Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 130

Pre-Long Beach Auction

Serial #00000001 Notes

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 4		The first three notes printed from the 1950 Minneapolis District: All I 00000001A, all high grade. This is the type of set that is presented to High Ranking Officials and somehow made its way to a lucky collector some 60+ years ago. You are looking at a rare matched set of the first notes printed in the Minneapolis Federal Reserve District of the $5, $10 and $20 denominations: $5 1950 FRN I 00000001A PCGS 58 PPQ $10 1950 FRN I 00000001A PCGS 58 PPQ $20 1950 FRN I 00000001A PCGS 63 PPQ Owning all three denominations with identical serial numbers, all with the A suffix adds significant value to this trio. We strongly recommend that you stretch to buy this set. Estimated Value $30,000 - 50,000 Like the first three lots in this auction, as a bidder you contact as many dealers you'd care to, trying to locate a set of matched serial #00000001A from the same series and the same district and you'll be wasting your time. These ultra rarities sit in advanced collections for decades and when offered are usually scooped up by an astute collector long before they can be auctioned. While a more common $5 FRN from say the 1981 - 1995 era with serial number 00000001 might bring as little as $5000 at auction, we remind you that this and the $10, $20 notes are all from 1950 series and are all the FIRST NOTES PRINTED on this district, making this set worth significantly more than a random serial #00000001 note you may encounter. At $10,000 per note, we think this set would be very under-valued. View details	Realized $19,800
Lot 5		$1 1988 FRN A00000001B in PMG 65 EPQ. This and the next lot are impressive to say the least: You can own two consecutive blocks from the same series both with serial #00000001. This is the $1 1988 FRN A00000001B encased in a PMG 65 EPQ holder and following you will find the $1 1988 FRN A00000001C. Two consecutive serial #1s on the #1 district. Estimated Value $8,000 - 15,000 I've sold and cataloged tens of thousands of fancy serial numbered notes and cannot recall seeing two serial #1s on the #1 district with consecutive blocks like this and the next note. Buy them both or regret it later. There two notes were separate until they came together in 2017 making them even more impressive than they appear at first glance. We strongly suggest you pursue them both, or they likely will never get back together in the same collection again. View details	Realized $6,000
Lot 6		$1 1988 FRN A00000001C in PCGS 64 App. This Choice CU $1 1988 FRN A00000001C is the next block following the $1 1988 FRN A00000001B featured in the previous lot. In our opinion you just have to keep this pair together and will never regret your decision. Show this to your friends and their jaws will drop. Estimated Value $6,000 - 10,000 Finding consecutive serial #00000001s means you'd have to be there at the bank 96,000,000 notes apart from the first delivery. (The BEP in 1988 printed 96,000,000 notes in the A-B block and then converted to the A-C block.) What are the odds of this happening? And what are the odds that the same person would be able to put the notes back together as a pair. We would remind you that serial #1s from the #1 district command a premium over other serial #1s from any other district. But here you have two consecutive blocks making this pair extra ordinary. PCGS notes minor restoration in the left margin which is all but impossible to see and has graded the note Choice New 64 App. View details	Realized $4,320
Lot 7		First Note Printed on the New York District #B00000001A. Wonderful $1 1963A FRN s/n B00000001A graded PCGS 63 PPQ. This is the first note printed on the New York Federal Reserve District and is a real prize. This serial number bears the inverse block letters of the note two lots prior to this. A-B and B-A. Estimated Value $6,000 - 12,000 If you read the Preface to the auction catalog, it is worth mentioning that we strongly feel that small size serial #00000001 are significantly under-valued. The prices realized at auction, with a few exceptions have seen these rarities realize the same prices over the past two decades. It is not a common occurrence that anyone ever had access to the "A" suffix serial number 000000001 notes, as many of these would go to high level officers in various government offices. Truly this is a special piece that one would be wise to pursue. View details	Realized $4,560
Lot 8		Beautiful 1963A Serial #L00000001C note. This is a well preserved early series note that will grace even the finest collection of special serial numbered notes. The San Francisco district has always been popular with collectors and this beauty will fill the bill. Estimated Value $5,000 - 10,000 In our five decades of pursuing fancy serial numbers we've never come up a single collection with 17 regular serial #00000001s and 11 STAR serial #000000001s. Arguably this may be the largest assemblage of small size serial #1s ever to appear in a single auction. When you see the extra low opening bid level of $2500, be prepared that this and most other lots likely will sell for significantly more. View details	Realized $3,600
