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Sale 51
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Lot 1463
1844-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Untoned example. The present sale showcases several exciting high-grade gold $2.50 and $5 gold pieces from the first half of the 19th century. The early issues, particularly the scarce Southern branch mint Lots, are uniformly of outstanding quality from the collection formed by a noted specialist in the series. The Classic Head and Liberty Head dates and varieties represent some of the finest business strikes obtainable during decades of collecting. Many outstanding Mint States included in the present sale, such as this exemplary 1844-C five.
A hard to believe array of natural luster supports bright vibrant highlights. Nicely struck with the design comparable to the best preserved C-mint specimens of this denomination, including almost razor-sharp feathers on the eagle (only the right claw is rounded) and full legends and date. A few marks on the cheek are evident. Pop 2; 5 finer; 2 in 61; 1 in 62; 2 in 63. (PCGS # 8220) .
Of historic interest in the history of the Charlotte Mint is an incident that occurred early on the morning of Saturday, July 27, 1844. Superintendent Green W. Caldwell had been ill the Friday before and was not present when a fire was discovered. Small and contained to a single room, the fire might easily have been extinguished by the reservoir of water used to supply the boilers, but no one took the initiative to do this. Nearly the entire Mint structure was destroyed and much of the machinery damaged. Fortunately, the mint's bullion supply had been removed for safekeeping to the Branch Bank of the State of North Carolina, and the treasurer's account books had been spared destruction.
There were many recriminations following this costly fire, though no satisfactory explanation for its cause was ever proved. Superintendent Caldwell maintained that his quarters had been robbed and that the fire was set by the thief to cover his tracks. A servant named Calvin was briefly held as the suspected thief, but he was later released. The Charlotte mint did not reopen for business until 1846.
Estimated Value $13,000 - 14,000.
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| Realized $10,925 |
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