1849 Massachusetts & California Company Five Dollar - Silver Fantasy

Coin Details

Auction Record

$17,625 AU50 08-09-2016 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1849 Massachusetts & California Company silver fantasy half eagle is a base-metal version of this controversial Gold Rush-era issue, struck in silver rather than gold. The use of silver composition clearly identifies this as a collector-oriented production rather than a piece intended to pass as an original territorial gold coin. The Massachusetts & California Company was a joint-stock enterprise organized in Northampton, Massachusetts, during the frenzy of the California Gold Rush. The company raised capital to purchase and transport mining equipment to the goldfields, and its officers included prominent local businessmen who saw opportunity in provisioning the rush. Whether the company actually struck gold coins during its brief California operations or whether the pieces bearing its name are entirely later fabrications remains one of numismatics' enduring questions. The silver fantasy version offers collectors an entry point into this fascinating corner of Gold Rush numismatics at a fraction of the cost of gold-composition examples. Silver impressions from these dies produce sharp, attractive specimens that clearly display the design elements — the eagle and denomination markings — attributed to this enigmatic company. The piece occupies a recognized niche in territorial gold numismatics, classified alongside the various base-metal restrikes and fantasy pieces that supplement the original (or allegedly original) gold coinage of California's private mints and assay offices.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Silver composition fantasies are scarcer than might be expected, with approximately 20-30 examples known. These are clearly cataloged as silver fantasy pieces rather than original issues.

Cross References

PCGS #10231