Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 72

February 2-5. 2013

Finest Buffalo Nickel Collection we have ever handled

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1192		1925-S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Nicely toned. Better than average strike. This exquisite Gem MS65 possesses an exactness of detail on the reverse found on few others; its superbness of quality to which most 1925-S Nickels can only aspire. The overall definition is slightly softer on the obverse as often occurs, though is nearly as close to full as one could reasonably expect in an example of this S-mint branch rarity. Even the bison's head and shoulder on the reverse are bold-to-sharp in detail. Switching now to the surface preservation, we find that both sides have retained their full allotment of satiny mint luster. They have acquired some delicate to medium golden iridescence in bands across both surfaces; ideally, they remain devoid of grade-diminishing blemishes. A beautiful coin in all ways. One that is firmly entrenched near the top end of the Condition Census and surpassed by only a single MS66 that ranks as finest graded by this series. Among survivors of this very challenging S-mint Buffalo Nickel delivery, a coin to admire. Certainly, a worthwhile Gem that qualifies for a high grade Buffalo Nickel collection! Pop 24; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 3956) . Estimated Value $30,000 - 33,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1193		1926. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Light even natural toning on both sides. Boldly struck without any flyspecks (PCGS # 3957) . Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1194		1926-D. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. A nice bold strike for this date. Lovely golden toning. Sharply defined on both sides, the fields as well as the devices display full bright color that is so difficult to locate on nickels of this issue. The surfaces are remarkably clean and problem-free, with a slight amount of muting of nickel-silver brilliance on both sides. In spite of the 1926-D nickel�s reputation for weakly struck coins with poor luster, this is an unusually well produced and equally well preserved Gem MS65. Limited census: Pop 89; 25 finer, 1 in 65+, 23 in 66, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 3958) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 4,700. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,600
Lot 1195		1926-S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Green Holder. A key date. Tied for the Finest graded at PCGS. Lovely toning on both sides. With the 1919-D, 1919-S, 1920-S, 1925-D, 1925-S, and (possibly) 1926-D, the 1926-S is the least sharply struck issue in the entire Buffalo Nickel series. Ironically, this issue is known for its exceptional luster quality and nearly always is supplied by suitable planchet stock. That said, the majority of survivors tend to be overall flat on the reverse from having been impressed from overly worn dies. A paltry original mintage of 970,000 pieces further adds to the difficulty of locating an attractive Gem '26-S Nickel in today's active market. Indeed, a quick glance at the certified population of this issue as compared to that of most other Buffalo nickels confirms 1926-S as a key to this widely collected series. In fact, as a sharply struck Gem, the 1926-S may be the rarest Buffalo Nickel. A carefully graded MS65, it is the province of advanced specialists. The otherwise golden-gray surfaces reveal delicate wisps of multicolored iridescence as the viewer dips the coin under a light. Satiny is its sheen; both sides remain silent on the subject of blemishes, nor are there any spots. Now for the most important feature: the strike. It is exceptionally firm for the issue with emerging definition in the center of the obverse and over the bison's head, haunch, and tail on the reverse. The horn is fully distinct and separated. One of the finest '26-S Nickels that we have offered in recent memory. This Gem is certain to see spirited bidder competition when it sells. Pop 12; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 3959) . Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000. Ex: McCarroll Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $115,000
Lot 1196		1927. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. A vibrant untoned coin. Again no flyspecks. So fresh that it could have just been hand-selected from an original roll! (PCGS # 3960) . Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $316
Lot 1197		1927-D. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lovely golden toning and well struck. No flyspecks on this coin. Lots of mint luster. Commentators will tell you that the 1927-D is not in the same class of strike rarity as the 1925-D and 1926-D. Nevertheless, it is still anything but common with even a bold impression from the dies. As a sharply struck Gem, this 1927-D is certainly among the key additions to any advanced collection of Buffalo Nickels. Shimmering satin luster flows from rim-to-rim over both sides making this a conditionally rare example. Original light patina is seen throughout, with the color light golden. A worthy high-end Gem MS65 that is also noteworthy for a near absence of blemishes. We cannot overstate this coin's importance for Registry Set collectors. Pop 54; 4 finer, 1 in 65+, 3 in 66 (PCGS # 3961) . Estimated Value $6,500 - 6,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,625
