Lot 1573
1844-C $5 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Only 23,631 coins stuck. A hint of light gold toning. A nice strike for this date. Some mild rough surface on Liberty caused by the uneven planchet. While not consistently "sharp" overall, there are areas where the design shows above-average definition. And, as a delight for the connoisseur, the surface is rolling with brilliant golden luster. This in and of itself would recommend the coin since 1844-C is one of those years that tend to be found well circulated (when found at all). The year 1844 is also notable for one other thing at this mint. See historic note below. Pop 1; 5 finer, 2 in 61, 1in 62, 2 in 63 (PCGS # 8220) .
Historical note: One of the major events in the history of the Charlotte Mint took place on 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 precaution to do this. Nearly the entire structure was destroyed. Much of the machinery lay in ruins. Fortunately, the mint's bullion supply had been removed for safekeeping to the Branch Bank of the State of North Carolina.
There were the usual recriminations following this costly fire, though no satisfactory explanation for its cause was ever forthcoming. 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. Gold coinage did not recommence until 1846.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000.
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