Lot 9		One of 11 Serial Number 000000001 STARS in this sale. You may mistakenly think that because you have your choice of serial #00000001 STARS in this sale that they are relatively common. They are not. If you're a collector of auction catalogs, look back over the past decade and you'll see perhaps 3 or 4 offered in tens of thousands of lots of paper money. This $1 1969D FRN D00000001* is a well circulated example but still a true rarity. Graded VG/Fine. Estimated Value $4,000 - 8,000 If you are not in a position to spend $10,000 or more to obtain a single example of a serial #00000001 STAR note for your collection, this specific prize offer the opportunity to acquire one at a much more reasonable level. Another comment about opening bid levels: In the 2-14-22 Zeitmann Brothers Collection of special serial numbers, we set the opening bid levels quite low in the interest of attracting multiple bidders on each lot. 100% of the lots sold for at least double the opening bid levels, with many lots selling for 400% of the first bid received. View details	Realized $2,760
Lot 10		Higher Grade Serial #1 STAR note from 40 years ago will enhance any collection of low serial numbered notes. This is a very attractive serial #1 star note that may cost perhaps 50-70% what you would expect to pay for an uncirculated example. We stress again that you won't have the opportunity to pick among 11 #00000001 STARS again. PCGS 40 Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $8,000 - 15,000 This particular piece will fit nicely into a collection of high grade fancy serial numbers. We would suggest you consider these rarity facts This note faces up beautifully with no ink smearing on the seal or serial number. At first glance it looks closer to uncirculated than the grade would suggest. View details	Realized $5,040
Lot 11		Difficult to Locate Minneapolis Serial #1 note. As is common with many small size serial number #1 the BEP cleaned the printing press plates at the end of the previous block run, and often did not wipe all of the cleaning solvent off. This resulted in many serial #1 notes having minor ink smearing on the notes. This doesn't detract from the rarity of this fine note. We don't often see serial numbers from the Twin Cities district from any series 1963 to 1995. Estimated Value $6,000 - 12,000 Other than the matched set of 1950 I-A #1s offered earlier in this sale, this is your only chance to obtain a #1 from the Minneapolis Federal Reserve District. This sale is unique in so many ways. You can come close to constructing a 12 district set of serial #00000001 notes with lots in the first section of this catalog. View details	Realized $3,960
Lot 12		$1 2013 FRN D00000001F. The BEP has a long standing directive to employees to, if at all possible, not to release the #00000001 100 note packs. While it isn't possible to adhere to this directive, employees are supposed to co-mingle low serial numbers into other packs of notes. Hence this note got into circulation and stayed there for likely a year or more. Estimated Value $3,000 - 6,000 This $1 2013 FRN D00000001F has been graded PMG 30 and is highly collectible. There is a pen annotation on the face of this note which could be professionally removed for a nominal fee. We feel PMG has been exceptionally conservative with their grading on this note. View details	Realized $2,040
Lot 13		PMG 65 EPQ $1 Serial #E00000001H. Grades above 63 are the exception rather than the rule on serial #00000001 notes. We see ink smearing, centering problems and a multitude of other issues on the first note printed from 1963 to 1995 in all denominations. So locating a specimen in 65 or higher is a challenge. This $1 2006 FRN E00000001H grade PMG 65 EPQ should bring a very strong price at today's auction. Estimated Value $8,000 - 15,000 A reminder that while it is possible to win this note at the opening bid of $4,000, we think that other bidders will want to add this note at a higher price to their collections. Seeing any serial #00000001 escape in uncirculated condition is always fascinating to us as the BEP just doesn't want these to land in collector's hand due their high market value. View details	Realized $6,000
Lot 14		*Nicely Circulated $1 2001 FRN L00000001.** Looking for a $1 FRN Serial #1 STAR in circulated condition at a reasonable price? This $1 2001 FRN graded PCGS 30 Apparent faces up very nicely and can likely be bought at less than half the price of an uncirculated #1 star note. Estimated Value $6,000 - 12,000 It is surprising to see that no one noticed this note in circulation for perhaps six to nine months. The average $1 FRN circulates for about 18 months before it becomes so worn that it is redeemed by the government. This would be the perfect choice for a collector looking for fill a hole for that circulated ultra rarity in his (her) collection of fancy serial numbers. View details	Realized $3,600
Lot 15		PCGS 66 PPQ graded $1 2003A FRN L00000001B. This near superb Gem CU banknote would look wonderful with the set of five notes coming up for auction later in this session: The $1 1969B FRN five note set L99999999A, L00000001B, L00000002B, L00000003B and L00000004B. This matched block note to that set has been graded PCGS 66 PPQ Gem New. Estimated Value $8,000 - 15,000 Owning the five note set coming up in this auction and matching it up with this specific note would boost any collection of fancy serial numbers to the next level. It really is a must have piece. You'll get a look on the face of your friends and relatives when they see two identical serial numbered notes, both L00000001B. Don't underestimate how difficult it is to locate serial number 00000001 FRNs in grades above 63. This 66 is a true prize. View details	Realized $5,520
