Heritage Auctions Search

Auction 382 | Lot 7985 » Territorial and Fractional Gold » Territorial Gold

San Francisco Mint Silver Ingot. Precious metal ingots have been made at the U.S. Branch Mint and Assay Offices since their inception. Most are silver and most are post-World War II. Each mint had its own punches made with their own vignettes. The San Francisco mint ingots appear the most common at this time. There are several different forms of the vignettes, a shorter eagle looking left in an oval, and a more evenly statured eagle in a circle. It has been assumed that the oval eagle pattern is older, and while this may be so, no proof has been found in a thorough literature search. The circular patterns with dates are all post-1945.

This hefty ingot has a strong oval imprint at the top of the front side. Below is the number 176, followed by 999.75 FINE. The long side on the left reads: 27.77 OZS. The short, bottom side reads: 164. The ingot is light gray overall with very few contact marks evident. (PCGS# 10315)

Bid Source: Internet

Service Uncertified

Grade VF20

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $3,047.50

Auction 382 | Lot 7986 » Territorial and Fractional Gold » Territorial Gold

Unmarked Silver Ingot. This unmarked silver ingot has a precious metals content that is consistent with many Western silver mines of the nineteenth century. It may have been an exhibition ingot, made to sit adjacent to some high grade ore specimen from a specific mine and placed in a display case for one of the many mining exhibitions. There is no information on the ingot to prove its source, and the only way to ascertain what mining district it came from would be through advanced metal "fingerprinting" techniques. The ingot face simply reads: Oz 2.10 / GOLD .33 / SILV 888 / FINE (rotated 90 degrees) / $3.82. Light gray patina overall with no significant surface impairments.
From The Alan Bingel Collection. (PCGS# 10330)

Bid Source: Internet

Service Uncertified

Grade XF40

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $1,495.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7987 » Territorial and Fractional Gold » Territorial Gold

B. B. Silver Ingot. This small silver ingot marked with two B's is of uncertain origin. It is a classic exhibition ingot, typical of those made to be placed in a public display of the nineteenth century, often or generally placed next to the ore specimens from the mine where the silver was extracted. The ingot's precious metal content is indicative of a Western U.S. silver deposit, though without more definitive information, its historical background is speculative.

There is only one firm located in San Francisco with two men as partners with the letter B. This was the Bradshaw brothers, Samuel C. and George H. Bradshaw. Their business was called the Pacific Metallurgical Works located at 511 Sacramento Street, San Francisco. They were a classic Civil War-era assay and metallurgical testing firm.

Pacific Metallurgical got its start in 1860 with the advent of the great Comstock discoveries. It was a public company, with 500 shares of stock issued at $100 each. S. Hastings was the president, long associated with Comstock mine finance and later namesake of the Hastings School of Law, California's oldest law school. Bradshaw was one of the directors. A metallurgical lab was built by G. Fouque utilizing European techniques of ore extraction. The mill treated five tons per day, and was located on North Beach, a site that also housed mills for several other companies. The Bradshaw brothers were noted as the proprietors after 1864, and the facility appears to have lasted under the Bradshaw management until about 1866. The company continued for more than a decade, though under different ownership. If this ingot was made by the Bradshaw brothers, it dates to 1864-1866 while they were the proprietors. Its style is consistent with other small ingots made during that period.

This small silver ingot is simply laid out with very small letter and number punches with the only information on the top side. The face reads: B. B. / OZ 5.50 / S 955. F / $6.7908. The surfaces are light (PCGS# 10340)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service Uncertified

Grade XF40

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $805.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7992 » Territorial and Fractional Gold » Territorial Gold

Arizona Assay Office Silver Ingot. There are several ingots known from this western company. Charles Diehl was an assayer in Goldfield, Nevada between 1907 and 1910. Diehl moved to Phoenix, Arizona and started the Arizona Assay Office. Diehl sold the company to Jack Stone, who operated the company through the 1960s, with an office at 815 N. First Street. There has been speculation that these ingots are made of metals mined in Arizona, a common practice for local western assayers of the late twentieth century. The top side of the ingot shows the circular imprint of the ARIZONA ASSAY OFFICE. The right side reads: 9995 / FINE / 4.74 / OZS / NO 1087. Deep, irregular patina is seen over the top of the ingot with much a much lighter, nearly brilliant surface on the back side.
From The Alan Bingel Collection. (PCGS# 10350)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service Uncertified

