Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 62

The Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

Commemorative Gold Coins

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 2357		1922 Grant Dollar, With Star. NGC graded MS-68. A magnificent gem boasting rich natural greenish-golden mint bloom colors. This is the finest example we have seen. In order to sell extra Grant Commemoratives to the public, the commission releasing these gold dollars arrogated to themselves a lesson learned from the Alabama commission people the year before. They had the mint stamp a tiny star into the obverse field above the word GRANT. A total of 5,016 were so counterpunched while each coin was in the die so as not to cause a flat spot to appear on the opposite side. Only a few people were tricked by this sly ruse. Today's collector, therefore, has plenty of choice to gem Grant with Star examples from which to choose but at the top end, the population dwindles. The present coin is far better than most. Tied for finest graded at either service. Pop 9; none finer. (PCGS # 7459) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,075
Lot 2358		1922 Grant Dollar, no star. NGC graded MS-65. A gem untoned example. Ulysses S Grant, 18th President, was a familiar face on America's paper money, but appears only once on the Grant Commemorartive issues of 1922. Banknotes are another thing, for he appears on several series of Silver Certificates (1886, 1891, 1896, 1899), Gold Certificates (1913, 1922), Federal Reserve Bank Notes (1918, 1929), National Bank Notes (1929), and Federal Reserve Notes (1914, and all small size $50 FRNs). He was born in 1822 and died in 1885 (PCGS # 7458) . Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,243
Lot 2359		1903 Louisiana Purchase-Jefferson Dollar. PCGS graded MS-65. A beautiful golden gem with resonant luster supporting detailed features in the Jefferson portrait (PCGS # 7443) . Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2360		1903 Louisiana Purchase-Jefferson Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Light golden toning and a lustrous near-Gem with all the pizzazz and mint freshness anyone could desire (PCGS # 7443) . Estimated Value $900 - 950. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,150
Lot 2361		1903 Louisiana Purchase-Jefferson Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Bright gold color with sparkling mint luster, there are only a few small hairlines scattered about, none of which are of individual concern (PCGS # 7443) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $748
Lot 2362		1903 Louisiana Purchase-McKinley Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. A stunning gem proof with luscious golden-sunset toning on both sides. A fabulous looking gem Proof McKinley gold dollar. This coin honors the slain President William McKinley (1897-1901) as well as being sold in commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase celebration held in Saint Louis, Missouri. One hundred brilliant Proofs were struck of both the Jefferson and McKinley types. Many of these have been knocked about over the years, and today few exist in pristine, Gem condition. This is a beautiful deep mirror Proof that has splendid color and a pleasing light cameo contrast between the fields and devices on each side. There are no obvious surface blemishes on either obverse or reverse. An exciting and very scarce commemorative gold piece. Pop 12; 5 in 66, 1 in 67 (PCGS # 7483) . The Louisiana Purchase Exposition this was our fourth largest exposition. With St. Louis having been Territorial Capital in 1804, civic leaders and Missouri Historical Society campaigned with the Louisiana Purchase states and territories to secure the celebration. The exposition opened April 30, 1904 after some delay (it had been planned to open in 1903) and closed December 1, 1904. Attendance was about 20,000,000, with 13,000,000 paid. The fair would "demonstrate America's progress since the Louisiana Purchase…promote friendly relations and the exchange of knowledge throughout the peoples of the world." All states and territories and "dozens" of foreign countries were represented, with scores erecting their own buildings. Fifteen major exhibition "Palaces" radiated in a fan from the central Festival Hall in a "setting of lagoons, boulevards, gardens, fountains and sculpture" including 1,200 pieces of statuary. Electric lighting, a sign of progress then, was used "lavishly" for both decoration and illumination. Featured were motor cars, aeronautics and wireless telegraphy -- all in their infant stages of development. A highlight was on one automobile which had traveled from New York City to St. Louis, then "an unprecedented feat and a hazardous journey." The concurrent 1904 Olympic Games were held during Exposition in first concrete stadium built in U.S. Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 2363		1903 Louisiana Purchase-McKinley Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Clearly choice and with natural toning that surpasses the vast majority of heavily abraded Uncirculated pieces. Of the high production standards employed by the Mint during this period (PCGS # 7444) . Estimated Value $525 - 550. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $633
Lot 2364		1903 Mckinley $1 Gold. NGC graded MS-63 PQ. Old Holder. Light gold toning. Warm gold in color, the design exhibits eye-opening striking definition. Estimated Value $550 - 600. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $604
