Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 17

Coin Auction

U.S. Territorial Gold, California Gold and Two Watches

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2211		1857. Kellogg & Humbert gold bar No. 895, 97.89 ozs gold at .903 fine, value at time of issue $1,837.39. A monumental and very desirable example from the S. S. Central America shipwreck. This bar is from Mold KH-04, and this particular bar is plated on page 444 of Bowers A California Gold Rush History. The winner of this lot will receive the owners deluxe leather edition of this important reference work by numismatic scholar Q. David Bowers. The surfaces show the usual minor bubbles from casting the molten gold, and we note a particularly deep bubble just below the second 9 in the weight. The lower right corner has been chipped away for assay purposed by the makers, as has the upper right corner on the back of the bar. As with other bars from these makers, the serial number #895 is stamped on the otherwise blank back of the bar. The front of the bar shows a few scratches and surface hairlines, but they are not that distracting. An impressive large bar that would be the center of any numismatic gold collection. Estimated Value $100,000-UP. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $71,875
Lot 2212		1857. Kellogg & Humbert gold bar No. 548, 69.72 ozs gold at .893 fine, value at time of issue $1,237.02. A delightful example from these assayers of the California Gold Rush era. The bar itself is an even yellow gold in color, and the surfaces are well preserved. It was cast from mold number KH-03 in the Bowers Gold Rush History book and is plated on the bottom right corner on page 431. Of note is the fineness of this bar, which at .893 pure gold is very high for native California gold, which was usually found well below this fineness. The lower right corner has been chipped off for assay purposes, as has the lower left corner on the back of the bar. Also we note the control number 548 in a different font is located on the back as well. On the face of the bar, the normal bubbles are seen in the surface from the original pouring of the molten gold into the mold. In addition, a few minor scratches can be seen through GG of KELLOGG and into the surrounding fields, perhaps from the violence and tumbling as the S. S.Central America sunk in the hurricane in September of 1857. As noted in Bowers the Kellogg & Humbert bars are amongst the most numerous of the bars recovered from the wreck, however, both Kellogg and Humbert were very important participants in the California Gold Rush history, and many coins were known from their partnership. With the recovery of the gold from the Central America wreck, numerous bars were also found, much to the delight of many collectors today. This bar comes with the special leather edition of Q. David Bowers A California Gold Rush History and the new owner will doubtless spend many hours discussing the epic tales of the discovery of gold in California, and the tragedy of the loss of life on the Central America wreck. Truly a fantastic historical relic which will be the centerpiece of an advanced collection. Estimated Value $75,000-UP. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $62,100
Lot 2213		1849 Norris, Gregg & Norris (San Francisco) $5 Gold. Plain edge. NGC graded MS-63. Tied for the finest graded with one similar coin at PCGS with none seen higher by either grading service! This is perhaps tied for the finest known with just one other specimen. An important early territorial issue as well, of which perhaps 100 are known, most of which in lower circulated grades. We note that NGC and PCGS combined have graded a total of 57 examples of the Plain Edge variety. The color is a bright yellow gold with substantial luster in the fields. Moderate handling marks can be seen, expected for the grade. Well struck, with the 5 thick and full on the eagle's shield. As problem free as one could hope to find of this issue. Truly an opportunity for the advanced numismatist. Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2214		1852 U.S. Assay Office $50 "slug", 887 THOUS. Reeded edge. PCGS graded VF-35. Bright yellow gold in color, with surprisingly clean corners for one of these. Minor handling marks but far fewer than expected for the grade on one of these huge, heavy gold coins, which often come just beat to pieces. If you've been looking for a grand example of an Octagonal $50 slug, then we recommend this one highly for your collecting enjoyment (PCGS # 10217) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,005
Lot 2215		1852 U.S. Assay Office $10 Gold, 884 THOUS. NGC graded AU-58. The surfaces still retain enough mint luster as to easily justify this lofty grade. Some light handling marks scattered about but overall, quite nice. Remember, these early gold coins weren't carried to the opera any night, they were bouncing around in saddle bags and being tossed about in saloons and constantly being hidden from thieves and politician. Hence, few are found with such clean surfaces. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2216		1853 U.S. Assay Office $20 Gold, 900 THOUS. PCGS graded MS-64. Here is a stunning example of this sought after Territorial issue. Full blazing luster throughout, and this one appears as if it was struck today. Boldly struck throughout, with no signs of weakness to be found, and all of the minute details are needle sharp. Further, the surfaces are fresh and unblemished, which is quite unusual for a territorial gold coin of the period. This fact is borne out at PCGS, where this particular coin is one of the very best graded, with only 7 seen this nice, and importantly just 3 graded higher, all MS-65 above. It is certainly the best we have seen of this issue (PCGS # 10013) . Estimated Value $15,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,800
Lot 2217		1853 U.S. Assay Office $20 Gold, 900 THOUS. PCGS graded MS-63. Mint fresh luster and pleasing to the eye. We do note a hidden mark tucked in between the right wing of the eagle and neck, with a related small tick above his head in the field. PCGS has graded 21 this high, with just 10 graded higher of this important territorial issue (PCGS # 10013) . Estimated Value $12,500-UP. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2218		1855 Wass, Molitor & Co. (San Francisco) $50 Gold. EF-40. Better than often encountered for such a large, heavy gold coin, the surfaces show moderate handling marks and none are that detracting. On the rim there are some very light lines where small bruises were probably removed and the surfaces were undoubtedly cleaned at some time in the past. Well struck on the devices, with the first star slightly weak and similar on DOLLARS on the reverse which is shallow at the center of that word. Good orange gold in color, with pleasing coppery toning within the protected areas. Despite its minor problems, this is a very acceptable example of this scarce and important large Territorial gold issue. Estimated Value $25,000-UP. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $36,800
Lot 2219		A pair of California gold charms, both half dollar sized. The first is an "1872" Liberty Octagonal half dollar and the other is the "1852" Octagonal Indian half dollar, bear reverse, both of these are later issues than the dates indicated on the tokens or charms as they are called. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $10 - 15. From the Benson collection and purchased from I. Switt for $1. each on February 5, 1944. View details	Realized $86
Lot 2220		Audemars Piguet, $20 Gold Piece, Hunting Case Wristwatch. Having a 17 jewel manual wind movement, with a circular white dial with stick chapters, enclosed under a $20 gold coin, dated 1904, set in an 18k yellow gold coin edge bezel and bar lugs, completed by a Audemars Piguet black strap and 18k yellow gold clasp, accompanied by original box and papers. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,415
Lot 2221		Vacheron & Constantin, $20 Gold Piece, Hunting Case Pendant Watch. Having a 17 jewel manual wind 9 Douzieme movement, with a circular gold dial with stick chapter, enclosed under a $20 gold coin, dated 1904, set in an 18k yellow gold coin edge bezel and attached to an 18k yellow gold bail, accompanied by a 14k yellow gold link chain, approximately 24 inches in length. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300