Lot 1441
1849 Mormon $5 Gold. PCGS graded AU-58. Nice with light golden toning. Once the Gold Rush in California began in earnest in 1849, enough gold dust had found its way into the Mormon treasury to begin private gold minting. On November 25th of 1849, Brigham Young, John Kay, and John Taylor formed a consortium to design the symbols used on these intriguing gold pieces. Although no records seem to survive, we know today approximately how many were struck. Breen estimates the total to be around 5,300 coins. This is the first of the three $5 issues produced by the Deseret Assay Office, the others being in 1850 and 1860 (beehive coinage). Of course, it is a rare coin in all grades, with sufficiently few at the About Uncirculated level to excite just about every collector of Territorial gold who contemplates owning a Mormon five. The surfaces are bright gold in color with a hint of olive and are minutely granular, but not at all atypical for the Type. It is no secret either, since the photos reveal all, that the two clasped hands are fully struck, , which is another reason why territorial collectors will fall in love with it. A couple of wispy marks and hairlines are only detectable under a lens. Estimated mintage [Breen], 5,340. Pop 3; 1 in 60 as finest at PCGS. (PCGS # 10262) .
Estimated Value $45,000 - 50,000.
|
| |
| Unsold |
