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23 September 2013 | starting at 10:00 PDT
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1880 $4 Stella Coiled Hair Cameo PF-67 NGC1880 $4 Stella Coiled Hair Cameo PF-67 NGC. Sold for US$2,574,000 inc. premium
1879 $4 Stella Coiled Hair Cameo PF-67 NGC1879 $4 Stella Coiled Hair Cameo PF-67 NGC. Sold for US$1,041,300 inc. premium
1880 $4 Stella Flowing Hair PF-67â605 NGC1880 $4 Stella Flowing Hair PF-67â605 NGC. Sold for US$959,400 inc. premium
1836 $5 Ultra Cameo PF-67★ NGC1836 $5 Ultra Cameo PF-67★ NGC. Sold for US$690,300 inc. premium
1855 $1 Type 2 Ultra Cameo PF-66â605 NGC1855 $1 Type 2 Ultra Cameo PF-66â605 NGC. Sold for US$397,800 inc. premium

Lot gallery

132 lots available

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Peace Dollars 1922 (2), 1924, 1926, 1927, 1927-S; together with 1973-S Proof Eisenhower $1. Varying degrees of natural toning are seen on each coin.
1807 $2.5 A charming early Capped Bust quarter eagle with greenish-gold surfaces and plenty of luster remaining near the peripheries on both sides. Of all the Capped Bust issues, the 1807 is one of the most frequently encountered, but that is not to say that the quality of this high grade example, born from an original mintage of 6,812 pieces, is anything approaching common. There are only minor mint-made adjustment marks at the centers of each side, and aside from some minor abrasions and ticks in the fields, the surfaces and devices are very clean. A solid example that should fit perfectly into a date or type set of high-end U.S. gold. (PCGS 7656)
1911-D $2.5 Lustrous deep honey-gold with pale reddish highlights. Much retained brilliance resides in the sunken design areas. A coin that holds up well to magnified inspection. The key to the series and actively pursued in all collectable grades, with pleasing higher grade pieces always in demand. (PCGS 7943)
1854 $3 AU55 PCGS Straw-gold patina enhances both surfaces, and much surviving luster can be seen in the protected areas. A distinctive one-year design type although not typically collected as such; beginning in 1855 the denomination DOLLARS was expressed in much larger letters. (PCGS 7969)
1878 $3 MS63 PCGS The 1878 three dollar gold piece, boasting a mintage of 82,304 business strikes, is the most common date of the series. Numismatists attribute its high mintage, at least in part, to anticipation of the U.S. Treasury's intent to resume the redemption of legal tender notes in specie (gold) as of January 1, 1879. This typically struck piece has bright yellow-gold color and just a tinge of green on each side. A couple of copper-colored toning spots are noted on the obverse. (PCGS 8000)
1853-C $5 Fine 12 NGC An instantly saleable coin, this problem-free example would fit nicely into a budget-minded gold type set. True, both sides are heavily worn, but we stress that all major design elements are fully outlined. The date and C mintmark are very bold, and there is some intricate detail remaining in the recessed areas of Liberty's portrait and the reverse eagle. Soft olive-gold colors dominate as the coin rotates under a light. While the surfaces are notably worn from extensive circulation, there are no singularly mentionable distractions. A more affordable, yet still relatively problem free representative of Liberty half eagle production in the Charlotte Mint. (PCGS 8254)
1905 $5 A pleasing example of a Proof 1905 half eagle. Only 108 pieces were coined and most examples were produced with a non-contrasting finish, however, this piece possesses a very mild cameo appearance, particularly on the reverse. Although it is not as contrasted as earlier issues in the 1890s, it could still be classified as a cameo. A few minor hairlines have accumulated on each side that limit the grade. A rarely seen, late-date Proof Liberty five dollar gold coin. (PCGS 8500)
1909-D $5 MS63 PCGS Sharply struck with warm medium-gold color, this common-date Indian five dollar is seemingly earmarked for inclusion in a high-grade type set. A bit of light silver tinting is not readily evident at all angles, but it does help to conceal a few wispy abrasions. Pleasing quality for this conditionally challenging 20th century gold series. (PCGS 8514)
1795 $10 9 Leaf BD-3, R.6. The Bass-Dannreuther reference notes: "It is one of the most famous die varieties among early gold coins--the king of the Small Eagle type." A rare prize in any grade. Indeed, if a knowledgeable group of numismatists gathered to discuss each of the key issues within the U.S. coinage series, the conversation would not be complete without first paying proper homage to this legendary early $10 gold issue. Its importance to American coin collectors is well supported, due both to its extreme rarity (a mere two dozen or so pieces are believed to be extant with just 15 distinct specimens traced by Anthony Taraszka), and its broad-based, versatile collector appeal. Not only would early gold coin date and variety specialists have the utmost interest in acquiring such a coin, this issue also transcends such boundaries by appealing to advanced type coin collectors (this nine leaf reverse can certainly be categorized as a separate subtype if not a distinct reverse type in and of itself). The combined NGC and PCGS population tally for the issue amounts to 24 pieces, excluding this one of course, though it's entirely possible that there may be some duplication owing to resubmissions. All things considered, this is a coin that will be appreciated by its next steward for many reasons, though perhaps its rarity will be the main focal point. The specimen offered here more than adequately represents this key issue in every respect. Subtly reflective yellow-golden fields are pleasantly highlighted by hints of green-gold patina. The central design elements are more than adequately struck and display only the typical lack of reverse definition on the right side of the breast and left side of the neck of the eagle. In light of the age, method of manufacture, and exceeding rarity of this coin, the example offered here truly is quite special in every respect. Bid liberally, as it may be quite some time before a similar opportunity presents itself.

