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Coins and Medals Featuring the Robbins Collection of US Gold Coins

17 December 2013 | starting at 13:00 EST
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New York
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395 lots available

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1881-S $20 Soft olive-green color with deep red accents. Nominal wear shows overall. (PCGS 8995)
1882-S $20 Well circulated with a couple of marks and scratches on the obverse. An affordable type coin. (PCGS 8998)
1883-S $20 Well struck on a green-gold planchet, now with some rose-gold accents. There are no individually mentionable marks. (PCGS 9000)
1884-CC $20 Evenly worn with a "crusty" original patina covering both the obverse and reverse. Rather sharp for the grade and devoid of any serious flaws. Several edge nicks are reported, mostly on the obverse. (PCGS 9001)
1884-S $20 Pronounced olive-gold color with some deep reddish accents. (PCGS 9002)
1885-S $20 This green-gold example is a bit scuffy from having seen 20 points of circulation. There are several tiny rim nicks visible particularly on the obverse. (PCGS 9005)
1887-S $20 Notable wear is seen on each side. A small area of dark discoloration is noted behind Liberty's head in the field. (PCGS 9007)
1888 $20 (2) Both show varying degrees of wear and reddish-gold toning. (PCGS 9008)
1888-S $20 Struck in bright green-gold with partially lustrous fields and reasonably nice surface quality. (PCGS 9009)
1889-S $20 Good detail remains despite the noted cleaning. (PCGS 9012)
1890-S $20 Mostly lustrous, sharply defined and minimally abraded, this appealing piece has the appearance of a full Mint State grade. (PCGS 9015)
1891-S $20 A distinct piece, with attractive honey-gold color and even wear, with subtle vestiges of remaining luster. No annoying blemishes are mentionable, just the signs of modest circulation. (PCGS 9018)
1892-S $20 Pronounced brick-red color is interspersed over the olive-gold surfaces. Light wear with no mentionable distractions. (PCGS 9021)
1892-S $20 A notably circulated example of this generic date. Good detailing remains amid nominal wear and a few small marks. (PCGS 9021)
1893-S $20 MS63 PCGS Richly colored, this otherwise green-gold example yields to orange-gold hues as the surfaces rotate away from a light. The strike is sharp throughout, and both sides reveal hints of modest, yet pleasing brightness in the fields. A condition scarcity that would serve as a centerpiece in any advanced collection. (PCGS 9024)
1893-S $20 Lustrous and nicely detailed with lovely lime-green and reddish-gold colorations. Slight traces of highpoint wear define the grade. (PCGS 9024)
1894-S $20 Good detail remains. It appears the obverse was polished, possibly for jewelry use. (PCGS 9026)
1895-S $20 Typical wear from circulation with traces of luster remaining. A tiny rim bruise is noted at the base of the obverse. (PCGS 9028)
1896 $20 A few light scuffs and marks are confined to the obverse of this satiny example. Hints of PVC are seen particularly on the reverse.(PCGS 9029)
1896 $20 The surfaces have obviously been polished at one time, but good detailing still remains. Housed in a white plastic holder. (PCGS 9029)
1896-S $20 With a bit of light rub and a few scattered abrasions to explain the grade. (PCGS 9030)
1897-S $20 A well circulated example with even wear overall. Possibly used as a "pocket piece" for several years. (PCGS 9032)
1898 $20 A lower mintage Philadelphia date twenty with just 170,395 pieces struck. Frosty green-gold luster with virtually no mentionable marks. (PCGS 9033)
1898-S $20 Crisply impressed with original khaki-gold surfaces, a lack of individually distracting abrasions further enhances the appeal of this BU Liberty twenty. (PCGS 9034)
1898-S $20 Flatly defined on a green-gold planchet. The reverse is somewhat sharper with even wear over both sides. (PCGS 9034)
1899 $20 Frosty overall with only a hint of rubbing. Minor discoloration is seen on the eagle's wings, probably from long term storage. (PCGS 9035)
1899-S $20 Strong cartwheel luster shows over this bright gold example. Some typical bagmarks are noted, but none are overly distracting. (PCGS 9036)
1899-S $20 Sharply defined with light wear in the fields and on the devices. An ideal selection as a type coin. (PCGS 9036)
1899-S $20 Lightly circulated with a few visible marks. (PCGS 9036)
1900 $20 Rich, deep golden patina lends a fully original appearance to this generic Liberty double eagle. Boldly defined throughout, always popular as a type coin representative. (PCGS 9037)
1900 $20 (2) One piece is typically worn. the other shows myriad scattered hairlines in the fields. (PCGS 9037)
1900-S $20 This otherwise yellow-gold example reveals khaki-gold undertones as the surfaces turn away from a light. Suitably bold in strike, there are modest, yet pleasing reflective tendencies in the fields. (PCGS 9038)
1901-S $20 Lightly worn surfaces are still partially lustrous with plenty of bold striking detail. (PCGS 9040)
1902-S $20 Soft golden rose luster remains despite moderate wear. A few shallow ticks and scuffs are noted. (PCGS 9042)
1903 $20 Proof 65 Cameo NGC The tiny mintage of only 158 pieces represents the largest single proof production of the Liberty double eagle type, but when studying the certified population figures, we find that many of these have been impaired or lost over the decades. Walter Breen stated in his Proof Encyclopedia (1977) that "Aside from Garrett's at $6250 and Wolfson's, almost the only choice one auctioned in the last twenty years was that in KS 2/60; most others have been scrubbed or nicked up. Quoting the pathetic records on these would be a waste of time." In all Proof grades including Cameo examples, NGC has encapsulated 36 pieces, presumably a number of these reflect resubmissions. Only four pieces have been graded Proof 65 at NGC, all Cameo specimens. PCGS has certified only three examples as Proof 65 -- only a single Cameo, with none at a finer level at either service. This is a remarkable Gem example with a full strike throughout including Liberty's hair, the obverse stars, and the center of the shield on the reverse. In 1903, the portrait of Liberty was lightly polished at the Mint, an attempt to eliminate cameo frosted heads as had become common to see, especially in the 1890s. While the profile certainly does not possess an Ultra Cameo contrast, the modest contrast between the deeply mirrored fields and the luminous portrait and eagle is unmistakable. Struck in deep yellow-gold with deeply mirrored fields, a single microscopic abrasion is on Liberty's vulnerable cheek. A mint-made lintmark on the reverse between UN of UNUM and the arrowhead group serves as a pedigree identifier for future identification. (PCGS 89119)

1274 —
1903 $20 Proof 65 Cameo NGC
The tiny mintage of only 158 pieces represents the largest single proof production of the Liberty double eagle type, but when studying the certified population figures, we find that many of these have been impaired or lost over the decades. Walter Breen stated in his Proof Encyclopedia (1977) that "Aside from Garrett's at $6250 and Wolfson's, almost the only choice one auctioned in the last twenty years was that in KS 2/60; most others have been scrubbed or nicked up. Quoting the pathetic records on these would be a waste of time." In all Proof grades including Cameo examples, NGC has encapsulated 36 pieces, presumably a number of these reflect resubmissions. Only four pieces have been graded Proof 65 at NGC, all Cameo specimens. PCGS has certified only three examples as Proof 65 -- only a single Cameo, with none at a finer level at either service.

This is a remarkable Gem example with a full strike throughout including Liberty's hair, the obverse stars, and the center of the shield on the reverse. In 1903, the portrait of Liberty was lightly polished at the Mint, an attempt to eliminate cameo frosted heads as had become common to see, especially in the 1890s. While the profile certainly does not possess an Ultra Cameo contrast, the modest contrast between the deeply mirrored fields and the luminous portrait and eagle is unmistakable. Struck in deep yellow-gold with deeply mirrored fields, a single microscopic abrasion is on Liberty's vulnerable cheek. A mint-made lintmark on the reverse between UN of UNUM and the arrowhead group serves as a pedigree identifier for future identification. (PCGS 89119)

Sold for US$105,300 inc. premium
1903-S $20 Attractive, soft golden sunset luster. There are scattered handling abrasions, mostly on the obverse, but no hard or detracting marks. (PCGS 9044)
1903-S $20 Mostly lustrous with an average strike. Light wear is seen on the highpoints of the design. (PCGS 9044)
1904 $20 Swirling cartwheel luster is seen on both sides of this generic Liberty double eagle. A single contact mark is mentioned on Liberty's cheek. (PCGS 9045)
1904-S $20 (2) One shows typical wear, the other is quite lustrous and bright. (PCGS 9046)
1905-S $20 Good color and remaining detail. Several lateral striation marks are seen, mostly on the obverse. A personal examination is recommended. (PCGS 9048)
1905-S $20 (2) Typical wear is exhibited on these slightly better dates. (PCGS 9048)
1906-S $20 Weak strike. Soft mint luster is evident on honey-gold surfaces, which are deeper in color at some points. The obverse exhibits very soft striking details. Significant and desirable as a moderately graded, Type Three, Uncirculated example, which increases dramatically in value in higher grades. (PCGS 9051)
1906-S $20 (2) One piece exhibits near full luster, the other is quite smooth and still attractive. (PCGS 9051)
1907 Liberty $20 This medium gold Brilliant Uncirculated specimen is possessed of needle sharp delineation between all features. Pleasing cartwheel visual effects swirl around both sides, the luster being full with a frosty finish. A high grade representative of both the issue and the type. (PCGS 9052)
1907-S $20 Razor sharp devices with a lustrous, rose-orange sheen that also provides an appealing "look" for this BU quality twenty. A few tiny edge chips hardly detract. (PCGS 9054)
MCMVII (1907) High Relief $20 Wire Rim MS65 NGC One would have to go back over 2,000 years into the arena of Greek numismatics to find a coin design as impressive as Augustus Saint-Gaudens' high relief coinage. Long considered "America's Most Beautiful Coin", Saint-Gaudens did a fantastic job of creating a new double eagle design to replace that of the long running Coronet Liberty head created by James Longacre. Since their introduction in 1907, High Relief specimens have been sought after by almost all collectors - even those with no numismatic exposure are always dazzled to see such a beautiful coin. This is simply a phenomenal example of a Classic U.S. coin design. Multiple impressions of the dies on a medal press led to this piece being struck up in such high relief. Satiny luster and uniform yellow-gold color accent the already impressive visual appeal. Raised die swirls are seen in the fields, and velvet-like luster shifts on the top of Liberty's gown. The eagle is bold, lustrous and mark-free, and the wire rim is complete around each side. Specimens existing above this grade level are few and far between and with the prices of MS63 and MS64 examples continually increasing, the astute buyer would do well to acquire this magnificent Gem example. (PCGS 9135)

