2010

CA - San Francisco,c. 1849 - Massachusett and California Pattern

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 6,250.00 USD
CA - San Francisco,c. 1849 - Massachusett and California Pattern
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Copper gilt pattern from discarded dyes, reeded edge. NCS extra fine details, high rarity R7. Kagin 2B (1). Providence Ex: bass. “Gold fever led to formation of many groups and associations who pooled resources and expertise for the purpose of mining and coining gold. These companies usually consist of a dozen to a hundred members with officers and a Board of Directors. One these, the Massachusetts and California Company, formed in Boston according to their charter “for the purpose of establishing a private mint, in California, something like that of Christopher Bechtler.” Two members made it to San Francisco in August 1849, traveling through Panama, although we are not certain if their coining equipment ever made it to California. Apparently, trail striking in silver and copper were made before the gold pieces. Several other pairs of die striking are known, These may have been prepared in Northampton for gold coins that were never made. Most other “restrikes” were probably struck from new dies at a later date as fantasy pieces were made in the early 20th century for collectors (most likely for Steven Nagy). Several of these coins trace their pedigree to the collection of King Farouk of Egypt.” [Kagin, Robert Bass Collection. Page 25, 26 & 27].

THE BUYER’S PREMIUM FOR THIS LOT IS 15%.