2077 —
1795 $10 9 Leaf
BD-3, R.6. The Bass-Dannreuther reference notes: "It is one of the most famous die varieties among early gold coins--the king of the Small Eagle type." A rare prize in any grade. Indeed, if a knowledgeable group of numismatists gathered to discuss each of the key issues within the U.S. coinage series, the conversation would not be complete without first paying proper homage to this legendary early $10 gold issue. Its importance to American coin collectors is well supported, due both to its extreme rarity (a mere two dozen or so pieces are believed to be extant with just 15 distinct specimens traced by Anthony Taraszka), and its broad-based, versatile collector appeal. Not only would early gold coin date and variety specialists have the utmost interest in acquiring such a coin, this issue also transcends such boundaries by appealing to advanced type coin collectors (this nine leaf reverse can certainly be categorized as a separate subtype if not a distinct reverse type in and of itself). The combined NGC and PCGS population tally for the issue amounts to 24 pieces, excluding this one of course, though it's entirely possible that there may be some duplication owing to resubmissions. All things considered, this is a coin that will be appreciated by its next steward for many reasons, though perhaps its rarity will be the main focal point.

The specimen offered here more than adequately represents this key issue in every respect. Subtly reflective yellow-golden fields are pleasantly highlighted by hints of green-gold patina. The central design elements are more than adequately struck and display only the typical lack of reverse definition on the right side of the breast and left side of the neck of the eagle. In light of the age, method of manufacture, and exceeding rarity of this coin, the example offered here truly is quite special in every respect. Bid liberally, as it may be quite some time before a similar opportunity presents itself.

