'The United States Gold Coin Collection' - Elisasberg ?
FredWeinberg
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Was the auction of 'The United States Gold Collection' in 1982 the Eliasberg gold coins?
I have a large fancy plastic holder for lot # 316 - an 1879 $4 Stella in Proof-67 (raw at the time)
Is this from the Eliasberg collection, or do I remember it incorrectly ?
Any help appreciated.
Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
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Yes as to the 1982 sale being the Eliasberg gold. I don't know about the specific lot you mentioned.
Edited: I just retrieved the catalog and can confirm that lot 316 was an 1879 Stella described as "Gem Brilliant Proof 67".
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Mark,
Thanks a lot for the info and confirmation.
I had that catalog, but it's gone now, as I
clean out/up my office on my way to retirement.
I have to clean out mine, also
BHNC #203
Eliasberg divided his collection between members of his family. From what I heard from one of the Bowers people, who cataloged sale, one of them was into astrology and absolutely demanded that his part of the inheritance, the gold coins, had to be sold by a certain date and time. The catalog was rushed in its preparation as well as with the auction date. That didn’t give the sale long enough to really “ripen.” If anything, that might have lowered the amount of money that that the heir got to collect. This was many years before the Internet, in October 1982. I have the hardcover edition of the catalog in my library.
It all happened very quickly, and for whatever reason, this heir didn’t want the Eliasberg name to appear on the sale catalog. Anyone who knew anything about coins at the time, knew exactly where the coins were coming from. No one else had an 1870-S Three Dollar Gold Piece, for example.
@FredWeinberg So is this the empty Capitol screw down acrylic holder from the landfill Stella?
No, that was a customers' coin I threw away, in 1986 when PCGS first
started, and I was one of the original 31 dealers David invited.
This was 1982, and the person who won the lot took the coin out
of the holder, and gave me the holder - I've had it almost 40 years !
Fred, you blew it. You should have persuaded the person to keep the holder and give you the coin.😉
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Mark,
Well, I am known for Errors !
Mark, Very, very funny.
As soon as you get rid of something, that's when you'll need it...
All the best to you in this next chapter. Enjoy!
@FredWeinberg....
Still laughing at that comment Fred.... 
Cheers, RickO
Your uncle Louis died and left you a few coins. Come on down to the bank and pick them up.
I like his holders and boxes. Who has those now?
Wondering if the lot tag is included. Recall seeing just a few Ex-Eliasberg gold coins in large Capitol plastic-like holders on occasion in the 1980's at shows.
Wasn't if sure if they had come from the auction that way or if later owners put them in post-auction back in the pre-slab days. Also could not recall if they included the lot tag inside.
@FredWeinberg, could you post a photo even if it has no lot tag?
If anyone else has photos of 1982 "United States Gold Collection" lot tags or holders, I would appreciate seeing pics.
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