Lot 2365		1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 Octagonal. PCGS graded MS-64. Rich golden toning. Only 645 pieces struck. Lovely and agreeable color with every detail boldly struck. The Mint Act of January 16, 1915 authorized a fifty dollar gold piece along with a gold $1, gold quarter eagle, and a silver half dollar to commemorate the Panama-Pacific International Exposition scheduled to open in San Francisco that year. Proceeds from sale of these commemorative coins would help defray the cost of exposition. Several events were being commemorated, including the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. Both $50 gold designs (round and octagonal) were the achievement of Robert Aitken. Since many of them were purchased by wealthy individuals who were not necessarily coin collectors, it shouldn't surprise anyone to learn that a fair number of them were slightly handled by their owners or heirs. With this in mind, it is pleasing to offer this lovely very choice quality MS64. It is a perfect match any other in the same grade so there is no need to hesitate when bidding. The coin displays beautiful soft golden surfaces and radiates a pure satiny glow. No observable blemishes are noted, making this an impressive specimen for the well-heeled collector; one of the more remarkable issues in the U.S. Commemorative series. Pop 112; 20 finer at PCGS (PCGS # 7452) . On the octagonal issue and only on this issue, there appear dolphins around the inner border at the 8 corners on either side. The artist, Robert Aitken, noted sculptor and coin designer, presents Minerva, goddess of the harvest, wearing a Corinthian plumed helmet. Aitken used a more thematic device for his reverse, an owl perched upon a pine branch. Estimated Value $70,000 - 75,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $86,250
Lot 2366		1915-S Panama Pacific $50 Round. NGC graded MS-65. Lovely light golden toning. Only 483 pieces struck. Exceedingly attractive, as one might expect given the Gem MS65 classification; though what really sets this coin apart from others is its powerful satin-smooth luster, the sort of sheen that twinkles over each side unaffected by blemishes or toning spots. We are doubly impressed by the coin's superb, convincing design detail in all areas of this important coin. Not even the slightest amount of flatness occurs on the key features! Five coins comprise the Panama-Pacific group, in addition, there were complete sets mounted in metal frames or leather cases sold for $200. Many sales were made to banks and private individuals, so one would expect a fair number of high grade examples, especially of the two $50 "prestige" gold denominations. This is not the case. Gems are a challenge to find (see grading census below). The larger the denomination, it seems, the more difficult to locate. Some were presumably carried as pocket-souvenirs. When all was said and done, only 483 Round $50 gold pieces were sold. It can be stated authoritatively (though no separate accounts were kept in this regard) that many landed in the hands of the non-collecting public; others may have been melted after the federal government nationalized America's gold coins in 1933. We estimate there are 200 or so of the round $50 pieces left in existence. Today the five different commemoratives of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition stand as the high-water mark of early 20th century American coinage. The $50 is unique in the U.S. federal system, both as to denomination at the time ($50) and dimensions (two and one-half ounces of 900 Fine gold). The creative talent goes to Robert Aitken, a noted sculptor and coin designer whose handiwork depicts Minerva, goddess of the harvest, wearing a Corinthian plumed helmet. An owl perched upon a pine branch occupies the reverse. It has been observed that the wisdom of owls is overrated. The specialists who trained Harry Potter's Hedwig and worked the various owls on the movie sets, said owls are little more than flying sharks -- sophisticated eating machines with only enough brains to get along with. But that is neither here nor there, since Minerva's owl on this lovely specimen is a golden and proud creation by the artist, making this one of the all-time favorite U.S. commemorative gold pieces. A resplendent way to memorialize the occasion is with this well struck MS65 Gem $50 Round gold coin. Pop 43; 27 finer. Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $115,000
Lot 2367		1915-S Panama-Pacific $2.50 CAC Approved. NGC graded MS-67. Well struck with attractive golden toning. Among the finest known. The Pan-Pacific Quarter Eagle is a most important addition to America's Commemorative coin series, and it is only rarely that a Superb Gem quality example of the date has been certified (see below). The original mintage was less than generous by modern reckoning: 6,749 coins, and many Mint State examples survive, but nearly all of those are in the lower numeric grades. This example is boldly made and has brilliant, frosted luster with only the slightest of surface marks, consistent with the superlative grade. It has rich vivid-gold color and exceptional aesthetic appeal. Devices are 100% bold. A wonderful example for the Panama-Pacific connoisseur who appreciates the combination of rarity, beauty and top quality. Pop 15; none finer at NGC . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,925
Lot 2368		1915-S Panama-Pacific $2.50. PCGS graded MS-63. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Nice golden toning. Obverse scratch by her face. Otherwise a gem. A highly presentable choice coin, with riveting appeal from warmly toned fields (PCGS # 7450) . Estimated Value $2,900 - 3,000. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,565