US$120,000 - US$140,000
1795 $10 13 Leaves BD-1, R.3+. Deep yellow-gold with lively olive highlights throughout; the reverse field is somewhat prooflike. No marks of consequence are present to the unaided eye other than some minor weakness at the base of the reverse and correspondingly so at the top of the obverse. One of just 5,583 examples struck in the premier year of the denomination. The present coin certainly is a viable candidate for inclusion in an advanced early eagle set or type collection. (PCGS 8551)
1796 $10 AU58 PCGS CAC Sticker, PCGS Secure Holder. BD-1, R.4, the only known die pairing. This lovely early gold eagle offers pleasing yellow-gold surfaces with hints of prooflike reflectivity in the protected areas and pale olive highlights. It is a handsome coin overall. Of the three dates in the design type, the 1796 mintage of 4,146 pieces falls in the middle of the mintage figures for the Capped Bust Right, Small Eagle ten. 1795, the first date of the type, saw 5,583 pieces produced, while 1797, the final date of the three, had a mintage of 3,615 pieces. BD-1 represents the only known die pairing for the date. Scarce in all grades with perhaps 125 to 175 examples known. A very important opportunity, an ideal coin for a type set. (PCGS 8554)
1799 $10 Small Stars Obverse. BD-2, R.5+. As a date, the 1799 is one of the more readily obtainable in the Capped Bust Right eagle series of 1795-1804. Most examples of this date, however, are from either the BD-7 Small Obverse Stars or BD-10 Large Obverse Stars die marriages. The other eight die combinations that numismatic scholars have identified for the 1799 eagle are very scarce to rare. BD-2, represented here, is in the former category with John W. Dannreuther (2006) allowing for only 35-45 survivors in all grades. Softly patinated in khaki-orange color, the reverse contrasts somewhat with a somewhat brighter, more olive-orange obverse. Light wear overall with no singularly mentionable marks or other distractions, both sides readily reveal a generally bold strike that comes up short in only a few isolated areas. Expertly centered on the planchet, as well, with no sizeable or otherwise individually distracting abrasions. All pre-1834 U.S. gold coins are scarce in an absolute sense, the present 1799 eagle made even more desirable due to the scarcity of the BD-2 die marriage. (PCGS 98562)

2080 —
1799 $10
Small Stars Obverse. BD-2, R.5+. As a date, the 1799 is one of the more readily obtainable in the Capped Bust Right eagle series of 1795-1804. Most examples of this date, however, are from either the BD-7 Small Obverse Stars or BD-10 Large Obverse Stars die marriages. The other eight die combinations that numismatic scholars have identified for the 1799 eagle are very scarce to rare. BD-2, represented here, is in the former category with John W. Dannreuther (2006) allowing for only 35-45 survivors in all grades. Softly patinated in khaki-orange color, the reverse contrasts somewhat with a somewhat brighter, more olive-orange obverse. Light wear overall with no singularly mentionable marks or other distractions, both sides readily reveal a generally bold strike that comes up short in only a few isolated areas. Expertly centered on the planchet, as well, with no sizeable or otherwise individually distracting abrasions. All pre-1834 U.S. gold coins are scarce in an absolute sense, the present 1799 eagle made even more desirable due to the scarcity of the BD-2 die marriage. (PCGS 98562)

US$12,000 - US$15,000
1901 $10 Much luster remains on this lightly abraded example. (PCGS 8747)
1910-D $10 MS64 NGC Pretty medium rose-gold surfaces are sharply struck with full, satin to softly frosted luster. Lightly scuffed, as befits the assigned grade, yet largely free of individually distracting blemishes, and very well defined overall. As the most plentiful mintmarked issue in the challenging Indian eagle series of 1907-1933, the 1910-D is a perennial favorite among advanced gold type collectors. (PCGS 8866)
1926 $10 MS62 PCGS Fulsome mint luster and bright medium-gold color provide strong eye appeal in a BU Indian ten. (PCGS 8882)
1932 $10 MS61 PCGS Frosty, reddish-gold color overall. Some minor central weakness and a few scattered marks serve to limit the grade. (PCGS 8884)
1861-S Paquet $20 This rare issue bears the name of Anthony C. Paquet, the assistant mint engraver who executed a new reverse design for the double eagle in 1860. Paquet's reverse is distinguishable from Chief Engraver Longacre's work by his use of tall, narrow lettering in the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination TWENTY D. The Paquet reverse also features a very thin border, and this feature proved to be the downfall of the design. This border did not provide sufficient protection for the reverse devices, and Mint employees feared that the Paquet double eagle would not hold up well in circulation. All but two of the examples struck in the Philadelphia Mint during 1861 were recalled and melted before they were released into commercial channels. By the time similar orders reached the West Coast, however, the San Francisco Mint had struck and distributed 19,250 examples dated 1861. Survivor of this S-mint delivery are the rarest Type One double eagles struck in this coinage facility, and they probably now number no more than 90-100 coins in all grades. This is an uncommonly attractive coin for a Paquet double eagle that saw light circulation. The surfaces retain outlines of original luster to the devices, and they are free of sizeable and/or singularly mentionable abrasions. Both sides are, of course, lightly abraded in appearance, but one must accept this feature as par for the course as far as a circulated double eagle from the early frontier era is concerned. Otherwise medium-gold color surfaces reveal an opaque hazy appearance. Well defined with a boldly executed strike, this coin comes highly recommended for the advanced gold specialist. Although once considered a pattern, the '61-S Paquet twenty is now rightly regarded as a regular issue. Examples, while rare in their own right, are highly prized as the only realistically obtainable survivors of this important one-year type in the U.S. gold series. (PCGS 8936)

