Gold Rush Auction

Auction Details

Welcome to our Gold Rush sale of 2018!!

The sale features the Al Adams Gold Rush Memorabilia Collection
and a number of other prominent collections.

Mr. Adams has been collecting for over 40 years, and along the way assembled perhaps the best collection in private hands, making this sale a “Once in a Lifetime Event.” His specialty is an area few Americans ever knew about- the Georgia - North Carolina gold rush, c1799-1840’s, literally decades before the California Gold Rush. Just think about some of the great pieces in this collection:

*The first Gold Company stock certificate (1807)

*1830 Letter from Georgia Bank to US Mint asking what to do with the gold coming in

*Gold Lottery Tickets for Georgia land

*Gold Lot Deeds with Medals rarely seen by collectors

*Pigeon Roost Mining Co. scrip collection (1835-1838), possibly the finest assembled

*Belfast Mining Co. scrip collection (1830’s), finest assembled

*Dahlonega, Charlotte, San Francisco, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, Philadelphia Mint gold bullion receipts

*Gold Rush era private assayer bullion receipts from California, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Arizona

*1840’s, 1850’s and 1860’s mining company stock certificates from both the east (Appalachian gold belt) and the West (California, Nevada, Colorado) – the best offering to date.

*Over two dozen different Nevada territorial stock certificates.

These tidbits are part of this unique sale, which makes it the best offering of its kind in history.

The Gold Rush sale is nothing short of phenomenal.

The Gold Rush Setting

Here is the setting under which the gold discoveries in Georgia and North Carolina were made:

…Imagine a world before the civil war, before the gold rush, right after the United States was formed. We had just created our first coinage in the early to mid 1790’s. As a country, we had just 16 states by 1800, which crept up to 24 states by 1821 and remained there for 15 years! Development of the areas south and west of and in the original 13 states was slow. It was called the “western frontier”. The “America” then consisted of Native Americans and expats from western Europe looking for a better life. Most were farmers or merchants. The “scientists” of the western world remained in western Europe. Mankind dint know much about geology- indeed, the first geologic map was printed in Europe in 1799, and it would take another 25-30 years before we had anything similar in America. The science of ore deposits was not well understood, and was only just recently out from under the mystique of Alchemy.

Enter the discovery of a gold nugget in North Carolina in 1799. It took fully 29 years before substantive gold discoveries were made in Georgia and North Carolina. Here is the amazing part- these discoveries were made from good-old American ingenuity. Not one single miner had an education in mining in Europe. As far as is known, not a single man in the Georgia, North Carolina gold rush had been a miner. These men developed the ability to look for gold and mining systems on their own in the American wilderness, a marvelous feat of accomplishment – a true iconic part of American ingenuity at its best.

More on the Auction

To add to this remarkable collection are hundreds of mining artifacts, including many collected from Georgia mines, as well as a fantastic Numismatic library inclusive of many rarities.

*Other collections featured include the collection of Robert Bennett, a well known mining geologist who spent a good part of his career working the Goldfield district. During his 45-plus year career, he collected high grade ore specimens from many major mines he was lucky enough to work on, and these are dutifully included in this sale, as are gold and fabulous turquoise specimens from longtime collector Jerry Gray of Carson City.

*Our friend Vern Potter, a national ephemera dealer known to all, retired from the business and gave us his massive collection, some of which is here, including gold rush era exchanges, important maps, and special documents you haven’t seen in decades (more in coming sales!). Added to this are pieces from the Ken Prag Collection, which keeps on coming with great rarities!

*Gold rush era coins, such as a complete Hart gold token set, -all graded and holdered; a number of Carson City coins; a fabulous 999 fine golden egg custom made for an Arizona collector in 1982; gold rush era soda bottles in hues of cobalt blue, teal, green from San Francisco, Sacramento and Savannah; Nevada mining camp bottles; Pawnee Bill full color posters – an integral part of Western history all supplement an otherwise terrific sale; and choice western mining photographs.

