Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 62

The Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Patterns

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2022		1836 Pattern Dollar. Silver, plain edge. Original. Judd-58. Pollock-61. NGC graded Proof XF Details, tooled. Pleasing even grey toning. Popular type coin always in demand. The United States Mint had ceased striking silver dollars in 1804. Although the denomination was the "flagship" monetary unit in U.S. coinage, demand for it came mostly from bullion depositors. Few dollar coins circulated in the beginning of the 19th century. Much of each year's mintage was either melted domestically or exported. By the 1820s and '30s however, two successive Mint directors, Samuel Moore and Robert M. Patterson, had advocated reviving dollar coinage. The second of these directors, Patterson, wanted to make an artistic statement. He hired artist Thomas Sully to make sketches of a full figure of Liberty along the lines of the allegorical figure Britannia seen on English coins. Patterson retained noted painter Titian Peale to fashion the eagle for the reverse and instructed newly hired Second Engraver Christian Gobrecht to translate the designs to metal. Gobrecht's design was a composite of both Peale's and Sully's works, as well as his own ideas. The obverse featured the figure of Liberty seated on a rock, draped in a loose-fitting gown-suggesting statuary from Hellenistic Greece. A naturalistic eagle in flight adorns the reverse, the bird rising "onward and upward," a position intended to symbolize the unbounded optimism that Americans had for the nation's future. The eagle flies amid a field of 26 large and small stars, representing the thirteen original states and the thirteen admitted to the Union after 1789 (anticipating Michigan's entry). Regular production of Gobrecht dollars began sometime in December of 1836 (PCGS # 11215) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,900
Lot 2023		1836 Pattern Dollar. Silver, plain edge. Judd-60. Pollock-65. NGC graded VF-30. A pleasing violet-grey circulated example of this popular type coin (PCGS # 11227) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,625
Lot 2024		1836 Pattern Gold Dollar. Gold, Plain Edge. Judd-67. Pollock-70 Rarity 5. NGC graded Proof 67. Lovely golden toning. A popular gold pattern. Depicted on the obverse is a "glory" of rays, a cap indicative of Liberty inscribed, appropriately, LIBERTY. And that is all: simple, effective, and a superb use of the small space provided. Christian Gobercht is the master craftsman behind this design. On the reverse an equally simple palm branch enshrines the denomination 1 D., with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA outside and the date below. 1836 was a remarkable year in American numismatics. The first 1836 Reeded Edge half dollars were struck on the Mint's steam press and, innovatively, with a "close collar" die for the edge of the coins. So, too, the movement for production of gold dollars was given this year by the Bechtlers' private gold coinage in North Carolina and by the opening of three branch mints in the South. These 1836-dated Patterns are a result of the gold-dollar movement. They are struck in gold, with a 10% copper alloy. Originals and restrikes exist. This wonderful Gem Proof 67 example probably appears exactly the way as it did the day it was made, inasmuch as both sides are preserved with loving care for all these generations since 1836. The inviting vibrant surfaces show delicate cameo contrast. Unlike some of this issue which have lintmarks, the present specimen as no defects of any kind which critics like to point to as "future pedigree identifier." Indeed, examination under magnification reveals only a few light milky toning speckles on this stunning and historic gold dollar Pattern. Certified the way you like it: Proof 67, and the Finest recorded! Pop 1; none finer at NGC . Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $28,750
Lot 2025		1839 Pattern Dollar. Silver, Reeded Edge. Judd-104. Pollock-116 Rarity 3 NGC graded XF Details. Repaired. Gobrecht Dollar. Evenly Toned with areas of medium gray surface intersperced with lighter silver accents on the high points. Struck with methodical precision throughout, only a few of the stars show any flattening on their tops, while all of Liberty's skirtlines are bold. According to www.uspatterns.com, these were released into circulation and are now considered by many to be regular issue and not patterns. "Much controversy surrounds this issue. There are 2 theories revolving around them. The first theory originally espoused by Walter Breen and championed by Robert W. Julian and Craig Sholley believed that originals were struck in alignment I. We recommend reading their article in the July 31, 2007 edition of Numismatic News. The second theory by James Gray and Mike Carboneau believe that originals were struck in die alignment IV." "Research is still ongoing on these but we believe that the die alignment IV pieces struck from perfect dies, like the Smithsonian