2085 —
1861-S Paquet $20
This rare issue bears the name of Anthony C. Paquet, the assistant mint engraver who executed a new reverse design for the double eagle in 1860. Paquet's reverse is distinguishable from Chief Engraver Longacre's work by his use of tall, narrow lettering in the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination TWENTY D. The Paquet reverse also features a very thin border, and this feature proved to be the downfall of the design. This border did not provide sufficient protection for the reverse devices, and Mint employees feared that the Paquet double eagle would not hold up well in circulation. All but two of the examples struck in the Philadelphia Mint during 1861 were recalled and melted before they were released into commercial channels. By the time similar orders reached the West Coast, however, the San Francisco Mint had struck and distributed 19,250 examples dated 1861. Survivor of this S-mint delivery are the rarest Type One double eagles struck in this coinage facility, and they probably now number no more than 90-100 coins in all grades.

This is an uncommonly attractive coin for a Paquet double eagle that saw light circulation. The surfaces retain outlines of original luster to the devices, and they are free of sizeable and/or singularly mentionable abrasions. Both sides are, of course, lightly abraded in appearance, but one must accept this feature as par for the course as far as a circulated double eagle from the early frontier era is concerned. Otherwise medium-gold color surfaces reveal an opaque hazy appearance. Well defined with a boldly executed strike, this coin comes highly recommended for the advanced gold specialist. Although once considered a pattern, the '61-S Paquet twenty is now rightly regarded as a regular issue. Examples, while rare in their own right, are highly prized as the only realistically obtainable survivors of this important one-year type in the U.S. gold series. (PCGS 8936)

US$70,000 - US$80,000
MCMVII (1907) High Relief $20, Wire Rim MS63 PCGS Although produced in far greater numbers than its Ultra High Relief predecessor, the MCMVII High Relief double eagle still did not see active commercial use. In fact, the coins seem to have been struck at the express request of President Theodore Roosevelt. The president considered the redesign of United States coinage as one of his pet projects, and he was growing impatient at the delays encountered with adapting and finalizing the original Saint-Gaudens design for regular issue production. The High Relief pieces were struck to mollify the president, and most were used as presentation pieces (examples were even gifted to the captains of the battleships in the Great White Fleet that circumnavigated the globe from December 1907 to February 1909). While most extant High Relief twenties are Mint State from never having seen circulation, most survivors are also noticeably abraded or otherwise limited in grade by having been owned by the general public as opposed to numismatists. A noteworthy departure, this gorgeous piece is fully Select in quality with virtually no distracting abrasions or other blemishes to report. Bathed in handsome medium-gold patina, and with a full strike and billowy mint luster, this enchanting piece is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into an advanced cabinet. (PCGS 9135)

2086 —
MCMVII (1907) High Relief $20, Wire Rim MS63 PCGS
Although produced in far greater numbers than its Ultra High Relief predecessor, the MCMVII High Relief double eagle still did not see active commercial use. In fact, the coins seem to have been struck at the express request of President Theodore Roosevelt. The president considered the redesign of United States coinage as one of his pet projects, and he was growing impatient at the delays encountered with adapting and finalizing the original Saint-Gaudens design for regular issue production. The High Relief pieces were struck to mollify the president, and most were used as presentation pieces (examples were even gifted to the captains of the battleships in the Great White Fleet that circumnavigated the globe from December 1907 to February 1909).