*Rare books with a mining theme are also present, from several collections, including the Robert Fulton collection (former head of Univ. Nevada, reno in the 1920’s). A key piece from one of the collections is an inscribed Sutro Tunnel book to Melville Atwood from the “Father of Arizona” Charles D. Poston.

*The mining stock certificate collections offered here are among the best ever offered by us. They include four major collections. including the Laguna Collection of rare Arizona stocks, part of a major Bodie collection, antique firearms, and rare Tahoe gaming chips.

*Western revenue checks with a focus on the Comstock Lode

Auction Schedule

Day One (Lots 1000-1755)
Numismatics (1000-1577)
U.S. Mint (1000-1068)
Coins & Coins Collectibles (1069-1208)
Ingots (1209-1215)
Currency, Scrip, & Currency Collectibles (1216-1357)
Checks & Exchanges (1358-1424)
Tokens (1425-1489)
Medals (1490-1553)
Scales (1554-1581)

Wells Fargo & Other Express (1582-1693)
Adams & Co. (1582-1606)
Wells Fargo (1607-1676)
Other Express (1677-1693)

World’s Fair & Expositions (1694-1707)

Gaming (1708-1728)

Jewelry & Watches (1729-1755)


Day Two (Lots 1756-1770) & (Lots 2000-2731)
Gold Nuggets & Specimens (1756-1770)
Minerals (2000-2149)
Mining Part I (2150-2731)
Assay (2150-2278)
Explosives (2279-2291)
Mining Lighting (2292-2298)
Mining Artifacts & Tools (2299-2231)
Mining Art (2232-2354)
Geographic (Alabama-California) (2355-2731)

Day Three (Lots 3000-3727)
Mining Part II
Geographic (Colorado-Foreign) (3000-3691)
Books (3692-3727)

Day Four (Lots 4000-4717)
Bottles (4000-4094)
Railroadiana (4095-4222)
Passes (4095-4176)
Ephemera (4177-4222)
Civil War (4223-4259)
Pawnee Bill Broadsides (4260 & 4261)
Firearms & Weaponry (4262-4315)
General Americana feat. California & Georgia Gold Rush Ephemera
Geographic Sort (4316-4637)
Miscellaneous incl. Art, General Store, Maps, & Books (4638-4717)





SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping and Handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size and weight of your purchase. All shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. If additional shipping and handling costs are required, the buyer will be reinvoiced 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 of the package(s). NOTE: Some shipments (of unusual size, dimension, or weight) may require sp...
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1892 Carson City Morgan Dollar, MS-641099 - 1892 Carson City Morgan Dollar, MS-64
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1892-CC PCGS MS-64. (7214.64/16582180) Date: 1892 Location: Carson City, Nevada HWAC# 60735
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to A*****4 for (2,200.00 + 451.00BP) = 2,651.00
 
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Uncirculated Philadelphia Morgan Dollar Roll1100 - Uncirculated Philadelphia Morgan Dollar Roll
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice roll of brilliant uncirculated Morgan Dollars made in Philadelphia at the turn of the 20th Century. Date: 1900 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsy
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 800.00
Sold to r*o for (750.00 + 187.50BP) = 937.50
 
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1880 Morgan Dollar for Men's Pocket Watch1101 - 1880 Morgan Dollar for Men's Pocket Watch
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This Morgan dollar was hollowed out for a men's pocket watch, not present. Plastic cover over dollar face. Date: Location: HWAC# 57879
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 80.00
Sold to f********2 for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Dozen Morgan Dollars1102 - Dozen Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of twelve Morgan Dollars, EF-AU. 1878, 1889, 1891-S, 1896, 1896-O (not MS 63 as the holder says), 1898-O, 1899-O (2), 1900-S, 1900-O, 1921 (2).
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 240.00 - 480.00
Sold to r*******M for (275.00 + 56.38BP) = 331.38
 
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Five Morgan Dollars1103 - Five Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of five: all AU to borderline BU, in plastic cases 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches. 1882-O, 1886, 1891-S, 1896, 1904-O. Date: Location: HWAC# 58121
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to f*****a for (160.00 + 32.80BP) = 192.80
 