example - in the earliest die state known - are in fact the originals. The Smithsonian example was struck using a collar containing 181 reeds just like the 1838. It is not known if later restrikes used a different edge collar. "Complicating things further is an October 6, 2009 Numismatic News article by Robert Julian which states that all of the 1839 dated striking was destroyed. Research on all of this continues!! "John Dannreuther has discovered that the working dies for this and J84/P93 were made from the same master die which originally had Gobrecht's name on the base as on J60/P65. Remnants of Gobrecht's name as well as several graver lines to efface the letters can be seen in the above image below." (PCGS # 11446) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,188
Lot 2026		1855 Pattern Cent. Bronze, plain edge. Original. Judd-168. Pollock-193 Rarity 4. PCGS graded Proof 64 Brown. Accompanied by an Eagle Eye certificate. 92.44 grs. 93% Cu, 5.4% Sn, 1.2% Zn. In the search for an acceptable substitute for the large copper cent, further experiments were conducted in 1855 following various proposals made in 1854; the 1855 coins use different alloys of copper and nickel. One alloy of 60% copper and 40% nickel produced pieces which have the color of steel. Another containing 80% copper and 20% nickel had the same characteristics as the standard alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel later used for the regular issue three and five cent pieces. Copper and bronze alloy large flying eagle Patterns like the Judd-168 piece offered in this lot are readily affordable in choice grades. Pop 33; 4 finer in 65BN (PCGS # 11720) . Estimated Value $2,800 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2027		1855 Pattern Cent. Bronze, plain edge. Judd-173. Pollock-198 Low Rarity 7. PCGS graded Proof 64 Brown. Accompanied by an Eagle Eye certificate. A nicely struck pattern. The surfaces have the warm reddish brown coppery look that one would expect from this alloy with none of the often-seen spots. As with other known examples of Judd-173, the striking details tend to be very strong rather than weak; suggesting that this piece was struck with the correct die pressure intended to bring forth the details. The fields are very lightly hairlined and evidence of a Proof finish is present on each side. Pop 2; 1 finer in 65BN (PCGS # 11748) . Estimated Value $3,800 - 4,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2028		1871 Pattern Silver Dollar. Copper, Reeded Edge. Judd-1147. Pollock-1289 High Rarity 6. PCGS graded Proof 65 Brown PQ. CAC Approved. Lovely natural toning on both sides. Pattern collectors delight in the seated Indian Princess designs of 1870-73, and this rare variety highlights the series! Virtually all the survivors have been sent to the grading services, given the current reported populations some force. On offer is a premium gem brown Proof example, the surfaces are fresh and clean, glowing, with exquisite color and a touch of gold shimmering iridescence. One or two lint marks below IN GOD on the reverse are an artifact of the minting process, we note them for accuracy but they in no way compromise the beauty of the piece. 1871 continues the appearance of James B. Longacre's famous Indian Princess design on Pattern coins introduced in 1870. The motif (in modified form) subsequently appeared on later varieties through 1873. Collectors agree that had it been adopted for circulation, the Indian Princess set would have made a beautiful addition to the nation's coinage. The design was by James Barton Longacre, Mint Engraver from 1844 until 1869. Longacre adapted Liberty's head ornamentation in modified form from his 1854 Type 2 and Type 3 gold dollars as well as the similar $3 gold pieces introduced in 1854. Liberty's seated figure faces to the left. At her side, in place of the Union shield is a globe of the world inscribed LIBERTY on a ribbon, the letters of which are raised instead of incuse. Behind are two flags. On the larger denomination (dollar) the initials J.B.L. are below the base at right. Pop 3; 1 finer at PCGS (PCGS # 61409) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,855
Lot 2029		1858 Pattern Cent. Copper-nickel, plain edge. Judd-191. Pollock-233 Rarity 5. PCGS graded Proof 64. Accompanied by an Eagle Eye certificate. Lightly toned. Designs are close to those of the adopted design, with the 1858 Flying Eagle, Small Letters obverse paired with the 1859 Indian Cent's laurel wreath reverse. A sleek, lustrous, and carefully preserved Proof 64. Nothing intermittent about it, everyone can see this coin shimmering in the distance. It's surface is like an effervescent tan-colored beam of originality that has burst suddenly into view. Struck with controlled precision throughout. Pop 18; 5 finer in 65 (PCGS # 11840) . In 1858 many other Pattern cents were designed and struck. These were issued by the Mint in sets of twelve. These sets ordinarily contained pieces with 3 obverses; the flying eagle with small letters, the small flying eagle and the Indian head, each combined with the 4 reverses; the corn, wheat, cotton and tobacco wreath, the laurel wreath, the oak wreath and the oak wreath with the broad, ornamented shield. Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,300. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2030		1916 Pattern Half Dollar. Silver, reeded edge. Judd-1992. Low Rarity 7. Pollock-2053. NGC graded AU-53. Untoned. Very popular 20th century pattern. This significant 20th century Pattern with LIBERTY (appearing as LiberTy) and IN GOD WE TRUST in large letters in the right obverse field last appeared in the 2007 F.U.N. sale. It was described as having "The reverse features an eagle that is a likeness of the final version of the Walking Liberty design, but with there the similarity ends. Above the eagle are the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR, while E PLURIBUS UNUM appears beneath the branch on which the eagle is perched. There are several different variations of 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Patterns known. The earlier issues and the eighth edition of the Judd reference listed six varieties, while Andrew Pollock included a seventh variety. Based on the pedigree research of Saul Teichman on his usPatterns.com website, only about 20 examples of all different varieties are currently known. Five of these are in the Smithsonian Institution, leaving a net available population of just 15 coins." Until the 1930s, collectors were unaware there were any prototype 1916 strikings. Then a description of these rare Patterns appeared in the April 1937 issue of The Numismatist. Mint Director F.J.H. von Engelken (September 1916 to March 1917), said in 1916, "The design of the half dollar bears a full-length figure of Liberty, the folds of the Stars and Stripes flying to the breeze as a background, progressing in full stride toward the dawn of a new day, carrying branches of laurel and oak, symbolical of civil and military glory. The hand of the figure is outstretched in bestowal of the spirit of Liberty." The reverse of the half dollar shows an eagle perched high upon a mountain crag, his wings unfolded, fearless in spirit and conscious of his power. Springing from a rift in the rock is a sapling of mountain pine, symbolical of America." According to the F.U.N. sale cataloger, "The specimen offered here appears to have been carried as a pocket piece or perhaps even circulated for a brief period of time. If so, imagine the curious looks it may have received or the elation upon its eventual discovery. The surfaces are a bright silver-gray and reveal a few light scratches on the major design elements upon close inspection, most notably on the eagle's forewing. A small lump of extra metal on the reverse border above ED of UNITED is useful for future attribution. A fascinating prototype for one of the most widely collected and beautiful designs in 20th century American numismatics." Pop 1; 3 finer. Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000. Ex Heritage January 2007 F.U.N. sale. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $28,750
Lot 2031		1859 Pattern Cent. Copper-nickel, plain edge. Judd-228. Pollock-272 Rarity 1. NGC graded MS-65. The familiar (and ever-popular) Transitional Pattern which incorporates the obverse of 1859 (first year issue) with the Oak Wreath & Shield reverse introduced the next year. A fair number were minted and so this one can be collected easily without breaking the bank. Alluring Gem. Pop 37; 7 finer in 66 (PCGS # 11932) . Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2032		1863 Pattern Cent. Bronze, plain edge. Judd-301. Pollock-363. PCGS graded Proof 64 Red & Brown. A handsome 1863-L Pattern cent with gleaming deep glowing-coal red surfaces topped by bluish-brown sheen. This handsome 1863-L Patteren cent is one of the most elusive known to collectors. Some might consider it the direct precursor to the rare Proof 1864-L regular issue pieces since it is identical except for the date. A must for every collector of Indian Cents. The coin's designer (L = Longacre, James B.) was a key player in developing a new reduced-weight standard for the one-cent coin. Beginning as early as 1849-50, the mint experimented with an almost endless variety of sometimes rare, sometimes affordable Pattern cents. The experiments ranged from different metals (mostly base metals pieces like billion, but some containing trace amounts of silver). Also, different weights and sizes were tried. As the 1860s unfolded, the agreed standard was taking form: French bronze, containing 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. Only 3 examples graded in total at PCGS. Very desirsable as the second-cousin 1863-L Proof Indian Cent. Few other than specialists realize this but this year's issue is rarer than the more highly touted 1864-L Proof Cent of which 20 were struck. A must for every Pattern collector. Pop 1; 1 finer in 65 RB. (PCGS # 70456) . The year 1863 saw the beginning of the 6 year long project to construct a transcontinental railroad. The two firms that built the at first rickety roadbed, received government grants of land and money for every mile of roadbed they constructed. Completion took place in 1869 at Promontory Point, Utah with the driving-in of the golden spike (that was quickly removed and replaced with a normal iron spike). The railroad tracks and ties were so slipshod and poorly constructed that immediately upon completion, the entire line had to be relaid over the next several years! (That part is left out of the school text books.). Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $34,500