While most extant High Relief twenties are Mint State from never having seen circulation, most survivors are also noticeably abraded or otherwise limited in grade by having been owned by the general public as opposed to numismatists. A noteworthy departure, this gorgeous piece is fully Select in quality with virtually no distracting abrasions or other blemishes to report. Bathed in handsome medium-gold patina, and with a full strike and billowy mint luster, this enchanting piece is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into an advanced cabinet. (PCGS 9135)

Sold for US$31,590 inc. premium
MCMVII (1907) High Relief $20, Wire Rim This is a very pleasing representative of this classic U.S. gold design. The surfaces are suitably vibrant, and only a couple of tiny abrasions are visible after close examination with a loupe. Both sides display warm, medium green-gold color. Expectantly sharp in definition for a coin that was struck multiple times on the Philadelphia Mint's hydraulic medal press, with much to recommend it to advanced collectors. This piece is sure to have no difficulty eliciting strong bids when it crosses the auction block. (PCGS 9135)
1908-D Motto $20 MS65 PCGS While more than a million double eagles were struck at the Denver Mint, in 1908, only 349,500 of those were of the newer "With Motto" type. This is a well struck, intensely lustrous Gem with enticing reddish-gold and green-gold patina. (PCGS 9148)
1911 $20 MS65 PCGS While perhaps considered scarce in lower grades despite a modest mintage of 197,250 pieces at this towering grade level, these are true condition rarities. The surfaces are far finer than usually seen on a 1911 double eagle, as these tend to come baggy with numerous nicks and cuts from normal shipping. Here is a solid exception to that rule, with the surfaces satin smooth, free of all but minor nicks and showing delicate olive-gold to yellow-gold hues throughout. The strike is bold, and the eye appeal strong. Rare at the Gem level and prohibitive any finer. Population: 39 in 65, only 11 are finer. (PCGS 9157)
1911-D $20 MS67 NGC Even though the 1911-D Saint-Gaudens double eagle is a very common issue, even in higher Mint State grades up to and including MS66, it is far from common at the Superb Gem level, where just 35 coins have been seen at NGC (and none finer). This example displays beautifully clean, matte-like surfaces, with a lovely satiny sheen and light green-gold toning across both sides. The design elements are sharply struck throughout, and surface flaws are minimal, as expected. An opportunity for the date and mint specialist who demands the finest. (PCGS 9158)
1914-D $20 MS65 PCGS Billowy mint frost mingles nicely with vivid green-gold and orange color over both sides of this vibrant Gem. Minimally abraded, as befits the grade, with a lovely appearance. (PCGS 9165)
1923 $20 MS65 PCGS Fully brilliant with frosty luster and pleasing straw-gold color throughout. The strike is sharp from the dies. Examining the surfaces finds little more than a few stray bagmarks, far fewer than commonly seen on this scarcer date. Although available for a price at this level, the 1923 issue is basically unavailable finer with only four coins seen higher by PCGS. A prize that should delight any date collector. (PCGS 9175)
