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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3 Zanoni Mining Pieces2344 - 3 Zanoni Mining Pieces
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Zeke Zanoni scuptures, painted polymer clay: 1) Shakin dust, 1990, 3.5" x 6.5" x 4". 2) two different mining wagons filled with ore, ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 100.00
Sold to c********e.. for (40.00 + 10.00BP) = 50.00
 
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"Placer Miner" by D. Monfort and Two Ore Wagons2345 - "Placer Miner" by D. Monfort and Two Ore Wagons
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Daniel Monfort scepter of a "Placer Miner", ceramic, 12.75" x 5" x 5". Signed by artist, 1979. Good condition. The two ore ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to t********n.. for (65.00 + 16.25BP) = 81.25
 
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2 Dahlonega Mining Lithographs2346 - 2 Dahlonega Mining Lithographs
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2 color lithographs, 13" x 19" Gold Digger's Road in Auraria with an action image of a stagecoach full of men coming down a road, #13/...
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Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 250.00
 
 
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New Gold Miner Intaglio Print2347 - New Gold Miner Intaglio Print
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Titled "The Era of Silver and Gold." Miners diligently panning for gold near Helena, Montana. The vignette (miscellaneous die #195471-3) i...
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Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Panning at Coker Creek Lithograph2348 - Panning at Coker Creek Lithograph
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Framed lithograph #139/1000 of a man panning at Coker Creek, TN. There is a cabin in the background of this mostly green themed litho. Signed by Joan
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Three Cork Stoppers by Chris Hammack2349 - Three Cork Stoppers by Chris Hammack
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Chris Hammack caricaturas made as bottle stoppers. Painted wood heads on corks: 1) Levi Druelslinger, 4" x 3". 2) Hooch Gibson, 4" x ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to 6******n for (140.00 + 35.00BP) = 175.00
 
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Three Scovel Wall Caricatures2350 - Three Scovel Wall Caricatures
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three caricature pieces by Mike Shovel. All are polymer wall sculptures: 1) Card dealer, 8.25" x 4.4" x 1.5". 2) A miner, 8.5" x...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 80.00 - 120.00
Sold to 9***6 for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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2 Framed Mining Prints: Montana and Georgia2351 - 2 Framed Mining Prints: Montana and Georgia
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Wood framed color print of Discovery of Last Chance Gulch by Chas. M.Russell. This discovery caused the third gold rush in Montana on Prickly Pear Cre
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Three Wall Art Pieces and a Victorian Photo2352 - Three Wall Art Pieces and a Victorian Photo
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three wall pieces and a Victorian photo: 1) Zeke Zanoni, :The Miners", relief sculpture in polymer clay, 9" x 11" x 2"; 2) Drawi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to j*****0 for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Group of Mining Related Sculptures2353 - Group of Mining Related Sculptures
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Over 15 mining related sculptures: 1) "Eureka" laughing miner with pan of gold by Clark, 1985, 9.5" high; 2) one metal sculpture of ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 125.00 | Estimate : 250.00 - 500.00
 
 
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Big Bonanza Mine Shadow Boxes by David Nagel (3)2354 - Big Bonanza Mine Shadow Boxes by David Nagel (3)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 Big Bonanza Mine Shadow Boxes. 7.25" x 6.5" blond wood frames, mine shaft entrance with tools, ore and trespassers shot and keep out sig...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 75.00 | Estimate : 150.00 - 250.00
 
 
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Ferncliff Coal Company Stock Certificates2355 - Ferncliff Coal Company Stock Certificates
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Alabama stock certificates are rare. This paid includes numbers 35 and 38. Both are issued to Thomas Fitch and signed by John W. Harris president and
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Florence Land Management & Manufacturing Company Stock Certificate2356 - Florence Land Management & Manufacturing Company Stock Certificate
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Issued to Jno. B Robinson in 1888 for 10 shares. Signed by secretary HC Wood and president AW Stockell. Heavy vertical fold on right with a small tear
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to 8********l.. for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Cedral Mining & Smelting Company Stock Certificate 12357 - Cedral Mining & Smelting Company Stock Certificate 1
Holabird Western Americana Collections
We could find little on this company, but believe it was possibly at the southern end of the Appalachian gold belt. Number 410 to Henry C MacEwan for
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Cedral Mining & Smelting Company Stock Certificate 22358 - Cedral Mining & Smelting Company Stock Certificate 2
Holabird Western Americana Collections
We could find little on this company, but believe it was possibly at the southern end of the Appalachian gold belt. Number 429 to H C MacEwan for thir
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
 
 
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Extra Rare Alabama Gold Rush Stock Certifiate2359 - Extra Rare Alabama Gold Rush Stock Certifiate
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The Anna Howe Gold Mining Company of Birmingham, Alabama. Number 1765 for 10 shares to BD Block (?) signed by secretary AH Primms and vice president A
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
 
 
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Stereoviews & Postcards of Dawson, Alaska Gold Rush2360 - Stereoviews & Postcards of Dawson, Alaska Gold Rush
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 5. 1) Three Underwood & Underwood stereoviews. Two are duplicate views of El Dorado Creek, Klondike, Yukon District, Canada, "where...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 150.00
Sold to j*****0 for (60.00 + 15.00BP) = 75.00
 
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Stereoview of the “Golden Stair” Trail, Chilkoot Pass2361 - Stereoview of the “Golden Stair” Trail, Chilkoot Pass
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Keystone Stereoview - #9196 Miners and Packers Climbing the “Golden Stair” Trail, Chilkoot Pass, Alaska. Date: 1900 Location: Alaska HWAC# 6120
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Stereoview of Miners & Packers Climbing the Golden Stair Trail, Chilkoot Pass2362 - Stereoview of Miners & Packers Climbing the Golden Stair Trail, Chilkoot Pass
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Keystone - Stereoview #9196 Miners and Packers Climbing the “Golden Stair” Trail, Chilkoot Pass, Alaska. "In this view we have ascended about ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 8***1 for (55.00 + 12.10BP) = 67.10
 
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Stereoview of Gold Miners in Klondike Country2363 - Stereoview of Gold Miners in Klondike Country
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Underwood & Underwood Stereoview – S386 (96)-4852 Gold miners at work in the Klondike country. Yukon District, Canada. Along sluice working the ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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