1849 Massachusetts & California Co. Five Dollar - Copper, K-5b Over K-5c

Coin Details

Description

This copper striking of the Massachusetts & California Company five-dollar piece exhibits an overstrike variety, K-5b over K-5c, where a coin previously struck with the K-5c dies was subsequently struck again with the K-5b dies. Overstrikes occur when a previously struck planchet is fed back through the press with different dies, resulting in a piece that shows traces of both impressions. Overstrike varieties are among the most fascinating die varieties in the California territorial series because they provide direct evidence about production sequences and die usage. The existence of a K-5b/K-5c overstrike proves that both die pairings were available simultaneously and that planchets struck with one pair were deliberately or accidentally restruck with the other. The copper medium allows both the primary K-5b impression and the underlying K-5c traces to be examined in detail. This overstrike represents one of the most numismatically significant pieces in the M&C base-metal series, as it provides production-sequence evidence unavailable from any other source.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Overstrike varieties are inherently scarce. This K-5b/K-5c overstrike may be unique or nearly so.

Cross References

K-5b over K-5c (Kagin). Massachusetts & California Co. $5 copper overstrike variety.