1923 $20 MS65 PCGS Draped in a frosty envelope of deeply entrenched mint luster, as the coin dips into a light it displays a dramatic cartwheel effect. Green-gold hues periodically appear on either side of this otherwise medium orange-gold colored piece, and we are hard pressed to find a blemish worthy of report in this description. (PCGS 9175)
1925 $20 MS66 PCGS This gorgeous Gem is richly frosted in texture with pretty green-gold color also blanketing both sides. Distracting abrasions are not seen. The 1925 is scarcer than the 1924, 1927 and 1928 "Saints" in all grades, particularly at and above the MS65 level. (PCGS 9180)
1989 6 piece Congressional Coin Set Includes Proof and Uncirculated coins, including two $1, two $5, and two 50C. All are housed in a wooden mint case of issue.
1989 6 piece Congressional Coin Set Includes Proof and Uncirculated coins, including two $1, two $5, and two 50C. All are housed in a wooden mint case of issue.
1991 6 piece Mount Rushmore Coin Set Includes Proof and Uncirculated coins, including two $1, two $5, and two 50C. All are housed in a wooden mint case of issue.
1991 6 piece Mount Rushmore Coin Set Includes Proof and Uncirculated coins, including two $1, two $5, and two 50C. All are housed in a wooden mint case of issue.
1992 US Olympic Coin Six Piece Proof Set Includes two $1, two $5 gold, and two 50C. All are housed in a wooden mint case of issue.
Gold Tokens and Western States Souvenir Gold Included are approximately 30 assorted REPLICA California gold tokens that were probably made in the 1950s and 1960s. They are either gilt or made of brass and replicate some of the original gold token varieties made in the mid to late 1800s. Sold as a lot and not subject to return.
1838 Pattern 50C Judd-81 Restrike, Pollock-88, R.7-, Proof 64 Brown NGC The obverse features a Seated Liberty design by Christian Gobrecht without drapery, surrounded by 13 stars, and the date, 1838 below the base. LIBERTY has incuse letters. The reverse displays an eagle flying left, holding six arrows in its left claw, and an olive branch in its hidden right claw. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the border with HALF DOL. at the lower border. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Evidence of an incomplete strike is noted at the centers, with some minor surface roughness and a few hairlines. The fields are well mirrored, with a crescent of steel-blue and violet on the obverse that accompanies pronounced olive-green coloration. The reverse is similar with somewhat brighter green-gold at the center. It is thought that six to eight examples of this variety are known in copper, and they were produced in the late 1860s or early 1870s. The first known auction appearance was in the 1875 Cogan sale of the Colonel Cohen Collection. Today, three of those known are in museums--the Smithsonian Institution, the Connecticut State Library, and the Western Heritage Museum--reducing the available population for collectors. A comment at USPatterns.com suggests that the reverse die was actually a creation of the restrike period: "...To my knowledge, no originals were ever made using this reverse die. In fact, I believe that this die was actually finished many years later either in the late 1860s or early 1870s." NGC Census: 1 in Proof 64 Brown, 1 finer (PR66 Brown) -- PCGS Population: A single coin in PR64 Brown. (PCGS 11336)

2101 —
1838 Pattern 50C Judd-81 Restrike, Pollock-88, R.7-, Proof 64 Brown NGC
The obverse features a Seated Liberty design by Christian Gobrecht without drapery, surrounded by 13 stars, and the date, 1838 below the base. LIBERTY has incuse letters. The reverse displays an eagle flying left, holding six arrows in its left claw, and an olive branch in its hidden right claw. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the border with HALF DOL. at the lower border. Struck in copper with a reeded edge. Evidence of an incomplete strike is noted at the centers, with some minor surface roughness and a few hairlines. The fields are well mirrored, with a crescent of steel-blue and violet on the obverse that accompanies pronounced olive-green coloration. The reverse is similar with somewhat brighter green-gold at the center.

It is thought that six to eight examples of this variety are known in copper, and they were produced in the late 1860s or early 1870s. The first known auction appearance was in the 1875 Cogan sale of the Colonel Cohen Collection. Today, three of those known are in museums--the Smithsonian Institution, the Connecticut State Library, and the Western Heritage Museum--reducing the available population for collectors. A comment at USPatterns.com suggests that the reverse die was actually a creation of the restrike period: "...To my knowledge, no originals were ever made using this reverse die. In fact, I believe that this die was actually finished many years later either in the late 1860s or early 1870s." NGC Census: 1 in Proof 64 Brown, 1 finer (PR66 Brown) -- PCGS Population: A single coin in PR64 Brown. (PCGS 11336)

Sold for US$14,040 inc. premium
1866 Pattern 5C, Judd-517, Pollock-544, R.7+, Proof 63 Brown PCGS Bust of Washington faces right, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around, date below, reverse of the No Rays Shield nickel of 1867 to 1883. Struck in copper with a plain edge. Deep golden-tan with rose highlights. Reverse die rotated some 315 degrees or so, top of 5 in denomination points to 4 o'clock instead of noon when the coin is turned on its horizontal axis. Double struck, most noticeably on the reverse, with approximately 150° clockwise rotation between the first and second impressions. The obverse shows just a slight counter-clockwise rotation between impressions. The differences indicate that at least one of the dies must have been remounted in the coinage press between strikings. According to uspatterns.com: "This pattern is believed to have been struck outside the mint from dies sold as scrap that were purchased by Joseph J. Mickley." A treat for an advanced error specialist or pattern collector. Population: 1, 1 finer (Proof 64 Red and Brown). (PCGS 60714)

2102 —
1866 Pattern 5C, Judd-517, Pollock-544, R.7+, Proof 63 Brown PCGS
Bust of Washington faces right, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around, date below, reverse of the No Rays Shield nickel of 1867 to 1883. Struck in copper with a plain edge. Deep golden-tan with rose highlights. Reverse die rotated some 315 degrees or so, top of 5 in denomination points to 4 o'clock instead of noon when the coin is turned on its horizontal axis. Double struck, most noticeably on the reverse, with approximately 150° clockwise rotation between the first and second impressions. The obverse shows just a slight counter-clockwise rotation between impressions. The differences indicate that at least one of the dies must have been remounted in the coinage press between strikings. According to uspatterns.com: "This pattern is believed to have been struck outside the mint from dies sold as scrap that were purchased by Joseph J. Mickley." A treat for an advanced error specialist or pattern collector. Population: 1, 1 finer (Proof 64 Red and Brown). (PCGS 60714)

US$10,000 - US$12,000
1872 Pattern Amazonian 50C, Judd-1200, Pollock-1340, R.6. Proof 63 PCGS CAC Sticker, PCGS Secure Holder. Barber's famed Amazonian design includes a seated figure of Liberty left with standing eagle, her right hand upon its head, shield and sword at left hand, stars 7X6 around, date below. The reverse is of the standing eagle design with claw on shield, IN GOD WE TRUST on draped ribbon, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HALF DOL. around. Struck in silver with a reeded edge. Lustrous steel gray with deep slate frost on both sides. Sharply struck and choice for the grade. An area of sliver brightness is noted at the center of the reverse. The uspatterns.com website notes: "William Barber's 'Amazonian' design is considered to be one of the most beautiful ever made by the US Mint. This design was issued in sets of the quarter dollar, half dollar and silver dollar in silver, copper, and aluminum. The 'Amazonian' name dates to the 1890 New York Coin and Stamp auction of the Lorin G. Parmelee collection and was probably given by David Proskey." If a popularity contest was held for pattern coin designs, the 1872 Amazonian quarter, half dollar, and dollar, all of which have the same motif, would surely land at or near the top. The problem is that relatively few coins exist in comparison to the demand for them. An important opportunity to add one of the most popular of all pattern types to your collection. Population: 2 in Proof 63, just 1 finer (Proof 64). (PCGS 61471)

2103 —
1872 Pattern Amazonian 50C, Judd-1200, Pollock-1340, R.6. Proof 63 PCGS
CAC Sticker, PCGS Secure Holder. Barber's famed Amazonian design includes a seated figure of Liberty left with standing eagle, her right hand upon its head, shield and sword at left hand, stars 7X6 around, date below. The reverse is of the standing eagle design with claw on shield, IN GOD WE TRUST on draped ribbon, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HALF DOL. around. Struck in silver with a reeded edge. Lustrous steel gray with deep slate frost on both sides. Sharply struck and choice for the grade. An area of sliver brightness is noted at the center of the reverse.

