Lot 1747
1852-O $20 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. A hint of light gold tone with reflective surfaces. We note a small mark on the bridge of the nose, another by star 8, and a slight metal flake (as made) by star 12. The reverse has only the lightest, well spaced circulation signs on this handsome, and bold, '52-O Type 1 Double Eagle. Substantial detail to the highpoints on this fine example include complete (if not quite razor-sharp) obverse stars, all the shield lines present, as are the eagle’s feathers. Pop 124; 103 finer (PCGS # 8907) .
Events of 1852: In South Bend, Indiana, in 1852, the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company was established and would evolve into the world's largest maker of carriages and wagons. In the twentieth century it would make automobiles. Also in 1852, among technological innovations, coal oil, as a petroleum derivative was called, began to be used in lamps, but whale oil was still the main fuel for illumination. In New York, Elisha G. Otis invented the safety elevator this year, which used ratchets to prevent free fall. Discouraged by the lack of customers, Otis resolved to head for the California gold fields, but was deterred from doing so when two orders arrived at the last minute.
Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000.
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| Realized $11,069 |
