Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 84

January 25-28, 2015 Pre Long Beach

Draped Bust Half Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1361		1796. 15 stars. Overton-101, Rarity 5. NGC graded EF-45. There were only two die pairings for 1796 half dollars; O-101 with 15 stars on the obverse, O-102 with 16 stars. Curiously, all 1796 and 1797 half dollars are thought to have actually been minted in 1797 as part of three deliveries. Mint records show that the first delivery was made on February 28, 1797 (60 coins), the second delivery on March 21 (874 coins), and the final one on May 26 (2,984 coins). Breen, in his Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins, makes the assumption that the February delivery contained those with 15 stars; while the coins minted in March included some 1796 with 15 stars and others with 16 stars (Later production in May consisted mostly of 1797-dated pieces but may have included the last of the 1796s with 16 stars). The 16 stars coins were said to be made after the admission of Tennessee to the Union on June 1, 1796. Tennessee became the 16th state, hence, 16 stars. Only 3,918 1796 and 1797 small eagle half dollars were struck at Philadelphia, and of this meager mintage, no more than 5% still remain in collections or displays. The vast majority show extensive wear, often with retooling or plug-filled holes. What began as a bold strike assured that plentiful detail would remain after this coin experienced brief circulation. The obverse shows the usual die crack linking the last three stars, bust point and rim, as well as the second crack that forms an arc on Liberty�s shoulder. The reverse shows wear confined in general to the eagle�s breast. Under magnification and systematic study, both sides reveal a scattering of distinctly minor marks from handling long ago, offset by the tawny red-gold toning that drenches both fields and devices. This coin�s overall appeal is outstanding and this example is certain to find a home in a discriminating connoisseur�s carefully assembled collection. Finding and acquiring a finer example than that offered here would be a daunting challenge undertaken without certainty of success. The appearance of the present Choice Extremely Fine coin at auction presents collectors with an historic opportunity. Pop 2; 8 finer at NGC. Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 1362		1801. Overton-102, Rarity 4. PCGS graded VG Details, Smoothed. A couple of ancient scratches are noticed on the obverse, as is evidence of smoothing in the fields. Still, a desirable type coin representative (PCGS # 6064) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $764
Lot 1363		1802. Overton-101, Rarity 3. PCGS graded VG-10. The only die pairing for the year. This is an evenly worn example with nice, original toning. An ideal, lower grade type coin (PCGS # 6065) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1364		1802. Overton-101, Rarity 3. PCGS graded VG-10. Old time toning is seen in an irregular fashion over each side. Well worn with no mentionable defects (PCGS # 6065) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,528
Lot 1365		1805 Overton-112 Rarity 2. PCGS graded VF-35. CAC Approved. The medium silver-gray surfaces are accented with sea-green toning at the peripheries, especially on the obverse. The devices are sharp for the grade and marks of any nature are completely absent to the unaided eye. A nice example of the type that would easily be at home in a mid-range early half dollar collection (PCGS # 39286) . Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,293
Lot 1366		1806. Pointed 6, stem through claw. NGC graded AU-55. The surfaces are generally untoned with a light silver appearance, and some golden-brown color over the reverse and obverse highpoints. The devices are well defined for the grade, apart from characteristic softness of strike in the center of the obverse, and there are no singularly distracting abrasions to report. This high grade example offers ample eye appeal and nice collector quality. Pop 4; 5 finer at NGC for the variety (PCGS # 6071) . Estimated Value $3,700 - 3,900. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1367		1806. Pointed 6, Stem Through Claw. Overton-116, Rarity 3. PCGS graded VF-35. This delightful Draped Bust half dollar displays moderate, natural toning that deepens toward the peripheral areas. Both sides have a few usual grade-consistent surface marks beneath the patina. A delightful mid-grade example (PCGS # 6071) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,028
Lot 1368		1807 Draped Bust. Overton-105, Rarity 2. PCGS graded AU Details, Cleaning. The underlying surfaces indicate a certain glossiness and an abnormal bright finish from the cleaning. Medium blue and steel-gray colorations now overlay the fields and devices (PCGS # 39343) . Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1369		1807 PCGS graded Genuine Unc Details O-107 Rarity 3. Cleaning. A once-cleaned example now displaying deep, somewhat questionable colors of gray and blue. Well centered with good detail, save for minor weakness at the centers. Still, a collectible example of this popular type and/or die variety (PCGS # 6079) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 1370		1807. Overton 102, Rarity 2. PCGS graded VF-30. Fully original with a lovely appearance. Pink-gray patina blends with deeper blue-green around much of the obverse and reverse periphery. Good definition remains on this pleasant mid-grade example. Pleasing collector quality and a desirable type issue to find this well preserved (PCGS # 6079) . Estimated Value $800 - 850. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $823