Lot 3687
1849-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Mostly untoned. Only 10,220 minted. Nice strike. Pop 2; none finer at NGC. Unrivaled in terms of exterior preservation, this being the tied for finest certified at NGC. Both sides of this golden beauty are well frosted and for all intents and purposes tone-free. There are a few light scratches on the portrait and a short line in the field between the neck and the first star, among others. Both the peripheries and the central reverse are detailed and close to 100% crisp for their sharpness of strike with the sole exception of the lower feathers of the legs. All this is is a forceful reminder in a coin from this scarce branch mint that it is quality that counts.
The year 1849 is, of course, famous for the California gold rush. But also this year, Minnesota was established as a Territory with slavery prohibited. On March 4, 1849, David Rice Atchison served as President of the U.S. for this one day. President Polk's term had expired, but because it was a Sunday, President-elect Zachary Taylor chose to be inaugurated the following day, a Monday. Since the nation could not be leaderless for even 24 hours, the next in line of succession, the President pro tempore of the Senate, Senator Atchison, took over the office. When asked what he did during his time as President, Atchison said that because he had been exhausted by his work in Congress he slept soundly all through his term as Chief Executive. Finally, on June 15, 1849, ex president James Knox Polk died at the age of 53 (PCGS # 7753) .
Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000.
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