Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 78

January Pre-Long Beach Sale 17.5% BP

$20 St. Gaudens

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1891		1907. High Relief, Roman Numerals, Wire Rim. NGC graded Proof 67. An awe inspiring Superb Gem Proof example exhibiting the natural golden-orange Roman Satin Proof finish. Owning a superb flawless pale golden gem like this with its satiny smooth surfaces, is like living on a cloud. To hark back to the time this creation first presented itself to the American public, we remind readers that Charles Barber was the Mint Engraver when the U.S. government, at the behest of Theodore Roosevelt, contracted with Augustus Saint-Gaudens to prepare designs for the proposed new $20 gold coin. It was Barber who supervised Proof MCMVII High Relief Double Dagle production. He even acquired a few for himself, they were that special (some Proofs were sold out of Barber's estate after his death in 1917). The Mint undoubtedly struck other pieces for presentation purposes, probably at several different times throughout the final two months of 1907. (Saint-Gaudens had died in August 1907.) According to sources, unlike the circulation strike High Reliefs minted with the Roman Numerals date, which received three impressions from the dies (some say up to five), it appears that the Proofs were struck seven times dies place in the Mint's high-performance hydraulic medal press in order to bring the features up to full detail. Many of the diagnostics of this beautiful issue in Proof are never found on the coins meant for circulation. The present Proof reveals random die polish lines (as prepared) in the fields. The grade confirms it as one of the finest High Relief Proofs certified, which places it solidly within the top examples known for the issue. Both sides exhibit gorgeous surfaces and color, bold devices, no marks of any kind, and aesthetic appeal that leaves most others back in the dust. The obverse and the reverse are silent on the subject of bothersome spots or discolored toning, a fact that one expects from the grade. Every element, every intricate feature of the design, is crisply made. The overall strike is, to say the least, for all intents and purposes full. This is truly a superb representative of Saint-Gaudens' High Relief $20 in Proof condition. Pop 11; 9 finer, 5 in 67 Star, 1 in 67+, 1 in 68, 1 in 68 Star, 1 in 69. Historic note: In the summer of 1907, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who had been in failing health for some time, took a turn for the worse, and in August he died. Ironically, he never lived to see examples of his own Double Eagle design. After President Roosevelt had been appeased by the striking of 11,250 High Relief coins and an unknown number of Proofs of the same Type, the Mint obtained permission to revise its design, wherein the relief was lowered drastically, the Roman numerals purged from the obverse, and more familiar numeral punches used in their place. This was amenable to high-speed production and from then to the end of the series in 1933 Double Eagles were so made. Today, the MCMVII Proof issues of 1907 are highly cherished by collectors and are among the favorites in all American numismatics. Proofs are the crème de la crème of the year. It came as no surprise, then when the Treasury Department proposed issuing new gold bullion coins in 1986, no finer design could be devised than to recreate Augustus Saint-Gaudens' 80-year-old masterpiece. The mint even incorporated the Roman numerals. Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000. The Del Valle Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $129,250
Lot 1892		1907. High Relief, Roman Numerals, Wire Rim. PCGS graded MS-64. CAC Approved. A splendid example of America's "most beautiful coin." The wire rim is quite pronounced and the deep golden-orange color certainly adds to its eye appeal. Always in demand and worthy of a premium bid. Those who have dealt in Roman Numerals $20 gold pieces for some time might view this as "just another very choice High Relief." True, it is that, but then when this coin is held in the hand, and the light allowed to play over the surface with the magnifier positioned to scan the main device, then it suddenly becomes something more, much more. It turns into a work of art. It becomes pure genius consolidated onto a small round golden disk. This marvel of Saint-Gaudens' masterful artistic talent is one of a pair that came to us from a sophisticated buyer of top-end American gold rarities and has been off the market for many years. The wire rim here is a little more pronounced than on some, especially on the obverse. The satiny mint luster flows and rolls across the surface as it glows and swirls with typical mesmerizing revolutions over each side. The surface has that gorgeous golden glow these are famous for, retained it through the years without diminishment. We can say without fear of contradiction that one must consider this coin as something meant for the person who is looking for much more than just a "pleasing High Relief." This is a connoisseur's delight, a coin destined for the person who realizes he is holding something special in his hands (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $28,000 - 30,000. The Del Valle Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $34,075