Lot 16		PCGS 66 PPQ graded $1 2003A FRN L00000001K. This near superb Gem CU banknote has been graded PCGS 66 PPQ Gem New. The vast majority of serial #00000001 notes were subject to ink smearing, corner crimps or other minor defects. So we see that perhaps 90% of the serial number #00000001s come in with grades below Gem CU. Estimated Value $8,000 - 15,000 Just as beautiful as the previous lot. Fancy serial numbered notes on the San Francisco District seem to bring higher prices than on other districts. View details	Realized $6,000
Lot 17		Sealed 1000 note brick G00000001G to G00001000G. It's hard to believe that this entire brick escape unscathed, fully enclosed in its original BEP shrink wrap packaging. It has not been opened, so we don't know if the #G00000002G is inside or replaced with a star note. (The BEP for most blocks during the 1970s through the 2000s removed the serial #00000002 to examine it for quality control purposes and replaced it with a random serial number star note.) Whether the #2 is in this sealed brick or not matters little to it's overall value. Estimated Value $15,000 - 30,000 The existence of any sealed 1000 note brick starting with serial #00000001 is a true syngraphic rarity. This brick is even more special in that it has matched G-G block letters. The notes therefore have never been graded by a third party, but all who see this know that it is fully original as package by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. We suspect the notes if sent in for grading would range from Choice CU to Gem CU. This wonderful brick should contain not only the G00000001G, but the G00000007G (a serial number seen once every twenty years or so, the G00000070G, G00000077G, G00000700G, G00000770G and the G00000777G. This brick is a real treasure We believe our high estimate is conservative, considering what a dealer might be able to realize by breaking this 1000 note brick up and selling each piece individually. View details	Realized $26,400
Lot 18		Gem 100 Note Pack of $1 2006 FRNs including the L00000001M. As with most packs issued in series up until the 2009, the majority of them have their serial #00000002 removed for quality control purposes. This pack has the #2 replaced by a random serial number star note. HOWEVER, this auction contains FOUR individual serial #00000002 notes you can buy and substitute in this pack coming up in the next several lots. As with most intact 100 note packs, this was is unslabbed, but could be mailed into PCGS for their pack grading service. It would appear that the pack should grade 65 or very close to it in our opinion. Estimated Value $12,000 - 22,000 In the past when a #00000001 pack appears in the marketplace, dealers scoop it up, break it up and sell each note individually and make a significant profit. An astute collector will consider salting this beauty away. If you speak with dealers who have bought intact 100 note packs beginning with serial #00000001, you find their final prices realized when selling them individually range from $20,000 to $30,000. View details	Realized $13,200
Lot 19		$2 2003 FRN Serial #A00000001 STAR. Serial #1 on the #1 District. This is the note that everyone who chases fancy serial numbers strives to obtain. This amazing piece came from 12 note $2 2003 Premium set that contained A00000001* through L00000001*. An east coast dealer bought the set intact, had them graded and has been releasing a couple of them each year, slowly to keep the values high. This note is the best of the 12 that are available from that set, and it has been graded PMG 64 EPQ. Estimated Value $30,000 - 60,000 When the dealer who bought this set has put these serial #1 stars up for sale over the past several years they have realized $17,000 to $28,000 per note. Putting a price on this specific rarity is almost impossible. We see it as a $40,000 to $50,000 banknote, but bidders will determine its final value when the hammer falls today on this amazing piece. There are multiple collectors in the far east that seek out serial #A00000001star notes with price being no object. Whether those individuals will be aware of this amazing piece today, we do not know, but if they are be prepared for some serious competition. View details	Realized $21,000
Lot 20		Ultra Rare $5 Small Head #00000001 STAR. This amazing collection of serial number #00000001 only has a single example in the $5 denomination and it is a STAR note! This appealing example is a $5 1995 FRN Serial #B00000001* graded PCGS 35 Choice Very Fine. Estimated Value $8,000 - 15,000 The quantity of $5 bills printed has always been only a fraction of the amount produced for $1, $20, and $100 denominations. In an average month you'll see that the BEP prints less than half the quantity of $100s, and less than half of the quantity of $20s, than they do for $5 notes. Considering that this is the largest collection of serial #00000001 notes to cross the auction blocks in the past decades, and this being the only $5 #1 (and it's a STAR note) we would recommend a strong bid to secure this rarity. View details	Realized $4,800
