Goldberg Coins and Collectibles



Sale 80

June Pre Long Beach Sale


Barber Half Dollars
 
 
Lot Photo Description Realized
Lot 799
1893. PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo. Fully white and a nice Cameo Proof. Only 792 minted. Satin devices rippling with mirror-deep field luster. The silvery snow-white matte designs stand out nicely against this finish. No toning, just original mint bloom Substantial detail to the highpoints on this fine example is expected, given the grade. And no one will be surprised to learn that this handsome Barber Half Dollar comes with a thorough and effectual imprint from the dies; there are no weak areas left by the recoil of the dies, none whatsoever. An important find for the Barber specialist. Pop 5; 1 finer in 68 (PCGS # 86540) .
Estimated Value $8,500 - 9,000.
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Realized
$9,694
Lot 800
1893. PCGS graded Proof 65. CAC Approved. PQ. Lovely rainbow toning. Only 792 struck. A deeply reflective and gleaming Gem whose luster seems poised strike even the most eagle-eyed inspector with respect for its beauty. Sharply struck with full details on both sides. Definitely fits the Proof 65 Gem category. Pop 21; 29 finer, 17 in 66, 11 in 67, 1 in 68. (PCGS # 6540) .
Estimated Value $2,700 - 2,800.
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$3,055
Lot 801
1893-S. PCGS graded MS-65. Lovely shades of golden toning. Well struck with prooflike surfaces. The 1893-S is the first of a dozen difficult dates in the series to locate in Mint State. In Gem MS65 condition, the 1893-S is one of the scarcest dates of the entire Barber half dollar series. The surfaces on this piece are semi-Prooflike and the coin is boldly struck with much eye-appeal. Devices, because they are frosted, give an almost Proof-cameo quality to the coin. Any dedicated Barber Half Dollar collector would do well to secure this prize, since few other dates will be so difficult to locate in Gem condition. Pop 6; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 6467) .
Estimated Value $17,000 - 18,000.
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$18,213
Lot 802
1894. PCGS graded Proof 66. Only 972 minted. Lovely lavender and blue obverse toning. A coin with a gorgeous original surfaces and endless eye appeal, silver untoned surfaces for the most part appearing on the reverse as when first struck. The obverse generously toned by the magic of Nature’s bounty. A generous amount of crisp detail for the type, as expected, including those often problematic areas. Every device, including the stars, the centers, 100% bold. Pop 26; 10 finer, 1 in 66+, 9 in 67 (PCGS # 6541) .
Estimated Value $3,500 - 3,700.
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$4,113
Lot 803
1895-S. PCGS graded MS-63. Old time toning. Frosty and well struck. Pop 30; 50 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 6473) .
Estimated Value $900 - 950.
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Lot 804
1897. PCGS graded MS-66. Lovely light even blue toning. This fully original toned Gem has glowing surfaces, strong luster, and no noticeable problems on either side. Very elusive in Gem condition even though a P-mint, and with intact mint bloom. Struck with the same methodical precision throughout that is found on many Barber coins made at the Philadelphia Mint. Pop 10; 3 finer, 1 in 66+, 2 in 67 (PCGS # 6477) .
Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,400.
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Realized
$4,230
Lot 805
1898. NGC graded Proof 68. Lovely even toning on both sides. Only 735 minted. Pop 11; 1 finer in 68 Star .
Estimated Value $8,500 - 9,000.
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Realized
$9,106
Lot 806
1898. NGC graded MS-64. Light gray toning. A decidedly frosty coin, and a worthy specimen for a U.S. Type Set. Pop 29; 19 finer, 3 in 64+, 14 in 65, 2 in 66.
Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,150.
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Lot 807
1898-O. PCGS graded MS-66 PQ. CAC Approved. Mostly white and a light hint of gold tone. Of special interest to Barber coin collectors is this Condition Census example of the elusive 1898-O issue tied with three others in its PCGS grade and with only one finer coin appearing in the PCGS Population Report. Most collectors recognize the 1896-O and 1897-O issues as rarities. The next year is somewhat lost from view; events reveal all given suitable time and this issue is every bit as rare, more than ever in top quality. Mintage for these three years was comparable. This lovely Gem MS66 has splendid pure silvery color in all areas, surrounded by perfect, mark-free borders. The surfaces are incomparable with their intense frosty luster. Only the slightest of surface marks prevent a higher grade. Typical of most Barber Half Dollars from the New Orleans Mint, the design features exhibit slight weakness. Pop 4; 1 finer in 67 (PCGS # 6481) .
Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000.
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$17,625
Lot 808
1899. PCGS graded MS-62+. Mostly untoned on this frosted select-quality half dollar. Popular issue struck prior to the turn of the 20th century. For trivia buffs, the popular author of the day, H. G. Wells, set his send-off for "The Time Machine" on December 31, 1899 (PCGS # 6483) .
Estimated Value $800 - 850.
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Lot 809
1899-S. PCGS graded VF-30. Evenly worn with light toning highlights the devices on both sides (PCGS # 6485) .
Estimated Value $190 - 200.
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Lot 810
1900. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo. PQ. A nice mostly white Gem Proof. A well struck and exquisitely preserved coin. Only 912 struck. We are pleased to be offering this spectacular representation of Cameo Proof Barber coinage. Pop 15; 24 finer, 2 in 65+, 12 in 66, 4 in 66+, 6 in 67. (PCGS # 86547) .
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000.
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$3,290
Lot 811
1900-S. PCGS graded AU-58. Frosty and untoned. Pop 14; 60 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 6488) .
Estimated Value $400 - 450.
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$1,234
Lot 812
1902. PCGS graded Proof 65. Lovely rainbow toning on both sides. Only 777 minted. A refreshingly original and glowing Gem Proof with strong fundamental mirror luster supporting – in fact, almost staggering under the weight of the most beautiful toning imaginable! Razor-sharp, so that special mention is merited. Indeed, the strike of the present 1902 Half Dollar easily rivals that of many in putatively higher grades. Pop 32; 35 finer, 28 in 66, 1 in 66+, 6 in 67 (PCGS # 6549) .
Estimated Value $2,900 - 3,000.
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Realized
$2,761
Lot 813
1904. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo. Rich lovely rainbow toning on both sides. Only 670 minted. A first-rate Gem Proof with richly permeating mirror surfaces that flow across both sides. Satisfactorily struck for the date, indeed, about as excellent as this Proof date is ever found, with razor-sharpness throughout including all stars. The coin's designer would have loved this 1904 Cameo Proof! Pop 2; 10 finer, 6 in 66, 1 in 66+, 2 in 67, 1 in 67+ (PCGS # 86551) .

Bit of Trivia: Having no connection to this coin whatsoever, other than the year, if you have ever ridden on a New York City subway train this bit of trivia might be interesting: the first rapid transit subway, the Inter-borough running beneath Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge to 145th Street, opened to the public in 1904.
Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,400.
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$3,173
Lot 814
1904. PCGS graded Proof 65. Only 670 minted. Lovely dark rainbow toning on both sides. An outstanding mirrored-luster Gem Proof with sizzling surface reflection beneath rich toning. The reverse and obverse centers play host to a color and originality always appreciated by the stronger buyers. In short, a lovely coin, one that certainly meets the qualifications for Proof 65 status. Pop 26; 25 finer, 15 in 66, 1 in 66+, 9 in 67 (PCGS # 6551) .
Estimated Value $2,900 - 3,000.
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Realized
$2,526
Lot 815
1905-S. PCGS graded MS-67. Well struck and mostly untoned. This S-mint Barber Half is similar in overall and high-grade rarity to the Philippine Hoard dates of 1898-S, 1899-S and 1900-S. Whereas one should have little difficulty locating a well-worn example, survivors that grade at or above Choice AU are only offered at widely spaced intervals both at large conventions and in national auctions. It would have been significant enough had the present example graded merely Gem BU 65. We have the opportunity to offer a particularly tantalizing treat for Barber coinage connoisseurs among our bidders since this piece enjoys Superb-quality surfaces. There are no distracting abrasions on either side. The reverse is actually overall smooth and seemingly not all that far from perfection. Well struck throughout, there is also a full endowment of free-flowing frosted luster that clearly enhances an already pleasing technical quality. It is in the area of visual impact, however, where this coin really advances to the forefront. Both sides are mainly silvery in color. A true wonder coin among Barber Halves, and a Superb Gem that is fully justified in the 67 rating for overall standard-setting and eye appeal. Pop 3; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 6503) .

Historic Note: Barber Halves were minted from 1892 to 1915. Barber halves largely went into circulation and stayed there, and most of the dates are available mainly in low grades, although at the time the new Standing Liberty design for 1916 was being considered, word from the Treasury Secretary was that half dollar use fell far behind the more workhouse daily coin, the quarter dollar. And that Barber Half Mintage had declined in the years leading up to 1916 for this reason. Bear in mind, too, that until the 1930s, there were very few coin collectors in the United States who bought coins by date and mint. A collector would often be happy to settle for a representative from each years mintage, whether it be one taken from a banker’s till or a Proof bought at the Mint. For this reason, we are unsurprised that there are so few superb 1905-S Half Dollars in the PCGS census. They simply were not saved at the time of issue. Hoarding by rolls and bags and such only became common in the 1930s and later.
Estimated Value $15,000-UP.
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Realized
$18,213
Lot 816
1905-S. PCGS graded MS-64. Light even golden toning on both sides. The satin surfaces ripple with original luster. The coin is Choice, naturally toned and silvery to light silver-gray. The only contact mark appears on the one below the eagle’s beak; Liberty’s cheek is smooth and impressive. Fully struck in all areas with pinpoint detailing on the tips of the neck feathers and eagle’s claws among other sharp areas. Pop 18; 12 finer, 6 in 65, 3 in 66, 3 in 67 (PCGS # 6503) .
Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,700.
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Realized
$2,820
Lot 817
1906. NGC graded Proof 66+. Fully white and boldly struck. Only 675 struck. Brilliant ice-clear silvery mirrors from the surface of this appealing Barber Half Dollar. Among the rest of the characteristics, the coin displays clear-cut devices from having been given a full strike by the hydraulic press used to mint Proof coins. (Day to day circulation strike Barbers were struck using electric motor operated presses, which produced a different quality of impact from the dies. The regular presses were for sustained, high speed production.) Pop 1; 25 finer at NGC.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 3,800.
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Lot 818
1906. NGC graded MS-65. CAC Approved. Frosty with light even gold toning. Very few survivors could possibly equal the outstanding technical merits and originality of this 1906 Philly Mint half dollar. In addition to its strong strike and beautiful surface quality, both sides are gleaming with mint brilliance. Pop 13; none finer at NGC .
Estimated Value $2,100 - 2,200.
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Realized
$2,350
Lot 819
1906. NGC graded Proof 64 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Style Holder. Lovely gold and blue toning. Only 675 minted. For the date, a delightful full-mirror toned Proof with deeply reflective luster on both sides. Attractively struck as well, with nary a hint of softness at the key high points, everything is sharp.
Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800.
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Realized
$2,938
Lot 820
1906-D. PCGS graded MS-66. A hint of tone. A solid Gem. The 1906-D is one of the few Denver Mint Barber halves where the mintage gives some indication of the availability of this coin in mint condition; however, the higher coins do not fit neatly into this characterization because survival is hit or miss at this level. Several dozen examples are known in lower Mint State, with this being one of 7 Mint State 66 coins certified by the service. Fully detailed on the obverse and the reverse which only lacks highpoint definition on the eagle's right claw and the upper right leg.Pop 7; 2 finer, 1 in 66+, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 6505) .
Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500.
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Realized
$5,640
Lot 821
1906-S. PCGS graded MS-64. Lovely iridescent toning on both sides. Fully struck on each side, the frosty surfaces on this ’06-S Half Dollar have a sheet of silvery luster under the toning that shimmers and sparkles, uninterrupted by any noticeable abrasions. Typical sharp devices for the San Francisco Mint. Pop 37; 31 finer (PCGS # 6507) .
Estimated Value $2,200 - 2,300.
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Realized
$2,761
Lot 822
1908-D. PCGS graded MS-66 PQ. CAC Approved. Lovely light dappled toning on both sides with some colorful accents. An elevated degree of smooth luster springs to life beneath rich toned highlights on either side of this very high grade Barber Half Dollar. Never yielding to weakness at the obverse or the reverse, much more detail can be found there than on a typical example of the '08-D issue. A rock-solid gem that will certainly please its next owner. Pop 6; 6 finer, 2 in 66+, 4 in 67 (PCGS # 6513) .
Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500.
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Realized
$4,935
Lot 823
1910. NGC graded Proof 68. Lovely rainbow toning. Only 551 minted. While the 1910 Barber half is relatively available in Mint condition, especially considering only 418,551 pieces were struck, leading to the obvious conclusion that it would likely be unavailable, the Proofs are as scarce as their mintage. This is an absolutely full specimen, the striking details are uniform from side to side with complete keen-edged detail in all areas. Lustrous deep mirrors with original lilac and blue toning over each side. The reverse has a particularly warm splash of iridescence angling across the eagle. This is an impressive Proof 68 example of this popular, low mintage issue and one of the finest reported. Pop 5; none finer at NGC .
Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000.
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Realized
$10,869
Lot 824
1910. NGC graded Proof 67 Cameo. A fully white Cameo Proof. Only 551 struck. The Barber Half Dollar was produced in one main Type from 1892 to 1915. Very few Proof 67 examples are extant today from that time, an era with attractive, low mintages and a high survival rate, but handling and cleaning attrition that would make a 21st century collector blanche in horror. Original Proof sets from the early 1900s with high grade specimens have generally not been available at public auction since the 1920s. To find such a large sized silver coin that was struck prior to the First World War and in this condition is, in our experience a worthy event. In addition to its rock-solid technical merits, the surfaces add breathtaking eye appeal in the form vibrant silvery gleam that really needs to be seen (wearing sunglasses) in order to be fully appreciated. Pop 13; 2 finer, 1 in 68, 1 in 68 Star.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500.
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Realized
$6,463
Lot 825
1912. PCGS graded MS-65. A nice white coin. This is a thickly frosted, Gem quality representative of the 20th Century Barber Half Dollar coinage, desirable inasmuch as it is struck with controlled precision throughout. Pop 19; 5 finer, 2 in 65+, 2 in 66, 1 in 66+ (PCGS # 6524) .