Lot 1893		1907. High Relief, Roman Numerals, Wire Rim. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Only 11,250 minted. Very close to MS-65. A popular date and always in demand. While we often offer several High Relief Double Eagles in our sales, we are always pleased to be given the opportunity to catalog an example that grades as outstanding as this premium quality MS64. This truly is an attractive coin. The smooth, satin-like frost lies undisturbed for the most part by even the tiniest alloy spot, and we are also unable to locate more than a few tiny abrasions, all that edges this into the Premium Quality class of its grade. Both sides are bright golden color that further highlights the already impressive eye appeal. In sum, this is a Roman Numerals $20 that would tempt the collector who demands nothing short of the best for his collection of U.S. gold coins. Today, the MCMVII issues of 1907 are highly cherished by collectors and are among the favorites in all American numismatics. When the Treasury Department proposed issuing new gold bullion coins in 1986, no finer design could be devised than to recreate Augustus Saint-Gaudens' 80-year-old design. The mint even incorporated the Roman numerals (PCGS # 9135) . Estimated Value $28,000 - 30,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $37,600
Lot 1894		1907. High Relief, Roman Numerals, Wire Rim NGC graded AU Details. Rim filing. Some luster remains and all lightly toned. No coin sale would be complete without at least one offering of this beautiful and prized Roman Numerals 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 by the dies were needed 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. Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $7,931
Lot 1895		1908-D. No motto. PCGS graded MS-64. Lovely deep orange-gold color, the depth and beauty of which cannot be understated. 1908 is one of the transitional years in American numismatics, it began with these No Motto dates (Philadelphia and Denver). When Congress intervened and authorized the motto IN GOD WE TRUST be returned to the coinage, the Mint obliged with what became known as the With Motto Type (PCGS # 9143) . Estimated Value $1,800 - 1,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,056
Lot 1896		1908-D. With Motto. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely golden toning. A nice frosty coin. Highly radiant and largely bright with warm golden highlights on both sides. All but fully struck, with just an insubstantial touch of weakness at a few of the eagle�s breast feathers; the details are bold and pleasing elsewhere. A solidly graded Gem MS65 example of this extremely elusive issue.Pop 319; 33 finer, 3 in 65+, 26 in 66, 1 in 66+, 3 in 67. (PCGS # 9148) . Note: Omitting the customary motto IN GOD WE TRUST was important for President Roosevelt. As early as April 1907, he asked Director Roberts for an opinion. According to Roger Burdette's research in the archives: "Roberts replied that it was not required by law, but that the Solicitor of the Treasury said that the motto had been in use for so long that that Congress may have lost the ability to prevent its use." Roosevelt asked that the motto be removed on the new gold coin designs and all Double Eagles and Eagles issued in 1907 lacked the motto. The Breen Encyclopedia explains the motto�s return in 1908: "Though there is much to be said for Roosevelt's view, Congress disagreed, feeling (like much of the general public) that anyone opposing the use of God's name on coins was of necessity an atheist and probably an anarchist or even a Bolshevik. Congress therefore ordered that henceforth all coins large enough to accommodate the motto should do so, in compliance with the Act of March 3, 1865. "[Mint Engraver Charles] Barber reworked the double eagle reverse to carry this motto. His revision had nine tail feathers instead of the former eight, and 33 rays instead of 34, but the location of rays remained unaltered. Barber omitted one at extreme 1. [left], and made the heavy rays thinner and some of them longer.". Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,875
Lot 1897		1908-D. With Motto. PCGS graded MS-64. A fully lustrous example. The With Motto (IN GOD WE TRUST) pieces of 1908 are seen much less often than the far commoner No Motto (particularly the Philadelphia Mint issue of the No Motto). Total of 349,500 minted of the 1908-D WM (PCGS # 9148) . Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,650. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,350
