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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Four Volumes on Southern States Currency1338 - Four Volumes on Southern States Currency
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Florida Obsolete Notes and Scrip by Freeman 1967. The History of Early Tennessee Banks by Garland 1983. Alabama Obsolete Notes and Scrip by Rosie 1984
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j********o.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Hugh Scholl Obsolete Currency Catalogs1339 - Hugh Scholl Obsolete Currency Catalogs
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approximately 25 catalogs from Hugh Schull, the very well-known obsolete currency dealer from South Carolina. For decades, Schull was one of the key s
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to a******a for (120.00 + 30.00BP) = 150.00
 
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Counterfeit Currency References1340 - Counterfeit Currency References
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two books on counterfeit currency. A Nation of Counterfeiters by Mihm, 2007, hardbound. Counterfeit Kansas Nebraska Overprints on 1922 to 1934 issues
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to a******a for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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Military Currency References1341 - Military Currency References
Holabird Western Americana Collections
World War II Allied Military Currency by Toy et all, 1973. Military Payment Certificates by Schwann, 1987. One is hardbound, one softbound. (Al Adam
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to a********o for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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American Banking History References1342 - American Banking History References
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Five different books on banking in American states. Banking in the South by Schweikert, 1987, hard bound. Banking in Frontier Iowa by Erickson 1971, h
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 160.00
Sold to l****6 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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California Banking History Books (4)1343 - California Banking History Books (4)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
4 embossed leather hardcovers. Financing an Empire, History of Banking in California by Cross 1927. Vol 1 526 pp. Vol 2 1002 pp. Vol 3 531pp Vol 4 44
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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The Pioneer Western Bank, First of Denver 1860-19801344 - The Pioneer Western Bank, First of Denver 1860-1980
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Embossed hardcover. By Adams, Dorsett and Pulcipher. First Edition. 219pp. Includes booklet The First National Bank of Denver, The Formative Years 18
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
 
 
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Garrett Collection Sales Library 5 Volumes1345 - Garrett Collection Sales Library 5 Volumes
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Five volume compendium of the famous Garrett collection sale, 1979 to 1981, by Bowers and Ruddy galleries. One of the five volumes is David Bowers dis
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to R****u for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Key References on American Currency1346 - Key References on American Currency
Holabird Western Americana Collections
These are the three key references necessary for any collector of American banknotes.: The Early Paper Money of America, fifth edition by Newman, 2008
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j********o.. for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Collection of Bank Note Commemorative Engravings, Approx 501347 - Collection of Bank Note Commemorative Engravings, Approx 50
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approx 50 Bureau of Engraving and Printing 8.5" x 10.5" commemorative currency sheets from approx 1972-1989 American Numismatic Associatio...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to r*****2 for (55.00 + 13.75BP) = 68.75
 
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The Story of American Bank Note Company by William Griffiths1348 - The Story of American Bank Note Company by William Griffiths
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The Story of American Bank Note Company by William Griffiths, 1959. Choice 8 x 10 book, 92 pages, published by the American Bank Notes Company, 1959.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 9***6 for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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National Bank Note Reference Library1349 - National Bank Note Reference Library
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three key volumes for National Bank Note collectors. National Bank Notes by Kelly, 4th edition; The Houston heritage Collection of National Bank Note
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j********o.. for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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United States Paper Money References1350 - United States Paper Money References
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three key reference on US paper money: Paper Money of the United States by Friedberg, 19th edition, sealed in original packaging; Seeing America Throu
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 250.00
Sold to j********o.. for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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US Currency Reference Library1351 - US Currency Reference Library
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Seven references on US currency. Includes: United States Paper Money, old series, 1861 to 1923, 1950 by Lynn Peart;. A Guidebook of Modern US Currency
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (35.00 + 8.75BP) = 43.75
 
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US Currency References (Mostly Southern States)1352 - US Currency References (Mostly Southern States)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Mostly southern states. Includes: The Red Book of Southern States Currency by Hugh Schall; Gray backs and Gold, Confederate Monetary Policy by Morgan,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to c********3 for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Printing of American Currency References1353 - Printing of American Currency References
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Includes: US Essay, Proof, and Specimen Notes by Hessler, 1979; Bureau of Engraving and Printing, 100 years, first edition signed by Plant; same title
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 250.00
 
 
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Key US Currency Reference Work1354 - Key US Currency Reference Work
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The Albert Grenell Collection of United States Paper Money, 1971, number 562, serial numbered on the inside. Hardbound, not paginated, but about 2 1/2
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to g***n for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Numismatic Newspaper Article about Currency1355 - Numismatic Newspaper Article about Currency
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four pages of the Saturday, August 29, 1840 issue of The Log Cabin of New York and Albany. The article is entitled "Look On The Picture...Then ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*****4 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Three Old Southern Wallets1356 - Three Old Southern Wallets
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three wallets collected by Al Adams from the South. Each is leather and all early. One of the wallet still contains a tattered folded up five dollar
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to S*****8 for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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"How Are You Green-Backs!." Sheet Music1357 - "How Are You Green-Backs!." Sheet Music
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Front cover of the sheet music of a numismatic popular comic song by Dan Bryant, made popular by Bryant's Minstrels and also by Mrs. John Wood i...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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