Grade XF40

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $862.50

Auction 382 | Lot 7993 » Territorial and Fractional Gold » Territorial Gold

Thorne Mining & Refining Co. Silver Ingot. Many different histories have been written or fabricated regarding the Thorne ingots, which are somewhat common, with more than twenty known. To date, this author (Fred Holabird) has not found a specific mention of the Thorne Mining and Refining Co. in mining literature, despite an intensive search over many years, including various western state official records.

These ingots are refined silver, and as such, indicate that they were sold directly by the Thorne company, and are not the result of a specific mining operation. Four different sources with the surname Thorne bear further study:

1. Dan Thorne was a miner in Prescott, Arizona from the 1890s to 1905. He had some claims near the Congress area that were bought by the Clark Distillery of Illinois, indicating his ability to promote mines to speculators (perhaps just like the ingots).

2. The Thorne Copper Mining & Reduction Co. was based in Hawthorne, Nevada. In the 1908 Copper Handbook, Stevens wrote that the company had similar "twin" companies operating around the same area. Curiously, this area is just over the range from Rawhide, the site of the Nevada Silver Co. ingot promotion a number of years later. This company was out of business by 1918.

3. Thorne, Alaska was the site of gold mining. In 1927 the Thorne Arm Mining Co. was active there.

4. Isaac N. Thorne, a lawyer, was the president of the Pacific Metallurgical Works in San Francisco in 1879. He was still a lawyer in 1886, but the PMW was out of business. No Thorne mining companies were listed in the San Francisco Directories of the period. Summary: There is no conclusive evidence of where or when these ingots were made.

This small-sized ingot has the individual imprint of: 4 DOLS 33 CT / 3.36 OZS / GOLD .000 / Silver .9998 / SERIAL NO 296. Medium gray-blue patina is more prevalent on the top side.
From The Alan Bingel Collection. (PCGS# 10355)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service Uncertified

Grade XF40

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $977.50

Auction 382 | Lot 7994 » Territorial and Fractional Gold » Territorial Gold

Thorne Mining & Refining Co. Silver Ingot. A second Thorne silver ingot. This one shows the usual balance scales imprint at the top of the face of the ingot with THORNE MINING AND REFINING Co ARIZONA around. The individual value for this ingot reads: 3 DOLS. 22 CTS / 2.49 OZS TROY / GOLD 000 FINE / SILVER .9997 / SERIAL NO 261. Deep gray patina is seen in the recesses with lighter, brighter silvery-brilliant accents over the higher portions. A number of handling marks are scattered over each side.
From The Alan Bingel Collection. (PCGS# 10355)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service Uncertified

Grade XF40

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $862.50

Auction 382 | Lot 7276 » Gold Dollars

1849 G$1 Open Wreath MS64 NGC. Sharply struck with bright apricot-gold surfaces that are unabraded, but display a few wispy luster grazes in the obverse fields. Still an extremely pleasing near-Gem. (PCGS# 7502)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service NGC

Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $1,725.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7277 » Gold Dollars

1849-D G$1 AU50 NGC. Variety 1-A. With a meager mintage of 21,588 gold dollars struck at the Dahlonega Mint that year, not many are around as compared with most of the Philadelphia issues. Scattered nicks from circulation none of which are too distracting, and we note traces of luster in the protected areas. (PCGS# 7507)

Bid Source: Internet

Service NGC

Grade AU50

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $2,127.50

Auction 382 | Lot 7278 » Gold Dollars

1851-C G$1 AU58 NGC. Variety 4-D. For type purposes the '51-C is the usual choice for a Charlotte gold dollar of the Type One design. This is an attractive, high grade example that is sharply struck. There are no severe marks and much original luster can still be seen surrounding the devices. Traces of wear on Liberty's hair prevent a Mint State grade assessment. (PCGS# 7514)

