Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Territorial Gold
1855 $50 Wass Molitor Fifty Dollar AU58 PCGS. K.9, R.5. An abundance of gold in the early days of the San Francisco Mint did not translate to smooth operations, with a shortage of parting acids among other problems that hampered the mintage of gold coinage for the booming local economy. The respected firm of Wass, Molitor & Co. stepped into the breech at the request of influential bankers and merchants to provide a large-denomination gold pieces that would accepted for both foreign trade and domestic transactions, including the all-important transfers between banks.
In particular, a new, round fifty-dollar gold piece was well-suited to the needs of the day. What it lacked in aesthetic charm, the coin made up for in utility and public acceptance -- not to mention the imposing physical size and weight. The .900 fineness met federal standards and the simplistic design provided instant recognition. Thirteen pinwheel-like stars surround the familiar head of Liberty, which lacks any inscription on the coronet. The 1855 date sits below the neck truncation in its accustomed location. SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA and WASS MOLITOR & CO. form the reverse legend, with a short, curved banner proclaiming 900 THOUS. to guarantee the fineness. A traditional open wreath and bow encircle the denomination 50 / DOLLARS.
This attractive, greenish-gold example shows only modest signs of handling and transport for such a big, heavy coin. Light abrasions and delicate lines are visible as well as a few minimal marks on the portrait, but the rims are sharp and problem-free. Luster remains across both sides of this bright and pleasing fifty dollar gold piece. The raised motifs show few signs of actual wear. The near-Mint State status of this well-preserved coin will draw the interest of all Territorial gold enthusiasts as well as gold specialists of every ilk. Listed on page 401 of the 2017 Guide Book. Population: 2 in 58, 1 finer (11/16).
From The Casady Collection.
1855 $50 Wass Molitor Fifty Dollar AU58 PCGS. K.9, R.5. An abundance of gold in the early days of the San Francisco Mint did not translate to smooth operations, with a shortage of parting acids among other problems that hampered the mintage of gold coinage for the booming local economy. The respected firm of Wass, Molitor & Co. stepped into the breech at the request of influential bankers and merchants to provide a large-denomination gold pieces that would accepted for both foreign trade and domestic transactions, including the all-important transfers between banks.
In particular, a new, round fifty-dollar gold piece was well-suited to the needs of the day. What it lacked in aesthetic charm, the coin made up for in utility and public acceptance -- not to mention the imposing physical size and weight. The .900 fineness met federal standards and the simplistic design provided instant recognition. Thirteen pinwheel-like stars surround the familiar head of Liberty, which lacks any inscription on the coronet. The 1855 date sits below the neck truncation in its accustomed location. SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA and WASS MOLITOR & CO. form the reverse legend, with a short, curved banner proclaiming 900 THOUS. to guarantee the fineness. A traditional open wreath and bow encircle the denomination 50 / DOLLARS.
This attractive, greenish-gold example shows only modest signs of handling and transport for such a big, heavy coin. Light abrasions and delicate lines are visible as well as a few minimal marks on the portrait, but the rims are sharp and problem-free. Luster remains across both sides of this bright and pleasing fifty dollar gold piece. The raised motifs show few signs of actual wear. The near-Mint State status of this well-preserved coin will draw the interest of all Territorial gold enthusiasts as well as gold specialists of every ilk. Listed on page 401 of the 2017 Guide Book. Population: 2 in 58, 1 finer (11/16).
From The Casady Collection.