Lot 2871
1855 Wass, Molitor & Co. (San Francisco) $50 Gold. PCGS graded EF-40. An impressive example of this large, heavy coin, here in an original, uncleaned state (which, we point out, is a delightful exception to the "improved" and "conserved" example we've seen in the past). The strike is excellent, the color is a soft, greenish-gold, and the overall appearance is completely consistent with the grade, if not indicative of a higher one. Both sides show some marks, which is typical of the issue, and we've seen a lot worse; here, we see minor rim dings, a couple of "teeth" marks on Liberty's neck caused by contact with another coin, a slight depression on Liberty's cheek, and some more "teeth" marks between 50 and DOLLARS on the reverse.
This 2-1/2 ounce behemoth was made by a pair of Hungarian patriots named S.C. Wass and A.P. Molitor, who established a smelting and assaying operation in San Francisco during the days of the California gold rush. Their earliest output consisted of $5 and $10 gold pieces, but as their reputation and skills advanced, they produced both $20 and $50 gold coins in 1855. Although they struck a large quantity of each denomination, very few survive today because most have been melted over the past nearly 150 years.
Before the coins from the S.S. Central America hit the market, there was some concern that several to many Wass Molitor "Fifties" would be found on the ocean floor. However, when all was said and done, only a single example was found on the shipwreck!
According to the PCGS Population Report, only 11 have been graded at this level, with 18 finer (the best being a single AU-58) (PCGS # 10363) .
Estimated Value $22,000 - 25,000.
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| Realized $34,500 |
