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1353

1868 1C Aluminum Proof Set. This is a complete 16-piec

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:140,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1868 1C Aluminum Proof Set. This is a complete 16-piec
<B>1868 1C Aluminum Proof Set.</B></I> This is a complete 16-piece set of 1868 proof coins struck in aluminum, illustrating each coinage design that was in production during the year. Each is a Choice or Gem proof and this set includes the original morocco and velvet presentation case that held these coins when they were issued by the Philadelphia Mint. <BR><BR> In our modern world, aluminum is seen nearly everyday as one of the most common metals in commercial use, but that was not always the case. At the time these coins were made 140 years ago, aluminum was considered a semi-precious metal. In 1884, for instance, the market price for aluminum was about one dollar per ounce, similar to the price of silver.<BR><BR> According to documentation presented by Andrew Pollock, a total of four sets were produced at the request of Mint Director H.R. Linderman. Two of those sets were exported, one to the Bank of England and another to France. A third set was presented to Treasury Secretary Hugh McCulloch, and the fourth set went to an unknown party.<BR><BR> It is not known if the sets in England and France still exist, but assuming they do, a fifth set must have been made at some time, otherwise, this set is one of those presentation sets. In his 1882 catalog of the set purchased by Garrett, cataloger H.G. Sampson stated "only 5 sets issued." This was only 14 years after these sets were produced and distributed, thus the comments are probably reliable. We offer the following pedigree of the cased sets, as it is currently known:<BR><BR> 1. Philadelphia Mint, at the request of Mint Director H.R. Linderman; Bank of England.<BR> 2. Philadelphia Mint, at the request of Mint Director H.R. Linderman; Government of France.<BR> 3. Philadelphia Mint, at the request of Mint Director H.R. Linderman; Secretary of the Treasury Hugh McCulloch; McCulloch Estate and heirs; Eric P. Newman; Eric P. Newman Educational Foundation and Museum.<BR> 4. R.A. Britton (H.G. Sampson, 2/1882), lot 956; T. Harrison Garrett; Garrett Collection; Johns Hopkins University (Bowers and Ruddy, 11/1979), lot 396.<BR> 5. The set offered here. Prior provenance unknown; Bowers and Merena (1/1995), lot 1367.<BR><BR> Each of the following 16 coins in this set is certified by PCGS and each is rated R.7. Detailed notes about each individual coin are really not necessary. Each piece has bright gray color with fully mirrored fields and lustrous devices. Cameo contrast ranges from light to heavy, but is present to some degree on each coin in this set.<BR><BR>Indian cent Judd-612, Pollock-677, PR65.<BR>Two cent piece Judd-614, Pollock-679, PR66.<BR>Three cent nickel Judd-621, Pollock-690, PR65.<BR>Three cent silver Judd-622, Pollock-691, PR65.<BR>Shield nickel Judd-636, Pollock-708, PR64.<BR>Seated Liberty half dime Judd-639, Pollock-711, PR65.<BR>Seated Liberty dime Judd-649, Pollock-722, PR66.<BR>Seated Liberty quarter Judd-650, Pollock-723, PR64.<BR>Seated Liberty half dollar Judd-651, Pollock-724, PR65.<BR>Seated Liberty silver dollar Judd-652, Pollock-725, PR66.<BR>Indian Head gold dollar Judd-653, Pollock-726, PR65.<BR>Liberty Head quarter eagle Judd-654, Pollock-727, PR64.<BR>Indian Head three dollar Judd-655, Pollock-728, PR64.<BR>Liberty Head half eagle Judd-660, Pollock-733, PR64.<BR>Liberty Head eagle Judd-664, Pollock-739, PR64.<BR>Liberty Head double eagle Judd-665, Pollock-740, PR65.<BR><BR><I>Ex: Bowers and Merena (1/1995), lot 1367.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coin/Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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