December Dreams Premier Auction: Western Americana, Mining, & Numismatics (December 2021)

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location3555 Airway Drive Suite 309, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States In Person PreviewPreview

Auction Details

Welcome to our "December Dreams" Premier Auction, our final sale of 2021!

December Sale Highlights
This December Sale includes many highlighted collections, including parts of the Ken Prag Postcard Collection, Bill McKivor Token and Medal Collection, MacKenzie Montana Collection, and the Ron Lerch Western Directory Collection, all supplemented by some world-class great rarities from other private collections nationwide.

Fresh to the market is the Ron Lerch Collection of Western Directories. The collection numbers nearly 700 different directories, and here are presented about 200 directories as the first part of this major historic and all-important reference material collection, picked somewhat randomly from the collection. Most of the Western states have several directories offered in this first sale. Some of the key pieces in the December sale are the two very rare San Francisco Chinese business directories, as well as a number of very rare county directories of the nineteenth century. Directories are considered “primary source” material, and as such are essential in aspects of historical research. Few of the directories in the Lerch Collection have been digitized (with the Langley’s San Francisco an obvious exception).

Yes, the Prag Collection keeps on giving! This sale contains about 500 lots of postcards, but the majority, perhaps 350 lots, are from California. This large group offers some of the best and rarest postcards we’ve offered yet, from Pioneer cards (Private Mailing Cards, c1898-1902) to rare artists and themes, such as Disney (1930s cards) and the Titanic (both pre-sinking and post sinking from 1912).

Within these two massive collections is a common theme: Hawaii. The Prag Collection offers about 40 lots of vintage Hawaii postcards, and there are about 7 Hawaiian directories from the Lerch Collection.

Antiquarian photography is another key category for collectors, including many historic and possibly unique western stereo-view cards and photographs, and an absolutely fabulous Ansel Adams original photograph group from his Yosemite Series (all signed), highlighted by “Moon over El Capitan”, print No. 10, considered by many as one of his greatest photographs.

As always, we have a strong Native Americana section, with baskets (more coming in the next sale), jewelry and art. Speaking of Art, we have three early Salvador Dali signed lithographic prints, and a rather wonderful group of Japanese wood block and lithograph prints, many with original signatures.

The MacKenzie Montana Collection continues, with several hundred lots of historical Montana documents and ephemera.

The Railroad and Mining sections contain selections from several private collections with a number of rarities. This sale features premier California Gold Rush and Nevada Territory mining collections!

Our Numismatics section includes a collection of So-Called Dollars and new offerings from the Bill McKivor Nevada token and world-medal collection, not to be missed!

Make sure to use the Keyword search tool to find items in your collecting areas across the three auction days. As usual, our team is happy and ready to answer questions.

And please send us those great collections for 2022! Yours could be the next world record!

--Fred Holabird & Team--


Auction Schedule

Day 1, Friday, December 17th, 2021, Lots 1000-1610
Philatelic (1000-1527)
Military, Political, & Firearms (1528-1558)
Gaming (1559-1577)
Model Railroad & Toys (1578-1610)

Day 2, Saturday, December 18th, 2021, Lots 2000-2683
Books feat. Ron Lerch Directory Collection, Part I (2000-2229)
Mining Artifacts & Ephemera (2230-2363)
Stock Certificates & Bonds (2364-2683)
Mining (2364-2551)
Railroad (2552-2624)
Miscellaneous (2625-2683)

Day 3, Sunday, December 19th, 2021, Lots 3000-3614
Native Americana (3000-3044)
Art feat. Ansel Adams (3045-3087)
General Americana (3088-3388)
Geographically Sorted
Misc. Categories incl. Coffee Mill Collection
Numismatics (3389-3613)
Coins & Currency (3389-3397)
Medals & So-Called Dollars (3398-3447)
Tokens feat. Bill McKivor Nevada Tokens, Part II (3448-3614)
SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. Shipping and handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing as it is based on the size and weight of your purchase. Additional shipping and handling costs, if required, will be re-invoiced for the balance due. Items are not shipped until the invoice is completely paid. Many buyers purchase a number of lots. Every effort will be made to include all lots in a single shipping charge calculated to cover the weight and size.SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping and Handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size a...
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International Hotel Key Tag [142538]3580 - International Hotel Key Tag [142538]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Truly great piece of Virginia City history. Key tag for Room 12 at the International Hotel, Virginia City, Nevada. Br. rd., 35 mm. The hotel initiall
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to e********n for (225.00 + 49.50BP) = 274.50
 
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Red Metal Saloon/Wabuska Club Tokens [142520]3581 - Red Metal Saloon/Wabuska Club Tokens [142520]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two rare Wabuska tokens: 1) RED METAL / SALOON / A. PAPPAS / PROP. / WABUSKA, NEVADA // GOOD FOR / ¢10¢ / IN TRADE; Al. octago
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 900.00
Sold to f*****E for (250.00 + 0.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Wadsworth Dairy Farm/ The Original Tokens [142514]3582 - Wadsworth Dairy Farm/ The Original Tokens [142514]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two tokens from Wadsworth: 1) THE / ORIGINAL / WADSWORTH / NEV. / MOISE SF // GOOD FOR / 10¢ / IN TRADE; Br., rd., 21 mm. 2) Wadsworth
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (180.00 + 45.00BP) = 225.00
 
