1849 $5 Moffat & Co. MS(PCGS#10240)

August 2019 ANA U.S. Coins Auction Rosemont, IL

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2360

Grade

XF45

Price

3,840

Lot Description

1849 Moffat & Co. $5. K-4. Rarity-5. EF-45 (PCGS). Direct lighting calls forth vivid medium gold patina from otherwise olive-gold surfaces. A bit lightly struck over the high points of Liberty's portrait, typical of the type, although the eagle on the reverse is much sharper with crisp delineation throughout much of the plumage. Wispy hairlines and a touch of glossiness to the texture are noted for accuracy. Moffat & Co. was arguably the most important private minting establishment in Gold Rush California, so much so that the firm eventually received the federal contract the serve as the United States Assay Office in the years prior to the opening of the San Francisco Mint. This is an appealing Choice EF from the firm's first $5 gold issue. PCGS# 10240. Click here for certification details from PCGS.