Lot 1367
1838-C $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded MS-61. In NGC holder 3093890-001. Well struck with stunning golden-sunset toning that deepens naturally about the borders. Only 7880 pieces struck. The rich toning adds significant energy to the luster of this handsome Mint State. Full frosty surface from top to bottom. Nicely struck for the date, as well; here Liberty's hair is bold and crisp, remarkably so! For its part, the reverse eagle sports crisp detail throughout its wings, neck and leg feathers, while the shield is complete in its vertical stripes with only a little merging-together of the horizontals. A highly prized rarity in grades of About Uncirculated or finer, the 1838 Charlotte Mint $2.50 was struck in limited numbers since this year saw the opening of the mint with the usual attendant problems in ramping up such an undertaking. Most of the quarter eagles struck this year went into pocket change, becoming heavily circulated, before being retrieved from circulation. No doubt the low mintage and "C" mintmark plus the association with the opening of this Mint propels the 1838-C to the forefront of quarter eagle types in Mint condition. The obverse mintmark location only occurs in 1838-C and 1839-C. A classic rarity in Mint condition and one that will serve to be a magnet for collectors from several numismatic areas, all with one thing in mind: possession of this key quarter eagle rarity.
1838-C quarter eagles have the C first punched low and touching the top of the 3 below, then repunched in a higher position. Early die state before extensive breaks occurred on the reverse. Pop 4; 6 finer in 62, 3 in 63. (PCGS # 7697) .
In 1838 the so-called Underground Railroad was in operation and provided a method for slaves in the South to escape to the North or to Canada. Clandestine way stations were set up in 14 Northern states, but activities were greatest in Ohio, which serviced a stream of slaves coming up from Kentucky. It is estimated that about 500 to 1,000 slaves escaped each year. The Anti-Slavery Society's 1838 token, AM I NOT A WOMAN & A SISTER (known by numismatists today as Low-54), was among the copper issues that achieved wide circulation. In Philadelphia on May 17 a crowd burned down Pennsylvania Hall in an attempt to stop anti-slavery meetings in the city. Pro-slavery advocates spread rumors that freed slaves would take jobs away from citizens.
In the government's continuing exploitation of Native Americans, more than 14,000 Cherokees were forced by federal troops under the command of General Winfield Scott ("Old Fuss and Feathers") to walk the "Trail of Tears" from their native territories in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia to a resettlement area 800 miles distant in Indian Territory west of the Red River. About 4,000 Cherokee people died en route.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 33,000.
|
| |
| Unsold |