Lot 2369		1915-S Panama-Pacific Dollar CAC Approved. PCGS graded MS-66 PQ. Intense golden toning on both sides. Only 15,000 struck and among the most attractive around. It is easy to identify this as a coin which will entice the Commemorative buyer who demands splendid quality. Note the satiny and undisturbed nature of the fields and devices. A strong magnifying glass will reveal a faint blush of pinkish red on the canal worker's profile. There is a tiny mark on the N of ONE but virtually no other marks recognizable as such. The strike is sharp on all areas, as usually seen on this simply designed but well executed Gold Dollar Type. Certainly one of the more attractive to survive from this issue, and a prize for the collector (PCGS # 7449) . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,013
Lot 2370		1915-S Panama-Pacific Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64 CAC Approved. This is a high-end, healthy-glowing MS64, whose colorful obverse and reverse being brilliant, beams with frosty luster. Regarding this issue, the clearest details are found throughout the hat on the canal worker and also encompassing the two dolphins on the reverse. A simple, yet effective design which captures the theme of the Panama-Pacific Exposition (PCGS # 7449) . Estimated Value $750 - 800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $834
Lot 2371		1916 McKinley Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Nice golden toning. As a matter of fact, the mostly honey-gold surfaces display modest, yet pleasing cartwheel luster effects as the coin turns under the light (PCGS # 7454) . Estimated Value $500 - 525. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $576
Lot 2372		1917 McKinley Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lovely toning. We direct attention to the fact that both sides display an exceptional frosty sheen and satiny brilliance, being mainly yellow-gold with a touch of reddish color (PCGS # 7455) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $805
Lot 2373		1922 Grant Dollar, with star. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lovely rich shades of gold toning. True to its MS64 status, the coin is fresh with gold-on-warmer gold somersaulting luster whose radiance on both sides of this cleanly original example must be seen to be appreciated (PCGS # 7459) . Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,600. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,128
Lot 2374		1922 Grant Dollar, with star. PCGS graded MS-64. Lovely golden toning. A gem specimen and therefore a Premium Quality coin for the given grade (PCGS # 7459) . Estimated Value $1,450 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,754
Lot 2375		1926 Sesquicentennial $2.50. NGC graded MS-64 PQ. Nice gold toning, has a smooth flow of golden frost from center to periphery. Estimated Value $1,050 - 1,150. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,668
Lot 2376		1926 Sesquicentennial $2.50. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. This is a remarkably lustrous coin whose pinkish-gold features are alive with rich mint frost. The fully detailed surfaces are knocking on the door of an even higher grade (PCGS # 7466) . Estimated Value $650 - 700. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $719
Lot 2377		1926 Sesquicentennial $2.50. PCGS graded MS-63. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Rich gold colors, with a nice yellow gold overlay on the notable luster throughout (PCGS # 7466) . Estimated Value $600 - 650. The Wayne Fowler Estate. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $690
Lot 2378		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-70. A perfect coin. The Ultra High Relief transcends terms such as "unusual" or "unique" when discussing the design. It is simply pure, glittering gold. Undoubtedly this contributes to the popularity and desirability of the modern remakes of the original Pattern coin that is known. Its desirability goes far beyond this. The lore of the Ultra High Relief includes the meticulous striking conditions under which these pieces were produced, their production by presidential order, and the time spent to strike each coin, but let's also give a tip of the hat to the genius who designed it in the first place, the noted sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 2379		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-70. A perfect coin. Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,358
Lot 2380		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-70. Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,358
Lot 2381		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-70. Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,358
Lot 2382		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-70. Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,358
Lot 2383		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-70. Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,000. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 2384		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-69. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2385		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-69. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 2386		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-69. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,013
Lot 2387		2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. PCGS graded MS-69. Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. The Dr. Hesselgesser Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,041