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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William Ralston Letters: 1872 English Engineer's Letter with Plans for Investments in California Lan2644 - William Ralston Letters: 1872 English Engineer's Letter with Plans for Investments in California Lan
Holabird Western Americana Collections
First of three historically significant letters written to Ralston, as President of the Bank of California, is dated September 13, 1872 and is from Ro
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
 
 
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W.C. Ralston Letters: Brereton Letter, Heard You Went Bust! (One Month Later)2645 - W.C. Ralston Letters: Brereton Letter, Heard You Went Bust! (One Month Later)
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Looking at letter three, we see that English financiers are ready and willing to invest with the Bank of California and William Ralston. In the May 18
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 4,000.00
 
 
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W.C. Ralston Letters: Brereton Letter, Investors in London All Lined Up2646 - W.C. Ralston Letters: Brereton Letter, Investors in London All Lined Up
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Things are looking very good in England for Ralston and the Bank of California. He addresses the letter, "My dear Ralston," and proceeds, ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
 
 
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Bank of California 3rd of Exchange Signed by W.C. Ralston, 18732647 - Bank of California 3rd of Exchange Signed by W.C. Ralston, 1873
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Premier and very rare Western autograph piece. No. 11196. Dateline San Francisco, March 12th, 1873. Sixty days after sight, pay Cal. Santos 409 pounds
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 700.00
Sold to B*********g for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Stereoview – Pacific Coast #2101 Residence of W. C. Ralston, Belmont – San Mateo County2648 - Stereoview – Pacific Coast #2101 Residence of W. C. Ralston, Belmont – San Mateo County
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ralston was President of the Bank of California and who controlled most of the Nevada mining operations along with his “Bank Ring”. After loaning out
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
 
 
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Weekly Stock Circular, San Francisco Stock & Exchange Board, 18642649 - Weekly Stock Circular, San Francisco Stock & Exchange Board, 1864
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Extremely rare; the earliest issue in the Bancroft is dated Dec. 10, 1864. Fine condition with small missing pieces not effecting content. By the Asso
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
 
 
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Higgins' Hope Gold, Silver & Copper Mining Co. Stock Certificate, 18632650 - Higgins' Hope Gold, Silver & Copper Mining Co. Stock Certificate, 1863
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Location: San Francisco County. Very rare! One of few mines from this location and a reminder of the early mining efforts attempted near San Francisco
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 900.00
Sold to b*********r for (425.00 + 89.25BP) = 514.25
 
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North America Consolidated Gold Mining Co. Stock Certificate, 1904, Hydraulic Mining Vignette2651 - North America Consolidated Gold Mining Co. Stock Certificate, 1904, Hydraulic Mining Vignette
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fantastic vignette! Certificate #88 for 10,000 shares made out to J. R. Lewis on Feb. 26, 1904. Incorporated on August 24, 1878. Signed by Secretary,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to b**********7 for (100.00 + 25.00BP) = 125.00
 
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Pacific Gold & Silver Mining Co. Stock Certificate, Santa Cruz, 18632652 - Pacific Gold & Silver Mining Co. Stock Certificate, Santa Cruz, 1863
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Location: Silver Mountain, Santa Cruz County, Cal. Incredibly rare location! No. 19, issued for 140 shares to W.H. Mills on Nov. 16, 1863. Signed by t
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 900.00
Sold to c********r.. for (450.00 + 112.50BP) = 562.50
 
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Workman of the Celebrated Bald Mountain Stereoview by Hazeltine2653 - Workman of the Celebrated Bald Mountain Stereoview by Hazeltine
Holabird Western Americana Collections
“Workman of the Celebrated Bald Mountain” written on back – Orange stock. Hazeltine, Martin M., 1827-1903 , was one of the early photographers of Yose
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
Sold to 3****m for (250.00 + 62.50BP) = 312.50
 
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Deer Creek Cons. Gold & Silver Mining Co. Stock Certificate, Lincoln Township, CA, 18722654 - Deer Creek Cons. Gold & Silver Mining Co. Stock Certificate, Lincoln Township, CA, 1872
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Location: Lincoln Township, Sierra County, California (printed under logo). No. 48, issued for 50 shares to Geo. E. Hinckley on Nov. 1st, 1872 in San
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to b**********7 for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Report of the Ruby Drift Gravel Mine, Sierra County, 18792655 - Report of the Ruby Drift Gravel Mine, Sierra County, 1879
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Very rare. By Henry C. Perkins. 8vo, 24pp., with inserted descriptive leaflet: “This property is located on the well-known Blue Lead, in Sierra County
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
 
 
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Sierra & Plumas County Mining Stock Certificate Trio2656 - Sierra & Plumas County Mining Stock Certificate Trio
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 3. 1) Uncas Mining Company. Issued in 1881 for 250 shares to secretary C.E. Gillett. Also signed by president J.M. Walker. Not cancelled. Nativ
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold to s******6 for (225.00 + 56.25BP) = 281.25
 
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Klamath Placer Mining Company Bond2657 - Klamath Placer Mining Company Bond
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This 1902 Bond is number 75. All coupons are still attached. 14.5 x 9.5". Signed by William Saxton secretary and William D (?) president. 25c U...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Sold to i*****l for (80.00 + 20.00BP) = 100.00
 
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Denver Quicksilver Mining Company Stock Certificate2658 - Denver Quicksilver Mining Company Stock Certificate
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Location of Works: Pine Flat District, Sonoma County, California. No. 1, 2, and 3 Consolidated. This is an 1860s stock that wasn't issued until ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to r***6 for (150.00 + 37.50BP) = 187.50
 
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Tuolumne Hydraulic Association Stock Certificate, 1853, California Gold Rush2659 - Tuolumne Hydraulic Association Stock Certificate, 1853, California Gold Rush
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dateline Sonora, Feb. 21st, 1853. No. 274. Issued for one share to Charles Judah. Signed by G.T. Martin, President, and Henry Gordon Walton, Secretary
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to s********3 for (325.00 + 81.25BP) = 406.25
 
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Two Covers to the Amador Reduction Works in Sutter Creek, CA2660 - Two Covers to the Amador Reduction Works in Sutter Creek, CA
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Both are from the Merchants' Exchange Bank in San Francisco, CA. Rare postal usages. Each 4 x 9.25" Both have rips, stains. Located one mil...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to i*****l for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Three Trinity County, California Mining Stock Certificates2661 - Three Trinity County, California Mining Stock Certificates
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1) Trinity Gold Mining & Reduction Company. Inc. in Arizona, No 2789, issued for 2,021 shares in 1911. Not cancelled. Three mining vignettes. Fo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 200.00
Sold to b**********7 for (85.00 + 21.25BP) = 106.25
 
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Truckee Geologic Folio, 18972662 - Truckee Geologic Folio, 1897
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The Truckee Folio, USGS Folio39, 1897. This is the most "mint" condition piece we've had. Includes topographic maps, geologic maps and...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to 6********u.. for (50.00 + 12.50BP) = 62.50
 
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Gold Ship Mining Company Stock Certificate, 19092663 - Gold Ship Mining Company Stock Certificate, 1909
Holabird Western Americana Collections
No. 529. Issued for 200 shares to AA Lind on May 6th, 1909. Signed by president W.J. Graham and secretary E.R. Bailey. Not cancelled. Orange border an
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to 6********u.. for (30.00 + 7.50BP) = 37.50
 
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