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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U.S. Mint Medal Collection1538 - U.S. Mint Medal Collection
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Thirteen medals, most made by the U.S. Mint. 1958 San Diego; 1976 Colorado; U.S. Mint Denver & Philadelphia in copper; Philadelphia Mint in alu...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Director of the Mint Eva Adams Bronze Medals1539 - Director of the Mint Eva Adams Bronze Medals
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two bronze medals 3 inches in diameter featuring Miss Eva Adams, Director of the U.S. Mint from 1961-1969. Born in Wonder, Nevada, Adams graduated fro
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to B*******0 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Holy Year Medals1540 - Holy Year Medals
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of ten medals commemorating Holy Year and the Pope involved.Various years from 1870- 1962. White metal, possibly matte silver, 25 mm. (Al Adams
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to m******0 for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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Silver Medals Celebrating the Catholic Church1541 - Silver Medals Celebrating the Catholic Church
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ten pieces commemorating great events of the Catholic Church from the First to the Second Eucumenical Vatican Council. Housed in a vinyl folder with
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to m******0 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Medal of Inspiration1542 - Medal of Inspiration
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Designed by Frank Eliscu for Medallic Art Company, in 1974. Eight ounces of .999 silver in original box with paperwork. Eliscu was the sculptor of the
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to D**********n for (160.00 + 40.00BP) = 200.00
 
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Silver Anniversary Medal Wanamaker's Department Store1543 - Silver Anniversary Medal Wanamaker's Department Store
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Silver Anniversary of the 13th Street Store of John Wanamaker 1876- 1901, engraved on obverse. Independence Hall Philadelphia 1776 on the reverse. Whi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to m******0 for (25.00 + 6.25BP) = 31.25
 
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U.S. Commemorative Medal Collection1544 - U.S. Commemorative Medal Collection
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 19 medals, all commemorating something. Plastic case in the shape of the state of Illinois holds two Sesquicentennial medals from 1968. Medals
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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Silver Medallic Art Medal1545 - Silver Medallic Art Medal
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two and a half inches in diameter, 117.2 grams. Silver Medallic Art medal. Stamped "S S 105 / 1000" on edge. (Al Adams Gold Rush Memorab...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to D**********n for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Three Large Bronze Medals1546 - Three Large Bronze Medals
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Mahatma Gandhi, Louis XV, and Louis XVI are brought together in this lot of three medals each 2 3/4 inches in diameter, averaging 180 grams. (Al Ad
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Pocahontas Silver Medallions1547 - Pocahontas Silver Medallions
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of four sequentially numbered brilliant uncirculated silver pieces (2436-2439). When the United States government decided to stop making commemora
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (75.00 + 18.75BP) = 93.75
 
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Five Miscellaneous Medals1548 - Five Miscellaneous Medals
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of five: 1) rectangular fine pewter; signing on the Declaration of Independence; 4 x 2 inches. 2) Copper round "Supreme Court Defends Feder...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to D**********n for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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U.S. Medals Group1549 - U.S. Medals Group
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dozens of medals. Danbury Mint four medal set in lovely wooden box "Symbols of Liberty." "Civil War Confederate Memorial Coins"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Silver Medals1550 - Silver Medals
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ten pieces we believe to all be silver. Dr. Martin Luther King, United Nations Children's Fund, Indiana Army National Guard, History of the Civi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to c******o for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Three Silver Medals1551 - Three Silver Medals
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of three: 1) 1971 commemorative of the founding of the Postal Service; 2) Patrick Henry; 3) South Carolina Tricentennial. (Al Adams Gold Rush M
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to c******o for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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DeMolay Meritorious Service Award1552 - DeMolay Meritorious Service Award
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Only a very few select people have received the DeMolay Meritorious Service Award. Given to those who have shown exemplary service to the Order of DeM
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Grab Bag of Tokens, Medals1553 - Grab Bag of Tokens, Medals
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Easily more than 100 different pieces from mostly east of the Mississippi River. Includes topics such as: numismatic (coin clubs, etc); elongated cent
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to b******d for (90.00 + 22.50BP) = 112.50
 
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Troemner Fine Balance Scale1554 - Troemner Fine Balance Scale
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Spectacular show piece! Extra Rare!!! This was either a lab or gold scale. 27.5 x 34 x 14". Plaque with number "A58414" on the right ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 1,500.00 | Estimate : 3,000.00 - 5,000.00
 
 
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Troemner Scales, Balances and Weights1555 - Troemner Scales, Balances and Weights
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Troemner Scales, Balances and Weights, catalog nos. 1906, 1926, 1928, 1930. New spiral binding, 11.25" x 9.25". Copy of original, by the I...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Troemner Tabletop Balance1556 - Troemner Tabletop Balance
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Tabletop balance, cast-iron base with gilt edges. Manufactured by Henry Troemner of Philadelphia, the great scale manufacturer of the 19th century. Pl
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to 3***6 for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Antique Cast Iron Troemner Scale1557 - Antique Cast Iron Troemner Scale
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Henry Troemner antique cast iron balance scale black counter balance. The two pans are brass, approximately 8 inches in diameter. Overall size about 1
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 250.00
Sold to o********e for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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