The uspatterns.com website notes: "William Barber's 'Amazonian' design is considered to be one of the most beautiful ever made by the US Mint. This design was issued in sets of the quarter dollar, half dollar and silver dollar in silver, copper, and aluminum. The 'Amazonian' name dates to the 1890 New York Coin and Stamp auction of the Lorin G. Parmelee collection and was probably given by David Proskey." If a popularity contest was held for pattern coin designs, the 1872 Amazonian quarter, half dollar, and dollar, all of which have the same motif, would surely land at or near the top. The problem is that relatively few coins exist in comparison to the demand for them. An important opportunity to add one of the most popular of all pattern types to your collection. Population: 2 in Proof 63, just 1 finer (Proof 64). (PCGS 61471)

US$50,000 - US$55,000
1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 Octagonal MS63 NGC Fully lustrous and attractive for this prized rarity that boasts a mintage of just 645 pieces. The unusual shape of the eight sided or octagonal design brings to mind the elegant Humbert $50s of the same shape a few generations prior, also regarded with fond memories by any who had seen such majesty. Designed by Robert Aitken, the Panama-Pacific $50s display Liberty as Athena wearing her helmet pitched back upon the top of her head in classical fashion thus showing her face. The helmet is adorned with a band of laurel leaves and crested to give her further stature in keeping with historic Greek helmets of ancient period. The upper obverse field has the Motto IN GOD WE TRUST, with the Roman numerals date spanning her shoulder. A band encircles the design in which the balance of the denomination and country name are spelled out. Eight small dolphins swim in the corners of the octagonal shape. Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, just warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts and skill. Gods and goddesses developed later by the Greeks were of more singular purposes, but Athena being born of Zeus through his aching head, required a great many skills to accomplish her missions and earn the endearing praise of the Greek population. The reverse design continues with the classical theme of a Greek owl perched upon the branch of what appears to be a large pine tree with enormous pine cones and needles surrounding his perch. Matching outer circle with legends of the Exposition and city location, again with eight stylized dolphins in each of the corners of the design. Handsome quality and appealing with green-gold surfaces and no singularly mentionable marks or abrasions. These have been highly sought after since their initial release in 1915 and remain a very popular collector coin today. Accompanied with an original black leatherette case of issue.

2104 —
1915-S Panama-Pacific $50 Octagonal MS63 NGC
Fully lustrous and attractive for this prized rarity that boasts a mintage of just 645 pieces. The unusual shape of the eight sided or octagonal design brings to mind the elegant Humbert $50s of the same shape a few generations prior, also regarded with fond memories by any who had seen such majesty. Designed by Robert Aitken, the Panama-Pacific $50s display Liberty as Athena wearing her helmet pitched back upon the top of her head in classical fashion thus showing her face. The helmet is adorned with a band of laurel leaves and crested to give her further stature in keeping with historic Greek helmets of ancient period. The upper obverse field has the Motto IN GOD WE TRUST, with the Roman numerals date spanning her shoulder. A band encircles the design in which the balance of the denomination and country name are spelled out. Eight small dolphins swim in the corners of the octagonal shape. Athena is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, just warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts and skill. Gods and goddesses developed later by the Greeks were of more singular purposes, but Athena being born of Zeus through his aching head, required a great many skills to accomplish her missions and earn the endearing praise of the Greek population.

The reverse design continues with the classical theme of a Greek owl perched upon the branch of what appears to be a large pine tree with enormous pine cones and needles surrounding his perch. Matching outer circle with legends of the Exposition and city location, again with eight stylized dolphins in each of the corners of the design. Handsome quality and appealing with green-gold surfaces and no singularly mentionable marks or abrasions. These have been highly sought after since their initial release in 1915 and remain a very popular collector coin today. Accompanied with an original black leatherette case of issue.

Sold for US$76,050 inc. premium
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