Lot 21		*About Unc $10 1981A FRN F00000001.** According to Bill Baeder's census of special serial numbered notes, only two $10 small head FRNs with a serial #1 star: This $10 1981A FRN F00000001* PMG 55 About Uncirculated and the $10 1985 FRN H00000001* PMG 30EPQ. So this is the finer of the two known by a considerable margin. Estimated Value $12,000 - 20,000 The Baeder census completed in 2015 shows a total of 24 known* small size notes from $1 - $500 denominations with serial #00000001 stars. Today's auction gives you the opportunity to own 10 of them!! (*This count of 24 does not include the 12 note BEP set of $2 2003 FRNs all with serial #1 star.). As stated earlier in the Preface to the auction lot listings, no one can guaranty you that additional fancy serial numbers couldn't be locked away in a safe deposit box, but after studying this subject for five decades our present figures likely are more accurate than anywhere else you can go to get the known facts on this subject. View details	Realized $8,100
Lot 22		Serial #1 STAR on the #1 district PACK!!! Another blockbuster lot, unheard of until 2018, when Mike Abramson purchased this pack from a 40 year armored car co. employee in late 2017. This 100 note GEM CU pack sold by this armored car co. employee to Mike contained an amazing array of fancy numbers that he had pulled out of his company's warehouse over the years. Many of those finds are contained in today's sale. This and the $1 2009 FRN brick G00000001G - G00000100G were among the treasures Mike took back to his office in 2018. Estimated Value $70,000 - 120,000 You're looking at another serial #1 STAR on the #1 district but this time it contains the complete pack of notes from GA00000001* to G00000100* notes, including the GA00000002* note. Yes the #2 note is in this pack. The centering is wonderful and the pack is as fresh as it left the BEP 15 years ago. Putting a price on this pack is so very difficult as it's never been auctioned. Mike sold the pack directly to the Lunchbox Journeys Collection owner and he has held it since. Mike did own the $5 2006 IA00000001* - IA00000100* about seven years prior. He sold it for $55,000 and the dealer who bought it, resold it for far more to another dealer. That dealer broke up the pack and it is my understanding that it realized far in excess of $100,000 in a much weakier market than today's. View details	Realized $43,200
Lot 23		AU $20 Serial #GE00000001 STAR. This is one of two $20 #00000001 star notes featured in today's auction, both in relatively high grades. This note is graded PCGS 53 About Uncirculated. When looking through the selection of serial number 00000001 star notes you might think you'll see another selection like this in the near future. We would counsel you that that is incorrect. This is the most impressive selection of #00000001 stars to cross the auction block in decades. Estimated Value $12,000 - 25,000 It is remarkable that the Lunchbox Journeys Collection contained $1, $2, $5, $10, $20 and $50 serial #00000001 star notes. Should you call a dealer and ask him if he can construct such as set, his (her) answer will be a simple no. Constructing a complete denomination set from the $1 to $50 won't be doable after today, unless you have a 40 year time horizon. (The $5 #1 star is listed as part of a complete set of #00000001* to 12345678* ladder s/n's to follow in this auction.). This nice looking $20 #1 star note should bring between $15,000 and $20,000 today, but we think down the road that will look like a bargain. View details	Realized $7,500
Lot 24		$20 Serial #ML00000001 STAR. This is one of two $20 #00000001 star notes featured in today's auction, both in relatively high grades. This note has been graded PMG 35 Choice Very Fine but we see it as an Extra Fine. Estimated Value $10,000 - 20,000 This nice looking $20 #1 star note should bring between $10,000 and $15,000 today, but we think down the road that will look like a bargain. View details	Realized $6,300
Lot 25		*$50 2001 FRN CB00000001.** This PMG 25 graded note is one important piece. No small head $50 star notes have been discovered and only two large size are known at this time. This $50 2001 FRN CB00000001 STAR has been graded PMG 25. The other known $50 star is the $50 2001 CE00000001* sold for $18,800 by Lyn Knight on 6-13-2016. Estimated Value $15,000 - 30,000 If you wanted to construct a complete set of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 serial #00000001 stars this is your auction. Only the $100 #00000001 star is missing from this sale. Three $100 #1 stars are known. This is the type of note that will trade hands behind the scenes between dealers and their largest clients. Multiple collectors are looking for $50 #1 stars and today is the day to pounce on this dandy. View details	Realized $9,300
Lot 26		Serial #00000001 on a Fifty Dollar Note! $50 Big Head 2004 s/n GG00000001A, graded PCGS 53 Apparent. We can document only six small head $50 notes with serial #00000001 all with the A suffix letter. PCGS has noted that the overprint is discolored. Estimated Value $12,000 - 20,000 The Baeder census shows NO OTHER BIG HEAD $50 FRN Serial #00000001 non star notes. The Track and Price Census shows one other: An XF $50 2013 FRN MG00000001B sold on 8-12-21 by StacksBowers. You are bidding on perhaps the finest known serial #000000001 non star $50 FRN from 1996 to the present series. With only two known, banknotes don't get much rarer this this beauty. View details	Realized $7,500