Bid Source: Internet

Service NGC

Grade AU58

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $2,185.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7279 » Gold Dollars

1851-D G$1 AU58 PCGS. Variety 3-E. Although the 1851-D is not rare by the standards of Dahlonega Gold Dollars, by any other measure it is a difficult issue, as confirmed by a mintage of 9,882 pieces and a low certified population. This apricot-gold example has a hint of wear near Liberty's ear, but the luster is quite extensive and the strike is crisp. An obverse diagonal pinscratch at 10:30 is not apparent at first glance. (PCGS# 7515)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade AU58

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $3,220.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7280 » Gold Dollars

1851-O G$1 MS62 NGC. Boldly struck, save for minor weakness on the second L in DOLLAR, and on the hair detail above Liberty's ear, with bright satin luster, pleasing even green-gold color, and the near-absence of surface marks on either side of the coin. (PCGS# 7516)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service NGC

Grade MS62

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $1,265.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7281 » Gold Dollars

1852-O G$1 MS61 PCGS. The 52-O is generally offered with a softer strike than that which characterizes most earlier O-mint issues in the Type One Gold Dollar series. This example possesses a better than average strike, with all of the design elements displaying relatively sharp definition. The surfaces are a greenish-gold, exhibit soft luster, and show a few minute obverse contact marks. A couple of short pinscratches are located in the upper reverse field. This issue is scarce in Mint State. (PCGS# 7520)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS61

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $1,207.50

Auction 382 | Lot 7283 » Gold Dollars

1853 G$1 MS63 NGC. Well struck and lustrous, with nice pink and green-gold coloration, the otherwise carefully preserved surfaces have a few minor contact marks and luster grazes, in the fields, that prevent a higher grade assessment. (PCGS# 7521)

Bid Source: Internet

Service NGC

Grade MS63

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $747.50

Auction 382 | Lot 7284 » Gold Dollars

1853 G$1 MS66 PCGS. A splendid Gem example having sharp design features and attractive frosty luster. Both surfaces are essentially brilliant with just a hint of olive-gold. Only a tiny portion of gold dollars seen could possible match the quality offered here. Population: 17 in 66, 10 finer (6/05). (PCGS# 7521)

Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade MS66

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $7,820.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7285 » Gold Dollars

1853-O G$1 MS62 PCGS. One of the more frequently encountered O-mint gold dollars, this piece is a bit softly struck in the centers but is completely lustrous. Minimally abraded for a coin in this grade. (PCGS# 7524)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS62

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $1,035.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7286 » Gold Dollars

1853-O G$1 MS63 PCGS. With subtle, green-gold color and no singularly mentionable abrasions, this original example would do justice to any better-date type collection. The strike is above average throughout, an uncommon characteristic for an O-mint example. Population: 44 in 63, 19 finer (6/05). (PCGS# 7524)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS63

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $1,955.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7287 » Gold Dollars

1854 G$1 Type One MS64 PCGS. An intricately struck and lustrous near-Gem that possesses the eye appeal of a finer grade. Pleasing yellow-gold surfaces display hints of underlying green, and are seemingly devoid of significant contact marks. Moderate mint-made clash marks on the reverse are typical of the era. Population: 113 in 64, 36 finer (6/05). (PCGS# 7525)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS64

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $1,610.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7288 » Gold Dollars

1854-D G$1 AU58 NGC. Variety 6-H. Lustrous yellow-gold surfaces display the usual striking deficiencies on Liberty's curls as well as occasional softness on and within the wreath on the reverse. Numerous raised die file marks confined to the lower portion of the reverse are diagnostic to the 1854-D. A mere 2,935 Gold Dollars were produced this year at the Dahlonega Mint, continuing a preference for the Half Eagle denomination at the Georgia facility. Fewer than 100 pieces are believed to survive today, making it the scarcest D-mint of its type. Population: 31 in 58, 22 finer (6/05). (PCGS# 7526)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service NGC

Grade AU58

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $7,705.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7289 » Gold Dollars

