Lot 302
1844. PCGS graded MS-67 PQ. CAC Approved. Lovely blue and gold toning on both sides. Well struck. A worldly measure of pouring frosted luster livens up the fields and expanse of design on this handsome 1844 Seated Liberty Half Dime. The fields are for all intents and purposes immaculate, heavily and beautifully toned, while the strike is intrepid enough to call for special mention in an era when US coinage tended toward uneven strikes, usually on the branch mints, not so often on Philadelphia’s production. Pop 11; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 4333) .
On February 20, 1844 President Tyler and other dignitaries were on board the steam frigate Princeton on the Potomac River to see the action of a powerful new gun, the Peacemaker, which could fire a 212-pound load the remarkable distance of three miles. Without warning, the gun exploded on deck, and eight people were killed, including the Secretary of State. James Knox Polk, a relatively unknown figure, was nominated for the presidency by the Democrats who were deadlocked in convention. Polk became the first "dark horse" candidate to run in a national election, which he did successfully, besting Henry Clay by 170 electoral votes to 105.
Samuel F.B. Morse harvested the fruits of his congressional backing and transmitted the first telegraph message, "What Hath God Wrought?" from the Capitol building to Baltimore. Wells, Fargo & Company had its beginnings in an express route between Detroit and Buffalo. At the time there were dozens of express companies that carried goods from one location to another, employing ship, rail, and horse transportation. Charles Goodyear obtained the basic patent for the vulcanization of rubber, which led to the expanded use of the product in overshoes, rainwear, and other articles.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500.
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| Realized $5,581 |
