9019

Upon hearing of the California gold rush, John Little Moffat, who had worked the gold fields of Sout

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
Upon hearing of the California gold rush, John Little Moffat, who had worked the gold fields of Sout
Upon hearing of the California gold rush, John Little Moffat, who had worked the gold fields of Southern Appalachia along with three other New Yorkers, Joseph R. Curtis, Philo H. Perry, and Samuel H. Ward brought coinage equipment overland to San Francisco where they founded Moffat & Co. By June of 1849 they had begun to purchase gold dust and issue one-ounce $16 ingots to circulate as money. The next month, they employed engraver George Kuner and issued their first Five Dollar and Ten Dollar gold coins. In time, they became California's premier gold coiner earning the highest respect for their product and integrity. When the U.S. Government sent Augustus Humbert to be assayer for the newly authorized U.S. Assay Company, they contracted with Moffat & Company to issue the new federal coinage.1849 $5 Moffat & Co. Five Dollar XF45 PCGS. K-4, R.5. Four men, John Little Moffat, Joseph R. Curtis, Philo H. Perry, and Samuel H. Ward, founded the firm of Moffat & Co. and ran their first ad in California on June 21, 1849. Although only ingots were produced for the first two months of the enterprise, gold coins soon followed in the Five and Ten Dollar denominations. Delivered after the similarly dated Ten Dollar gold piece, the 1849 Moffat & Co. Five was produced in three minor varieties. The present coin, free of reverse die breaks, is definitely at the upper reaches of the XF grade level. Remnants of original luster still adhere to both sides of this prolific California Gold Rush issue, and there is a lot of striking definition over the major design elements. Yellow with some orange tinge with the normal complement of abrasions and some interesting die breaks. Scattered abrasions are evident, although not overly distracting, and the eye appeal alone would seem to suggest an AU designation. A solid, lightly circulated type coin that is worthy of a premium quality bid. Listed on page 288 of the 2002 Guide Book.From The Estate of Jack L. Klausen. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.