Lot 1898		1915-S. PCGS graded MS-66 PQ. CAC Approved. Lovely golden toning. Aesthetically tempting, as fine a looking MS66 with full mint color and bloom as you are apt to see, and all the while saturated with bright golden hues, all evenly balanced across the surface. At the moment when luster is a key determinant of the grade, it goes without saying the devices should also be struck boldly by the dies. And here, this 1914-S is bold throughout. Pop 194; 1 finer in 66+ (PCGS # 9168) . 1915: If the incident at Sarajevo was the defining event of 1914, then the sinking of the ocean liner R.M.S. Lusitania by a U-boat torpedo strike signified the tensions in the water in 1915, the year of this Double Eagle. President Woodrow Wilson tried to make hay of the sinking at the time, but the American public (outside of the wealthier elements of the Eastern establishment) seemed to shrug off the incident. Nevertheless, pressures were building and the stress of wartime economics would soon cause a disruption in the issuance of $20 gold pieces and all other gold coins in America. Estimated Value $6,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1899		1916-S. NGC graded MS-66. Lightly toned and frosty. This is a blemish-free case in point of the desirable �16-S Double Eagle in this grade: sleek gold in color, with mint bloom that grabs hold of the full effect of the careful preservation since it was made. Another point to ponder, this too, displays a precision strike on the legends and key devices, which is always important for the date, and not even a trace of soft detail at the eagle�s breast feathers. If, after returning from a poor day's hunting for top quality $20 gold, you observe this Lot in the sale catalog, be sure to give it a perusal. The coin�s beautiful appearance will please even the most hardened numismatist evaluator. Pop 141; 3 finer in 67 (PCGS # 9169) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,935
Lot 1900		1920. PCGS graded MS-64. CAC Approved. Beautiful multi-color toning on the reverse. The 1920-P issue is relatively common in bagmarked Uncirculated grades, but then rises in rarity (and collector esteem) once the grade gets to a more rarified altitude like Mint State 64. The surfaces are a glowing golden bright hue, with nothing subtle about luster. On the heels of such active mint bloom, we are pleased also to describe a coin faithful to every detail from a full blow by the dies. The Mints had ceased gold production after 1916, shortly before the government put the nation on a war footing (1917-18). After the war, world finance found itself in turmoil. America was one of the first countries to return to issuing gold coins with this 1920-dated $20 Double Eagle and its companion piece, the extremely rare 1920-S (along with 1920-S $10 Eagles). Pop 816; 22 finer, 21 in 64+, 1 in 65. (PCGS # 9170) . Estimated Value $5,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1901		1920-S. PCGS graded MS-62. A lustrous, frosty mint example of this classic rare date, lightly toned. A pleasing strike with a fully defined head on Liberty. Some light scattered contact marks are noted on both sides, none too serious or worthy of mention. We are proud to present this extremely rare coin for auction. Throw out the mintage figures because of the 528,500 struck, perhaps 100 survive today in all grades. And unlike some of the rarities in the later years of the decade, the supply of 1920-S has not been augmented by hundreds or thousands of recent imports. The bulk of the issue was melted or otherwise lost. This date is so rare that Breen estimated the number to survive at on 8-12 when he prepared the manuscript for his Encyclopedia in the late-1970s. Today, with the advantage of the PCGS and NGC Population Reports we see that around 100 have been graded by both services, which no doubt include some duplication between them. Of the pieces graded, this is one of the more lustrous MS62s available, as PCGS reports only 16 others in its class! A wonderful example for the specialist to purchase for a date set. Pop 17; 30 finer (PCGS # 9171) . Collectors understood the 1920-S to be elusive even before World War II, and yet recognition of this date as part of the top rank in terms of rarity among Saint-Gaudens $20 gold pieces didn�t happen overnight. David Akers, who published his research in the late 1970s, noted that a slew of other issues were considered more rare in the years before European repatriation became a widespread practice. Overseas discoveries in the 1970s and 1980s greatly augmented the known populations for many such dates. With no 1920-S Double Eagles in the European hoards, however, the perceived rarity of the date finally dawned upon people. Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000. Ex: Carl S. Carlson and Arthur H. Shipkey Collections, Nov. 8-10, 1976 Lot 156 The Del Valle Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $64,625
Lot 1902		1922. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely golden toning (PCGS # 9173) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,469
Lot 1903		1924. PCGS graded MS-62. CAC Approved. A hint of gold toning on this attractive Mint State coin (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,469
Lot 1904		1924. NGC graded MS-64. A nice untoned example, boldly struck by the dies and encompassing vivid, rolling luster over both sides. As though it were hand-picked from a new mint bag of $20 gold coins! (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,528
Lot 1905		1924. PCGS graded MS-60. CAC Approved. Housed in a First Generation Holder. Some moderate scratches are noted on the obverse (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,150 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,351
Lot 1906		1924 PCGS graded Genuine Unc Details. Cleaning. Faint hairlines seen only under strong magnification under a light source (PCGS # 9177) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,293
