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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Crystal Palace Token, Tombstone, Arizona1438 - Crystal Palace Token, Tombstone, Arizona
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Extremely rare saloon token. Crystal / Palace / Tombstone, / Arizona // GF / 12 1/2c / IT. Octagonal. Aluminum. 24mm. Established in Tombstone in 1879
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to p********n for (1,700.00 + 425.00BP) = 2,125.00
 
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Pony Saloon Encased Cent, Tombstone, Arizona1439 - Pony Saloon Encased Cent, Tombstone, Arizona
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Extra rare! NCS Genuine. 1901 Indian Head penny encased in advertising for the Pony Saloon in Tombstone. Compliments Of / James Marrs // Pony Saloon /
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to l********1 for (950.00 + 237.50BP) = 1,187.50
 
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Pony Saloon Token, Tombstone, Arizona1440 - Pony Saloon Token, Tombstone, Arizona
Holabird Western Americana Collections
NGC AU 55. Pony Saloon / J.H. Marrs / Prop. / Tombstone, / Ariz. // Good For / 12 1/2c / In Trade. Brass, S8. 29mm. Date: c.1900 Location: Tombsto
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to r*****r for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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Pony Saloon, Tombstone, AZ Token1441 - Pony Saloon, Tombstone, AZ Token
Holabird Western Americana Collections
PONY SALOON / J. H.MARR'S / PROP. / TOMBSTONE / ARIZ. // GF / 12 1/2C / IN TRADE. NGS MS63 Date: c. 1899-1914 Location: Tombstone, Arizona ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 350.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (110.00 + 27.50BP) = 137.50
 
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The Cochise Club Token, Tombstone, Arizona1442 - The Cochise Club Token, Tombstone, Arizona
Holabird Western Americana Collections
NCS Genuine. c.1895. The Cochise Club / (pictorial) / Tombstone, / Ariz // GF / %c / IT. Brass. 21mm. Date: c.1895 Location: Tombstone, Arizona
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 800.00
Sold to j*****r for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Cosmopolitan Saloon Token, Amador City, California1443 - Cosmopolitan Saloon Token, Amador City, California
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Choice uncirculated! COSMOPOLITAN / 1910 / SALOON // AMADOR COUNTY / 25 / IN TRADE / GALLO BROS. NGS MS62 Date: 1910 Location: Amador, California
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
Sold to S*****8 for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Pioneer Saloon GF 12.5C Mirror, Corona, California1444 - Pioneer Saloon GF 12.5C Mirror, Corona, California
Holabird Western Americana Collections
GF 12 1/2C IN TRADE / P. PROVENSAL PROPRIETOR / PIONEER SALOON / CORONA, CALIF. NGC genuine. Date: c. 1905-1910 Location: Corona, California HWA
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 900.00
Sold to r*o for (750.00 + 187.50BP) = 937.50
 
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Call Saloon, Haywards CA Token1445 - Call Saloon, Haywards CA Token
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Choice uncirculated! M. F. SILVA / CALL SALOON / HAYWARDS, CAL. // GF / 5C / DRINK. NGC MS62 Date: c. 1800-1911 Location: Haywards, California H
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Central Hotel Key Tag, Jackson, California1446 - Central Hotel Key Tag, Jackson, California
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Star shaped key tag for the Central Hotel, J. Caviglia Proprietor. Room #26. Brass. 11.5 cm H x 9 cm W. Reverse has makers mark for Moise, Klinkner C
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Two California Saloon Tokens (Jamestown & Sacramento)1447 - Two California Saloon Tokens (Jamestown & Sacramento)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 Mother Lode saloon tokens. GOLDEN GATE SALOON / 500C KST /SAC.CAL // GF / 5C / IN TRADE NGC MS62. ROCCO / SALOON / JAMESTOWN // GF / ONE / DRINK NG
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to S*****8 for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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The Club Saloon GF Mirror, Mokelumne Hill, California1448 - The Club Saloon GF Mirror, Mokelumne Hill, California
Holabird Western Americana Collections
GF ONE DRINK / MAIN STREET MOKELUMNE HILL / THE CLUB SALOON/ S. GOBBI, PROPRIETOR. Rare, but MISSING the mirror. Date: Location: Mokelumne Hill,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to h*****7 for (200.00 + 50.00BP) = 250.00
 
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The Branch Saloon, Sacramento CA Token1449 - The Branch Saloon, Sacramento CA Token
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Rare token. THE BRANCH / SALOON / 927 K. ST. / SACRAMENTO / CAL. // GF / 5 / IN TRADE. NGC MS62 Date: c. pre 1900 Location: Sacramento, California
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to p********n for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Rare W. Frank & Co. Token, San Francisco, California1450 - Rare W. Frank & Co. Token, San Francisco, California
Holabird Western Americana Collections
We could not find any info on this California Gold Rush merchant. Round white metal. W. FRANK & CO. / IMPORTERS/ OF / TOYS AND FANCY / GOODS / S...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to b*******8 for (500.00 + 125.00BP) = 625.00
 
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Thurnauer & Zinn Token, San Francisco, California1451 - Thurnauer & Zinn Token, San Francisco, California
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Importers of baskets, toys, fancy goods. Note fancy is misspelled "tancy". Rd., Br., 27 mm. Kappen # 2551. Ex.: Weber Collection. •1859,...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to r*****r for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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W. Frank & Co. Token, San Francisco, California1452 - W. Frank & Co. Token, San Francisco, California
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Almost uncirculated condition, importers of toys and fancy goods. Rd., br., 27 mm. Ex.: Bill Weber Collection. Kappen #885. Date: Location: San
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to G********_.. for (300.00 + 75.00BP) = 375.00
 
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Pioneer Saloon, Susanville, CA Token1453 - Pioneer Saloon, Susanville, CA Token
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Scalloped PIONEER / SALOON / SUSANVILLE, CAL. // GF / ONE / DRINK. NGC MS63 (Potter Collection) Date: c. 1900-1920 Location: Susanville, Californ
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*********r for (80.00 + 16.80BP) = 96.80
 
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St. Louis Saloon, Truckee, CA Token1454 - St. Louis Saloon, Truckee, CA Token
Holabird Western Americana Collections
White metal ST. LOUIS SALOON / STAR / TRUCKEE / CAL. // GF / 5C / IN TRADE. Rare Truckee token from more than just a saloon. Date: Location: Tru
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to b*********r for (40.00 + 8.40BP) = 48.40
 
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Extra Rare Gold Nugget Saloon, Yreka CA Token1455 - Extra Rare Gold Nugget Saloon, Yreka CA Token
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wow this is an extra rare item! GOLD NUGGET SALOON / GF ONE DRINK / YREKA, CAL. NGC XF40 Date: 1890 Location: Yreka, California HWAC# 571558
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to r*o for (450.00 + 112.50BP) = 562.50
 
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Four Different California Tokens1456 - Four Different California Tokens
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Mirror Saloon, Ferndale, CA GF 1 Drink, MS60. WW Kelley Colton, GF 10c MS64. German Bakery, HBerkemeyer, San Luis Obispo, GF 1 Glass of Soda MS61. Pur
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to p********e for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Two Gold Rush Era Tokens1457 - Two Gold Rush Era Tokens
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of two: 1) 1849 Classic Head obverse; Miner on the reverse; 2) Capped Rays obverse; United States Mint / The First Steam Coinage / 1856. (Al Ad
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to p********e for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
Details...Bookmark