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Four Morgan Dollars1104 - Four Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Raw silver dollars: 1) 1882-S MS-63; 2) 1882-O AU-55; 3) 1886 MS-62 with a mark at 8 o'clock obverse; 4) 1921-D EF. Date: Location: HWA...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j******0 for (95.00 + 20.90BP) = 115.90
 
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Three Morgan Dollars1105 - Three Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Steve Ivy Rare Coins existed before Heritage Auctions and these three uncirculated Morgan Dollars have his name and grade on them. 1) 1902-O MS-65; 2)
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to j******0 for (475.00 + 104.50BP) = 579.50
 
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Two Certified Morgan Dollars1106 - Two Certified Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
NGC graded MS-63: 1899-O, 1901-O. Date: Location: HWAC# 58126
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 160.00 - 320.00
Sold to j******0 for (100.00 + 22.00BP) = 122.00
 
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Two Nice Morgan Dollars1107 - Two Nice Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two brilliant uncirculated Morgans in plastic cases 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches. 1885, 1884-O. Get them certified and make some money. Date: Loca
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Two Scarcer Date Morgan Dollars incl. CC1108 - Two Scarcer Date Morgan Dollars incl. CC
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1878-CC, VG-08, with mark on cheek, 1894-O, VF-20. Date: Location: HWAC# 58128
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to f*****E for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Morgan Dollars1109 - Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of five: 1) 1888-O NGC VF 25; VAM-4 DDO Hot Lips; 2) 1894-O Morgan Dollar. Cleaned, EF details; 3) 1881 BU; 4) 1880-O AU-BU slider; 5) 1894-O F.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to D*****1 for (170.00 + 42.50BP) = 212.50
 
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Nice Morgan Dollars with Problems1110 - Nice Morgan Dollars with Problems
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three nice Morgan Dollars, all would be MS-63 or above except for carbon spots. 1878, 1881-S, 1902-O. Worthy of inspection. Date: Locatio
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to k********v for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Overgraded Morgan Dollars1111 - Overgraded Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four uncirculated Morgan Dollars slabbed in "Certified Silver Investments" cases, all graded MS-67. We can assure you these are not MS-67 ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to r*******M for (170.00 + 34.85BP) = 204.85
 
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Seven Morgan Dollars1112 - Seven Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of seven, all in plastic cases 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches. One good, three fine, three extra fine. 1879-O, 1884-S, 1887, 1889, 1896-O, 1900, 1921. Da
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to g******j for (110.00 + 22.55BP) = 132.55
 
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Six Morgan Dollars1113 - Six Morgan Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of six, EF-AU in plastic cases, 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches. 1881-O, 1881-S,1887, 1889, 1898, 1900. Date: Location: HWAC# 58122
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to f*****a for (120.00 + 24.60BP) = 144.60
 
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Six Silver Dollars1114 - Six Silver Dollars
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two uncirculated 1887-S Morgan dollars from the Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company of Chattanooga (1887-1947) in Capital Plastics holders.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j******0 for (320.00 + 70.40BP) = 390.40
 
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Morgan Dollar Collectibles1115 - Morgan Dollar Collectibles
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two items featuring the Morgan Dollar: 1) 4 inch round booklet telling the tale of the Counterfeit Dollar, published 1889, 23 pages, Morgan Dol
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Morgan Dollar Copy Weighing One Pound of Silver1116 - Morgan Dollar Copy Weighing One Pound of Silver
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dated 1888, this Morgan Dollar replica is marked "one pound fine silver" (weighs 12.25 ounces, so it must be a troy pound) but has no mark...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to n***l for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Peace Dollars in Album1117 - Peace Dollars in Album
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Thirteen Peace dollars in a Coin and Currency Institute album, EF-AU condition. The 1934-S is a slightly better date. Date: Location: HWAC#
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to D*****1 for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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Stone Mountain Half Dollars and Ephemera1118 - Stone Mountain Half Dollars and Ephemera
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three 1925 Stone Mountain half dollars in plastic holders.Nice condition coins AU-BU. "The Greatest of Monuments" pamphlet, and a reprint...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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