Lot 1907		1924-S. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. CAC Approved. Popular rare date. Very close to MS-64. The 1924-S is a wonderful Double Eagle rarity. At one time, it was considered to be among the greatest rarities in the series, handily outclassing the famous MCMVII Ultra High Relief and the incredible Proofs of 1883 and 1884. The appearance of a specimen at auction was a momentous occasion. Today, following the tapping of mainly European and South American hoards, the 1924-S remains elusive, but sufficient numbers exist that they come on the market with regularity, usually in lower Mint State grades. This attractive example is uncommonly free of sizeable bagmarks for the assigned grade. Close attention reveals a few wispy handling marks on both sides, but the luster is unimpeded with swirling satin-like effects on both sides. Pale golden-rose and peach-gold colors are well blended over suitably well struck features. To repeat, the 1924-S was more highly regarded than such luminaries as the 1920-S, 1921, 1927-D and 1933 once. It is still a condition rarity in this grade, with most survivors grading no finer than the present grade level (PCGS # 9179) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,338
Lot 1908		1927. NGC graded MS-66 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Holder. Very choice. Well struck and nice golden toning. A splendid spirit of confidence animates bidders when given an opportunity to bid on such a resplendent Double Eagle. This piece displays attractive warm golden shades over the nearly abrasion-free surfaces. We end the luster description but only with hesitation, knowing that we could carry on for another paragraph or two. Next, a word about strike: this 1927 $20 was struck with controlled precision throughout, it stands front and center among its peers (PCGS # 9186) . Estimated Value $3,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,348
Lot 1909		1927. NGC graded MS-66 PQ. CAC Approved. Lovely golden toning. Sleek fresh gold color seesaws with an occasional glint in its otherworldly sheen. Next a word about the strike. The pressure transmitted from the die to the blank reveals itself in sharp details on Liberty including her knee, face, and sandaled toes. Putting aside the obverse for a moment, on to the reverse. Here again, it is easy to see this piece received a full, sharp blow by the dies, with noteworthy detail in the eagle�s chest, wing, and flight feathers (PCGS # 9186) . Estimated Value $3,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1910		1927. PCGS graded MS-64. CAC Approved. PQ. Nice golden toning (PCGS # 9186) . Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,645
Lot 1911		1927. PCGS graded MS-64. A golden beauty, serene and lustrous, well struck (PCGS # 9186) . Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,528
Lot 1912		1927. NGC graded MS-64. A nice mostly untoned coin with strikingly beautiful color, detail and overall beauty. The 1927 issue tends to be the most flashy year in the series in terms of bright luster (along with 1926 and 1928) (PCGS # 9186) . Estimated Value $1,350 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,498
Lot 1913		1927. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely bright gold colors, a choice well struck example (PCGS # 9186) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,350. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,381
Lot 1914		1927. MS-60. Light bag marks (PCGS # 9186) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,410
Lot 1915		1932. PCGS graded MS-65. A stunning boldly struck gem sparkling with brilliant frosty mint luster. The natural mint bloom color adds to its appeal. What is most noticeable when one first examines this coin is its indeed the vibrant mint luster -- it swirls from side-to-side unimpeded by heavy abrasions and unscathed by even a tincture of tarnish. A coin of singular beauty and importance to the collector. We have mentioned the luster. In winding down the technical aspects, we point to it being a strongly struck coin, one with sharp detail to all the important high points. The 1932 Saint-Gaudens is a modern day rarity whose numbers have not been increased over the years by hoards or European stockpiles as have other dates in the series. There were 1.1 million pieces struck. This is a fair number, given the increased pressure on the banks for gold coins for hoarding as the year 1932. This went along with the worldwide bank panic as it spread throughout America. With that as background, only a few score exist today in all grades, mainly bagmarked MS61 to MS63. The 1932 is a member of a very select group, not unique, but certainly exclusive among the 1929-32 stable of rare dates, a string of $20 issues that were nearly all melted down. Most coin collectors and non-specialists have never seen one of these coins. Most would mortgage their mother-in-law to if it would provide the necessary funds to bid on it. It goes without saying these only appear for sale in major public auctions.Pop 32; 10 finer, 1 in 65+, 8 in 66, 1 in 66+ (PCGS # 9194) . Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000. Ex: Carl S. Carlson and Arthur H. Shipkey Collections November 8-10, 1976 Lot 175 The Del Valle Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $85,188