1854 G$1 Type Two MS62 PCGS. A satiny representative with golden-tan color and no detracting abrasions. The strike is sharp on the denomination, date, and peripheral legends. Only Liberty's forehead curl and a few denticles lack bold definition. Faint clashmarks (as made) are noted above the D and R in DOLLAR. On the obverse, wispy clashmarks are seen in the field near Liberty's forehead and behind her crown. Type Two Gold Dollars are requisite for gold type sets, and this briefly struck type is thus in demand. (PCGS# 7531)

Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade MS62

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $3,737.50

Auction 382 | Lot 7292 » Gold Dollars

1855 G$1 AU58 NGC. Second year of the short-lived Type Two design. Well struck with even, light coloration, a slight degree of highpoint wear, and unabraded surfaces that have some faint hairlines in the obverse and reverse fields. A fair amount of luster remains. (PCGS# 7532)

Bid Source: Mail/Fax

Service NGC

Grade AU58

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $948.75

Auction 382 | Lot 7293 » Gold Dollars

1855 G$1 MS62 PCGS. Bright and lustrous with a pleasing blush of orange-gold. Attractive for the grade, with only a couple of faint scratches present in the fields. We note minor clashmarks as nearly always seen on these, with Liberty's head outlined on the reverse and fragments of the wreath seen within the obverse fields. For the grade, this would make an excellent choice for the collector. (PCGS# 7532)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service PCGS

Grade MS62

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $4,025.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7297 » Gold Dollars

1858-D G$1 MS61 PCGS. Variety 10-M, the only known dies. Despite a limited original mintage of 3,477 pieces, the 1858-D is among the more easily obtainable Type Three Gold Dollars from Dahlonega. With 125-135 coins believed extant (per Winter, 1997), it is similar in overall rarity to the Type One 1851-D. Well above average for the type as well as the issue, the strike on the present example leaves few features indistinct. In fact, the only mentionable softness of detail is seen on the reverse over the lower right wreath and on the 5 of the date. Both sides are bright with yellow-gold color and a pleasing semi-prooflike sheen. A small D-shaped depression in the left obverse field under the space between UNITED STATES is noted for pedigree purposes. Population: 5 in 61, 15 finer (6/05). (PCGS# 7549)

Bid Source: Internet

Service PCGS

Grade MS61

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $9,775.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7298 » Gold Dollars

1859-D G$1 AU55 NGC. Variety 11-O, the scarcer of the two known die pairings of the date. These are distinguished by the location of the 5 in the date, which for 11-O is centered beneath the second L in DOLLAR. This canary-gold example exhibits some softness of strike on portions of the wreath and crown, which is unavoidable for the issue. Ample luster is present, and the reverse is refreshingly clean. A couple of minor peripheral pinscratches on the obverse are of little importance. A mere 4,952 pieces were struck for the 1859-D, and not enough remain in quality unimpaired condition to meet the demand from Dahlonega specialists. (PCGS# 7553)

Bid Source: Internet

Service NGC

Grade AU55

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $4,082.50

Auction 382 | Lot 7299 » Gold Dollars

1860-S G$1 MS61 NGC. Always in demand for the tiny mintage of 13,000 pieces and for showing the popular San Francisco mintmark. With the outbreak of the disastrous Civil War in early 1861, most gold coins were hoarded for the duration. Perhaps this one was set aside and preserved for this reason. The strike on this specimen is above average for the issue, with virtually all of the design elements displaying nice definition. Examination of the surfaces finds a few wispy slide marks in the fields, and a few faint pinscratches on Liberty's cheek. The surfaces exhibit a bright peach-gold patina. A rare and seldom seen coin in this grade or higher, and one for the collector. Population: 13 in 61, 14 finer (6/05). (PCGS# 7557)

Bid Source: Internet

Service NGC

Grade MS61

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $2,300.00

Auction 382 | Lot 7300 » Gold Dollars

1861 G$1 MS63 NGC. Sharply struck with mildly prooflike fields and pleasing pastel pink and green coloration. There are a few wispy marks on the reverse that influence the assigned grade, but the obverse seems abrasion-free. Popular Civil War date. (PCGS# 7558)

Bid Source: Live: Floor

Service NGC

Grade MS63

Auction Ended

Jul 30, 2005

Auction Archives

Sold For: $718.75