Lot 2033		1863 Pattern Dollar. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-346. Pollock-418 Rarity 6. NGC graded Proof 64 Brown. Even brown toning. Boldly struck. A high degree of fresh original surface gleams off the deeply toned surfaces of this elusive gem. The strike is crisp in all areas, where full detail may be noted at the stars and Liberty's hair, her gown folds and the shield she is supporting; the reverse, similarly well-endowed with detail, displays incredible detail on the eagle's neck, wing, and body feathers, the shield, and all supporting legends around the margin. It is doubtful if many more of these will be offered for sale in the future, so there is no fear of price erosion for the present piece, which is a numismatic delight! Pop 2; only 2 graded at NGC for Judd-346. The so-called transitional dollar using the reverse of 1866-1891, actually a restrike made years later and offered to collectors to spice-up their Pattern coin sets. Examples of this Type are: Silver J345/P417 with about a dozen known; copper J346/P418 with about a dozen known; aluminum J347/P419 with at least 4 known including an example in the American Numismatic Society. Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $11,500
Lot 2034		1868 Pattern Eagle. Aluminum, reeded edge. Judd-663. Pollock-736. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. A lovely Pattern with brilliant surfaces and free from the spotting that plagues so many of the patterns struck in aluminum. On the obverse, a bust of Liberty faces left, wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY in small raised letters. Around, 13 stars, and below, the date. The reverse depicts an eagle with wings spread, clutching three arrows and an olive branch. A ribbon carries the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Around, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and below, the denomination TEN D. This design for a $10 gold piece was struck in gold, copper and aluminum. Pop 3; 1 in 67 cameo. Aluminum was the new "wonder metal" of the mid-1800s when this piece was made. Light and easy to work, it had splendid properties and possibilities. There was only one drawback: price. Although the price of aluminum fell to below that of silver by the early 1860s, it was still expensive to produce, hovering around twelve dollars a pound between 1862 and 1886. It retained this status until metallurgists found a way to smelt it in quantity. As a consequence, the US. mint struck only limited numbers of aluminum Patterns and die trial pieces each year, often Rarity-6 or, as in the case of this 1868 J-663 Pattern $10, Rarity-7. (In 1889, man's technology finally caught up with his need for large supplies of this miracle light metal; prices plummeted and aluminum was soon being used to make tokens, medals, promotional badges, inflation coins by the jillion, and all sorts of other flimsy doodads. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $9,200
Lot 2035		1870 Pattern Half Dollar. Copper, reeded edge. Judd-953. Pollock-1096 Low Rarity 7. PCGS graded Proof 66 Brown. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Highest PCGS certified Judd-953. A resplendent brownish steel-gray highlights the gem reddish brown foundation of the piece with a vivid display of rich mirrored iridescence on both sides. Clear-cut devices point to it having been giving a full strike by the dies. Only a portion of LIBERTY at the headband shows any diminishment in the detail. 1870 marks the appearance of the "Standard" reverses for the Pattern coins from the half dime to the dollar, a group out of which this lovely Proof Judd-953 is a member. Probably because of lack of time to prepare suitable obverse dies, these reverses were combined with the obverses of 1869 and a new seated Liberty design by Barber. When this reverse design was combined with the Barber obverse design for the quarter, half and silver dollar and with the Longacre design for a silver dollar, unintentional mules resulted since United States of America does not appear on either side. The "Standard Silver" series of dimes, quarters and half dollars of 1869 were again issued dated 1870. At the Mint, experiments continued with silver coins labeled STANDARD SILVER but of lower weights than those authorized by the Act of 1853. As was the case with 1869 STANDARD SILVER Patterns, many varieties were made. The 1870 coinage included pieces denominated STANDARD 1 DOLLAR as well. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 61199) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,763