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Wally's Hot Springs Token [142512]3583 - Wally's Hot Springs Token [142512]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The only known token from Wally's Hot Springs in Douglas County: NEVADA / BAR / W.H.S. // GOOD FOR / 12Ω / CENTS / IN TRADE; Br. rd., 21 mm...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to l*********.. for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Wellington Saloon Token [142599]3584 - Wellington Saloon Token [142599]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lyon County saloon token! WELLINGTON / SALOON // GOOD FOR / 12Ω¢ / IN TRADE; Br. rd., 20 mm. Date: Country (if not USA): State:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to l*********.. for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Wells Nevada Tokens [142297]3585 - Wells Nevada Tokens [142297]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two tokens from the Elko County town: 1) DIGRAZIA BROS. / WELLS / NEV. // GOOD FOR / 12Ω¢ / IN TRADE; Br. rd., 21 mm. 2) WESTE
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to e********n for (130.00 + 28.60BP) = 158.60
 
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Winnemucca Token Group [142515]3586 - Winnemucca Token Group [142515]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of five tokens from Winnemucca: 1) KEITH'S MODEL 'T' / CAFE / & / CASINO / WINNEMUCCA, NEV. // 25c / IN TRADE; Br. rd., 28 mm. ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to g********p.. for (475.00 + 104.50BP) = 579.50
 
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Overland Token, Wonder, NV [142513]3587 - Overland Token, Wonder, NV [142513]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
THE / OVERLAND / WONDER / NEV. // GOOD FOR / 12Ω / ¢ / IN TRADE; Br. rd., 21 mm. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Nevada City
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to a********x.. for (325.00 + 71.50BP) = 396.50
 
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Vic Bernard/C.M. Coddington Tokens, Yerington, NV [142598]3588 - Vic Bernard/C.M. Coddington Tokens, Yerington, NV [142598]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two tokens from Yerington: 1) VIC BERNARD / YERINGTON / NEV. // GOOD FOR FIVE CENTS / 5 / TRADE; Br. rd., 21 mm. 2) C.M. CODDINGTON / AGENT /
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to d******r for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Nevada Paper Tokens [142588]3589 - Nevada Paper Tokens [142588]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of four paper tokens from Nevada: 1) Lincoln Hotel Cafe / Eureka, Nevada; 2) Big Meadow Market / Lovelock; 3) The Northern, Rawhide; 4) Randezvous
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to p******1 for (95.00 + 23.75BP) = 118.75
 
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Sparks & Stead Tokens [142595]3590 - Sparks & Stead Tokens [142595]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two tokens: 1) NCO OPEN MESS / STEAD AFB, NEV. // GOOD FOR / 10¢ / IN MERCHANDISE; Al. rd., 25 mm. AU condition. 2) SHEFFIELD AND T
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to l*********.. for (20.00 + 5.00BP) = 25.00
 
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Nevada Bawdy House Tokens [143080]3591 - Nevada Bawdy House Tokens [143080]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three tokens: 1) Maude Rogers, Elko; 2) Green Lantern, Battle Mountain; 3) The Den, Goldfield. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Nevad
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to e********n for (200.00 + 44.00BP) = 244.00
 
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Nevada Modern Fantasy or Collector Token Group [142299]3592 - Nevada Modern Fantasy or Collector Token Group [142299]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 11 modern fantasy or collector tokens. Hal Dunn, Carson City made his own token about the time he wrote the book on Nevada tokens. Some of the
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to m*****X for (15.00 + 3.75BP) = 18.75
 
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SHELL CARD / B-NY-4960 / NY, New York  / N. Espenscheid Hat Mfr [141300]3593 - SHELL CARD / B-NY-4960 / NY, New York / N. Espenscheid Hat Mfr [141300]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Obverse: Mirror Reverse: N. Espenscheid/Hat/Manufacturer/118/Nassau St. N.Y./emb. metal/pincushion side/38mm. 3 to 5 Known (Bower's) Ref: Bower...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Trebein Mills Scrip Token  [141205]3594 - Trebein Mills Scrip Token [141205]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Possibly unique Green County, Ohio scrip token. Good for 190 pounds flour. 3 x 2 inches. The community was named for F. C. Trebein, the proprietor of
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to c******n for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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South Dakota Token Collection [143079]3595 - South Dakota Token Collection [143079]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of eight tokens from South Dakota. 1) Manhattan Bar; Yankton; 2) Wall Drug, Wall; 3) Henry J. Boukol, Roslyn; 4) Bartlett's, Chester; 5) Hom...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to r*****r for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Garfield Union Drayage Token [142286]3596 - Garfield Union Drayage Token [142286]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare Washington drayage token: THE GARFIELD UNION / WAREHOUSE / CO. / GARFIELD, / WASH. // GOOD FOR / $5.00 / IN DRAY; Al., Rd., 35 mm. EF-AU conditio
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to D*****6 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Richardson's Coffee House Covent Garden Token [142284]3597 - Richardson's Coffee House Covent Garden Token [142284]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Obv..: C. Richardson / 1793 / Coffee House / Covent Garden; Rev.: Pint; Br., rd., 22 mm. Unc.. Date: Country (if not USA): United Kingdom State:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to p********n for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Warren Farm Well Commemorative Token, 1858 [143101]3598 - Warren Farm Well Commemorative Token, 1858 [143101]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The Warren Farm Industrial School in Woodingdean, England began hand-digging a well on March 25, 1858. They finally hit water at 1,285 feet (390 meter
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (70.00 + 17.50BP) = 87.50
 
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English Tokens of the 1800s [136304]3599 - English Tokens of the 1800s [136304]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 20 half penny, tokens and royal medals made in the 1800s. Victoria, George IV. 1814 Wellington token from Dublin; 1801 Scotland; 1813 Flint Lea
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (275.00 + 68.75BP) = 343.75
 
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