A curious incident in the annals of US history, now forgotten by most: The year was 1912, the same year that this Barber Half Dollar was issued. It is a presidential election year. On his way to a speech in Milwaukee less than three weeks before Election Day, ex President Theodore Roosevelt, now running on the "Bull Moose" ticket, was shot in the chest by a deranged man under orders (the man claimed) from the spirit of President McKinley. As Roosevelt’s aids started to take him to the hospital, he ordered: "You get me to the speech. It may be the last one I shall ever deliver, but I am going to deliver this one." His shirt bloodied, a bullet hole through his script, he took to the podium and addressed the crowd. "I have just been shot. But it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose."

With a broken rib and a slug wedged less than an inch from his heart, Roosevelt would spend the next five days in the hospital. He recovered, to go on to split the Republican party ticket in the November election, tossing the White House to the underdog, Democrat candidate, Woodrow Wilson.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,600.
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Realized
$2,703
Lot 826
1913-D. PCGS graded MS-65. Light hint of tone and quite frosty. The scarcity of the 1913-D in gem mint condition is generally unappreciated except by those who specialize in Barber Half Dollars. It is a very difficult date to find in MS65 or finer (per the census below), and this coin boasts great silvery flash from the luster. Note the colorful range of orange-gold, russet and bright yellow which extends along most of the strike is decent for the grade, dare we say bold? With no sign of weakness on the usual reverse devices, the eagle's head, right wing and the highest arrow feathers in the claw. Liberty’s satiny cheek is outstanding. Pop 12; 5 finer in 66 (PCGS # 6528) .
Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,500.
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Realized
$4,113






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