Lot 1198		1927-S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Semi-reflective fields with lovely toning. Writing in 2000, David W. Lange, the author on the definitive work on Buffalo Nickels states: "[The] 1927-S is generally well struck for an S-mint Nickel of the 1920s…" Based on his comment, we are of the opinion that extensive circulation is more the cause for the high-grade rarity of the '27-S than deficient striking quality. Since the PCGS Population of this issue falls off dramatically above the MS-64 level, we anticipate considerable competition for this sleek, reflective Gem with delicate toning among Registry Set collectors. Both sides exhibit dominant nickel-silver sheen with radiance to die for. The strike is overall sharp and free of criticism; best of all, there are no noteworthy distractions. Specialists who welcome originality as well as incomparable quality would be shrewd to enter strong bids for this impressive '27-S Nickel. Pop 21; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 3962) . Estimated Value $16,000 - 18,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $18,400
Lot 1199		1928. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved PQ. Well struck with nice golden toning. No flyspecks. Pop 192; 18 finer, 5 in 66+, 13 in 67 (PCGS # 3963) . Estimated Value $350 - 400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $460
Lot 1200		1928-D. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Lovely rich golden toning. Well struck and should be a MS66 coin. Pop 333; 44 finer, 3 in 65+, 41 in 66 (PCGS # 3964) . Historical aside: The celebrity in the news this year was Babe Ruth, and his team, the New York Yankees. In 1928�s baseball World Series Ruth batted .625 (the second highest average in World Series history), including another three-home run game (in game 4), Gehrig batted .545, and the Yankees demolished the Cardinals in four games. The Yankees became the first major league team to sweep their opponents in consecutive World Series. Estimated Value $600 - 650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,438
Lot 1201		1928-S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. A hint of light gold toning on both sides. Well struck with no spots. The allure of the S mintmark resulted in considerable hoarding of 1928-S Nickels. This did not occur until the 1940s and 1950s, however, and by that time virtually all examples encountered by the public had already acquired significant wear. Coins that grade even problem-free EF and AU examples are quite scarce. The 1928-S may not be a leading strike rarity in the Buffalo Nickel series, but it is also seldom offered with full definition to both sides. The present example, therefore, is a noteworthy find in that all devices are free of bothersome lack of detail. Shimmering with full, satiny luster, the surfaces are superlative. Silver-bright in sheen, with a vivid, fresh appearance that is sure to endear this coin to the advanced Buffalo Nickel specialist. Ripe for a top quality Registry set. Pop 64; 6 finer in 66 (PCGS # 3965) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,038
Lot 1202		1929. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. A hint of light reverse toning. A delightful gem (PCGS # 3966) . Estimated Value $300 - 325. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $345
Lot 1203		1929-D. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. A hint of light tone with no major spots seen. A beautiful specimen for the collector who wants his Gems with stand-out luster. Pop 161; 55 finer, 3 in 65+, 50 in 66, 1 in 66+, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 3967) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,438
Lot 1204		1929-S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in a First Generation Holder. Lovely toning on both sides. A few minute spots visible with a 5x glass. An impressive and boldly struck Gem! (PCGS # 3968) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,875
Lot 1205		1930. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Mostly brilliant with a bold strike. No spots on this handsome coin (PCGS # 3969) . Estimated Value $250 - 275. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $288
Lot 1206		1930-S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Luster swirls around the coin like greased lightning, sending forth sudden flashes of silvery brilliance from every square inch of the surface. Lightly toned with a minute spot seen with a 5x glass (PCGS # 3970) . Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $575
Lot 1207		1931-S. PCGS graded MS-66. CAC Approved. Nice layered pastel color on both sides. No spots on this magnificent MS66 coin. Pop 391; 6 finer, 4 in 66+, 2 in 67 (PCGS # 3971) . Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $863
Lot 1208		1934. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Well struck and mostly untoned (PCGS # 3972) . Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $345
Lot 1209		1934-D. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lovely rich golden toning. A few minute spots seen with a 5x glass. Pop 344; 52 finer, 1 in 65+, 50 in 66, 1 in 66+ (PCGS # 3973) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $575
Lot 1210		1935. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Mostly untoned and without spots. Well struck (PCGS # 3974) . Estimated Value $150 - 170. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1211		1935-D. PCGS graded MS-65. Nicely toned, lustrous and a Gem (PCGS # 3975) . Estimated Value $400 - 450. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1212		1935-S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved. Light even gold toning. No spots (PCGS # 3976) . Estimated Value $200 - 225. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $253
Lot 1213		1936. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. A blazing untoned and well struck Gem. Lots of luster, no spots (PCGS # 3977) . Estimated Value $90 - 100. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $127
Lot 1214		1936-D. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved. Housed in a First Generation Holder. Well struck with even toning on both sides. No flyspecks (PCGS # 3978) . Estimated Value $125 - 135. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $144
Lot 1215		1936-S. Repunched S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Even light gold toning. No flyspecks visible. Very choice (PCGS # 3979) . Estimated Value $150 - 175. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $173