1285 —
MCMVII (1907) High Relief $20 Wire Rim MS65 NGC
One would have to go back over 2,000 years into the arena of Greek numismatics to find a coin design as impressive as Augustus Saint-Gaudens' high relief coinage. Long considered "America's Most Beautiful Coin", Saint-Gaudens did a fantastic job of creating a new double eagle design to replace that of the long running Coronet Liberty head created by James Longacre. Since their introduction in 1907, High Relief specimens have been sought after by almost all collectors - even those with no numismatic exposure are always dazzled to see such a beautiful coin.

This is simply a phenomenal example of a Classic U.S. coin design. Multiple impressions of the dies on a medal press led to this piece being struck up in such high relief. Satiny luster and uniform yellow-gold color accent the already impressive visual appeal. Raised die swirls are seen in the fields, and velvet-like luster shifts on the top of Liberty's gown. The eagle is bold, lustrous and mark-free, and the wire rim is complete around each side. Specimens existing above this grade level are few and far between and with the prices of MS63 and MS64 examples continually increasing, the astute buyer would do well to acquire this magnificent Gem example. (PCGS 9135)

Sold for US$49,140 inc. premium
MCMVII (1907) High Relief $20 Wire Rim MS64+ PCGS This near-Gem High Relief Saint-Gaudens double eagle is a sharply struck piece with soft, frosty luster and pleasing yellow-gold color with a slight green tint. For specialists, the wire rim is almost complete around each side, somewhat unusual for this type. The surfaces on both sides are exceptional with no singularly mentionable identifiers. Traces of die polish can be seen, mostly on the reverse near the border. Saint-Gaudens' design, in this High Relief format, is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful coin designs ever produced. (PCGS 9135)
MCMVII (1907) High Relief $20 Flat Rim MS64 PCGS A fantastic example of one of the most beautiful coin designs in United States and world numismatics. Augustus Saint-Gaudens' stunning portrayal of Liberty is struck up in full, high relief on this lovely specimen. Liberty's dress detail is immaculate and her legs are missing any mentionable nicks. The luster is uninterrupted as it flows freely across the fields and across the devices. Magnification reveals interwoven circles of light die polish; these raised circular die lines are seen on only the finest examples with surface preservation of the highest degree. This beautiful coin issue was the result of work by Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt felt strongly about bringing beauty back to America's coinage that he felt was boring and nowhere near the distinction of many Ancient Greek coin designs. Through all of the ensuing problems Saint-Gaudens and Roosevelt endured from the political sewing circle of the time, the project was successful and finally approximately 11,250 High Relief examples were produced in 1907. This quantity of High Relief examples was sufficient enough to satisfy Roosevelt but also enough to cause mint officials to complain about the negative effect of their difficult-to-produce design. Lower relief dies with Arabic numerals were subsequently produced and the mass production of "Saints", as we know them as today, began in full force. Out of the estimated mintage figure of 11,250 pieces, there are two varieties struck from the same dies, Flat Rim (Edge) and Wire Rim (Edge). The Flat Rim examples are substantially more scarce, probably on an order of 2-3x as the more commonly seen Wire Rim. (PCGS 9136)

1287 —
MCMVII (1907) High Relief $20 Flat Rim MS64 PCGS
A fantastic example of one of the most beautiful coin designs in United States and world numismatics. Augustus Saint-Gaudens' stunning portrayal of Liberty is struck up in full, high relief on this lovely specimen. Liberty's dress detail is immaculate and her legs are missing any mentionable nicks. The luster is uninterrupted as it flows freely across the fields and across the devices. Magnification reveals interwoven circles of light die polish; these raised circular die lines are seen on only the finest examples with surface preservation of the highest degree.

This beautiful coin issue was the result of work by Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt felt strongly about bringing beauty back to America's coinage that he felt was boring and nowhere near the distinction of many Ancient Greek coin designs. Through all of the ensuing problems Saint-Gaudens and Roosevelt endured from the political sewing circle of the time, the project was successful and finally approximately 11,250 High Relief examples were produced in 1907. This quantity of High Relief examples was sufficient enough to satisfy Roosevelt but also enough to cause mint officials to complain about the negative effect of their difficult-to-produce design. Lower relief dies with Arabic numerals were subsequently produced and the mass production of "Saints", as we know them as today, began in full force. Out of the estimated mintage figure of 11,250 pieces, there are two varieties struck from the same dies, Flat Rim (Edge) and Wire Rim (Edge). The Flat Rim examples are substantially more scarce, probably on an order of 2-3x as the more commonly seen Wire Rim. (PCGS 9136)

Sold for US$32,760 inc. premium
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