1849 $5 Norris, Plain Edge MS(PCGS#10279)

1849 $5 Norris, Plain Edge MS (PCGS#10279)

The November 2011 Baltimore Auction

详细说明: 1849 Norris, Gregg & Norris $5 Gold. K-2. Rarity-5. Plain Edge. AU-55 (NGC). Bright and lustrous for this rare issue, with the classic yellow-gold planchet and minimal handling marks from brief circulation. The strike is sharp throughout, with all peripheral and central devices strong, even the small 5 on the shield over the eagle's breast is visible although lightly worn at the top. No rim bumps or scratches detract markedly and the visual appeal is high. These Norris, Gregg & Norris territorial coins are believed to be the first of the new gold coinage struck in California in May of 1849. The vast majority of these were melted in subsequent years and few survive today. Rarely found at all today and always in demand for their historic background. <br /> <br /> The original trio of partners had an ironmongery firm at 62 Gold Street in New York City, a few blocks from the modern day financial district in early 1849. When word of the gold discovery in California came, they gathered up part and parcel and moved West to Benicia City where they set up shop and began issuing these half eagles. Rich in history and charm, these half eagles form the basis for any advanced territorial gold collection. NGC has mounted this coin with the reverse up in the holder.