Lot 1216		1936. Type 1. PCGS graded Proof 65. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Only 4,420 minted. Lightly toned with some flyspecks. When the sale of Proofs resumed in 1936 the brilliant style was restored, but without the frosted relief that had made earlier Proofs (Liberty and Shield nickels) so stunning. The textured fields evident in Fraser�s original models and in the Type 1 coinage of 1913 had been smoothed out by Charles Barber that same year when he prepared the Type 2 reverse. This made both obverse and reverse receptive to high polishing, though such polishing also led to certain low-relief features of the dies being easily obliterated. Nevertheless, collectors were more enthusiastic about the end product than they were with the earlier "matte" Proofs of 1913-16. However, almost as soon as Proof coinage resumed, the buffalo nickel was discontinued in favor of the new Jefferson type. This left only the issues of 1936 and 1937 available to collectors desiring brilliant Proofs of this beautiful design (PCGS # 3994) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 1217		1936. Type 2. PCGS graded Proof 65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Only 4,420 minted. Wonderful rainbow toning on both sides. A sparkling and lustrous gem, a mirror-fresh beauty with fully defined design features and burst of hues in the colorful toning. Approximately two-thirds of the 4,420 Proofs delivered in 1936 display the Type I, or Satin finish. Survivors, however, are a bit rarer than those of their identically dated Type II counterpart because the satin-finish specimens did not strike as receptive a chord among contemporary collectors (PCGS # 3995) . Estimated Value $2,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,128
Lot 1218		1937. PCGS graded Proof 65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Only 5,769 minted. A brilliant untoned coin. Well struck (PCGS # 3996) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,495
Lot 1219		1937. PCGS graded MS-65. Mostly untoned with no flyspecks visible (PCGS # 3980) . Estimated Value $100 - 110. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1220		1937-D. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lovely golden toning. No flyspecks. A nice strike (PCGS # 3981) . Estimated Value $100 - 110. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1221		1937-D. 3 Legs. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely golden toning on both sides. Well struck. A mark on the reverse side otherwise very Premium Quality. No flyspecks visible. This error Buffalo Nickel has been popular with collectors pretty much since the day it was produced. As early as 1937-38, C. L. "Cowboy" Franzen was offering examples for sale in "The Numismatic Scrapbook." Whether or not he was the first to discover the '37-D Three-Legged Nickel, he certain did a smash-up job promoting them. What we know is that the main distribution center for these errors was somewhere in Montana. This is inopportune since coin collectors were quite rare in the Northwest at that time, and most examples acquired at least light wear before they were set aside. As such, the majority of coins offered today are lightly circulated to one degree or another, and the '37-D 3-Legged remains rare in Mint State. At the upper reaches of Condition Census standing for the issue, this exquisite Gem MS65 is, simply put, a connoisseur�s coin, one of the 20th century�s major errors that collectors wish to own. The luster is uncommonly fresh with a satiny texture to the surfaces. Both sides are well detailed beneath an overlay of the aforesaid light golden patina. Impressively distraction-free even for the Mint State 65 grade level. Pop 49; 8 finer, 2 in 65+, 6 in 66 (PCGS # 3982) . Note: This die-polishing variety was the first of its kind to capture the imagination of collectors. Discovered soon after its issue, the 1937-D 3-leg nickel was caused by excessive polishing of the dies to remove clash marks. Die clash occurs when the feeder mechanism of a coin press fails to deliver a planchet, the dies strike one another, and each receives an impression of the opposing die. This disfigurement, when discovered, usually results in the replacement of both dies. In the case of the 1937-D 3-leg nickel, however, the urgency of completing a coinage run precluded this customary practice, and a swifter solution was sought. Very few Uncirculated examples are known, coin collectors being equally scarce in that part of the country, it seems. (For a more detailed account of this popular variety, see David W. Lange�s The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels.). Estimated Value $37,000 - 40,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1222		1937-S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. A hint of light tone and boldly struck. Could be regraded a point or two higher (PCGS # 3983) . Estimated Value $100 - 110. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $138
Lot 1223		1938-D. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Well struck with a hint of light gold tone. Well struck and gleaming "roll fresh" luster. As soon as the Act of Sept. 25, 1890 permitted, Treasury officials announced a competition for a new design to replace the venerable Buffalo nickel. 1938-D would be the final year of the Type (PCGS # 3984) . Estimated Value $60 - 70. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $86
Lot 1224		1938-D, D over S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lovely rich gold toning. Well struck. The repunching that produced the 1938 D over S coins is not from accident nor blundering but from economy, according to the Breen Encyclopedia. Once the authorities decided not to ship any buffalo nickel dies to San Francisco for 1938 coinage, the reverse dies already earmarked for the San Francisco Mint were overpunched with D for Denver (PCGS # 3985) . Estimated Value $175 - 200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $230

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