1837 NY 1C HT-268, Feuchtwanger's MS (PCGS#20001)
August 2018 ANA U.S. Coins Auction Philadelphia, PA
- 拍卖行
- Stack's Bowers
- 批号
- 127
- 等级
- MS66
- 价格
- 34,481
- 详细说明
- Finest PCGS-Certified 1837 Feuchtwanger Cent
New York--New York. 1837 Feuchtwanger Cent. HT-268, Low-120, Breen 5-H. Rarity-1. German Silver. 18.5 mm. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC.
This beautiful premium Gem is the single finest Feuchtwanger cent of any die variety known to PCGS. Both sides are very well produced for the type with full striking detail that even extends to the high points of the eagle's breast in the center of the obverse. The luster is smooth, satiny and virtually pristine. Minimally toned with wisps of reddish-gold, powder blue and pale pink, the obverse contrasts markedly with a boldly patinated reverse featuring reddish-orange, pale gold and silver-olive colors. With quality and eye appeal unheard of in a Feuchtwanger cent, this piece would serve as a highlight in the finest collection of Hard Times tokens or as a "go with" in a set of U.S. Mint cents.
Born in Germany in 1807, Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger operated a business at various locations in New York City from 1831 to 1840, published a book on gems in 1872, and died in 1876. While located at 2 Cortlandt Street (1837 to 1838), Feuchtwanger issued private patterns in one and three-cent denominations as part of a bid to get the United States Congress to adopt his "Feuchtwanger's Composition" (actually German silver) as a replacement for the copper large cent. The exact wording of Feuchtwanger's proposal is as follows:
"I SUBMIT for your consideration a specimen of a one cent piece made of American Composition, known by the name of German Silver, equivalent in value to One Cent in Copper, which I propose with the authority of Congress, to substitute for the existing unclean and unhealthy Copper Currency by which a handsome current coin may be obtained answerable for the fractional parts of a Dollar, and acceptable in the operations of trade and local purchases. If this 'Silver Penny' as I wish to have it designated shall be approved by Congress as a substitute for the one Cent pieces, I shall in that case, propose to remunerate the Mint for any loss sustained by the United States by the withdrawal of the Copper Coin. I am ready to contract for the delivery at the Mint of any amount of the Composition which Congress may authorize [sic] to be coined."
Although Feuchtwanger's proposal was supported by Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, it was rejected by Mint Director Robert Maskell Patterson in 1838. The surviving patterns are eagerly sought by numismatists, although few approach the quality and eye appeal offered here. This outstanding example is sure to sell for a strong premium.
Provenance: From the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation. Earlier from Heritage's FUN Signature Auction of January 2014, lot 3222.
PCGS Population (all die marriages of the type): just 1; 0 finer.
PCGS# 20001.
Click here for certification details from PCGS.
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