of the better coins to survive. Estimated Value $440 - 480. View details	Realized $414
Lot 1503		1881 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 66. Blazing white on the obverse, with just a hint of toning on the upper reverse rim. The last 1 in the date looks repunched, and the 8s may be filled. About as fresh as the day it was made. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details	Realized $2,070
Lot 1504		1881 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 66. Lightly toned with the familiar wood grain appearance. More satiny in appearance, as the Mint ground out just 3,575 in proof this year, this amongst the better to survive. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details	Realized $656
Lot 1505		1881 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. A hint of golden toning starting to form, otherwise fresh and as struck. Estimated Value $440 - 480. View details	Realized $454
Lot 1506		1881 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Superb surfaces, light blue toning and perfectly preserved. We note the dies were in excellent shape when this one was coined, unlike many seen where the dies show lapping or excessive frosting. Estimated Value $440 - 480. View details	Realized $444
Lot 1507		1881 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Lightly toned on both sides with hazy nickel colors. A glass will note some very minute spots on the obverse, and a few more on the reverse. A gem by any standards. Estimated Value $440 - 480. View details	Realized $391
Lot 1508		1882 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 66. A satiny proof that shows very little signs of toning. There is a small disturbance in the lower left obverse field, possibly mint made, and a speck at the base of ES of STATES. Well struck by the dies, with full separation on the denomination bands on the reverse, and even a small die crack from the left rim into the wreath. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details	Realized $633
Lot 1509		1882 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 66. Tawny gold toning on the obverse, with one area that is slightly darker on Liberty's cheek. Fly speck free, which is important on these coins. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details	Realized $575
Lot 1510		1882 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Deeply frosted and bold. No signs of toning on this piece. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $604
Lot 1511		1882 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Nickel blue toning on both sides, with a few microscopic dark specks, mostly on the obverse. Sharply struck, before the dies were lapped, as the ribbons and other device details are all complete and full. An impressive gem. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $414
Lot 1512		1883 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. A true gem proof example, untoned and pleasing. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $443
Lot 1513		1883 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Well struck, lightly toned and problem free. A few minor handling marks from perfection, but you'll need a strong glass to find them. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $443
Lot 1514		1883 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Slightly cloudy toning on both sides, rose hues at the center, bluish nickel elsewhere. An outstanding gem. Practically common with 436 so graded and just under 300 graded higher by PCGS. Still in the top twenty percent of those minted. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $431
Lot 1515		1883 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Faint nickel haze in the toning department, and boldly struck. Mintage ballooned to 6,609 in 1883 as the nation obviously wanted lots of three cent nickels. This gem will satisfy most collectors for its original color and unspotted fields. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $368
Lot 1516		1884 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 66. A sparkling jewel with a mintage of 3,942 in proof only, of which 188 have been graded this high by NGC, but just 30 graded higher. An opportunity. Estimated Value $625 - 650. View details	Realized $604
Lot 1517		1884 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Light gray toning over the frosted devices, boldly struck. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $460
Lot 1518		1884 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Slightly hazy toning and very tiny flyspecks on both sides, as occur naturally on these coins. Frosty devices and a lovely gem. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $397
Lot 1519		1884 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Mostly bright, with a hint of toning and only a few scattered flyspecks. Well preserved and a delight to behold. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $403
Lot 1520		1884 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Watery mirror fields provide a forum to contrast against the icy-white devices. Free of spots or other problems, the delicate mirror fields don't show any hairlines, as do most of these in this collection. Obviously, these were assembled by a collector who demanded the finest available, few of the coins show the usual spots or hairlines, which is unusual even for gem examples. Collectors who buy coins from this group will not be disappointed. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $403
Lot 1521		1885 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 66. A high-end gem that boasts flashy surfaces and a minor toning streak on Liberty. Free of flyspecks and other problems which so often mar these three cent nickels. Only 136 so graded by NGC, with 11 graded higher. Mintage in proof: 3,790. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details	Realized $748
Lot 1522		1885 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. A no-nonsense gem that boasts excellent frost on the devices offset by finely mirrored fields. Untoned save for a hint of haze, and no detracting spots are present. One of the key dates to the series, and seldom available in higher grades. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details	Realized $460
Lot 1523		1885 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Speckled toning with some iridescence near the periphery. Boldly impressed and another low mintage date, far more common in proof than as a business strike. A gem collection of these by date has become extremely popular with collectors today. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details	Realized $449
Lot 1524		1885 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. Faintly toned with streaky wood grains, slightly yellow in color. Bold and beautiful. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details	Realized $403
Lot 1525		1885 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. A boldly struck coin that boasts a hint of yellow toning. Excellent surfaces for the grade, and free of problems. One of the better survivors of the mintage of 3,790. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details	Realized $403
Lot 1526		1886 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 66. A curious coin, this one was struck on a not so perfect planchet, as there is a small defect on the upper obverse. Furthermore, there is weakness on Liberty's lower curl, which is unusual for this date, and weak on the opposing leaves on the reverse. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details	Realized $604
Lot 1527		1886 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Proof mintage rose to 4,290 in 1886. This one is well preserved, and has a curious lint mark linking the first 8 in the date through the bust to the U of UNITED. Light hazy toning starting to form. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $460
Lot 1528		1886 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. This coin shows no problems whatsoever, the surfaces are superb and the color is fresh and bright. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $449
Lot 1529		1886 Nickel Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. This is one of the middle die states for the issue, with the knob of the 6 touching the middle loop of that digit. The surfaces show light toning which is very natural in appearance. Nickel coins tend to "haze" when they tone, and this one is very pleasing indeed. Estimated Value $425 - 450. View details	Realized $403
Lot 1530		1887 Nickel Three Cents. PCGS graded Proof 65. Although thought to have been much rarer than the overdate in proof of this year, the PCGS Population Report shows that the regular date coin is only moderately rarer. PCGS has graded 93 in Proof 65, with but 15 graded higher. Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $978

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