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

Coin Details

Description

The K-5c copper striking of the 1849 Massachusetts & California Company five-dollar piece represents the plain copper variant struck from the K-5c dies, the companion die pairing to K-5b and the underlying design visible on the famous K-5b/K-5c overstrike variety. Understanding K-5c as a standalone striking is essential for identifying the traces of this die pairing when it appears beneath the K-5b impression on overstrike specimens. The K-5c dies differ from K-5b in specific design details that die variety specialists use for attribution. These differences may include variations in the spacing, alignment, or fine details of design elements. This copper K-5c piece, free from the complication of an overstrike, shows the K-5c design in its pure form and serves as the reference standard against which overstrike specimens are compared. The K-5c copper variant is collected both on its own merits as a cataloged M&C die variety and as the companion piece to the K-5b/K-5c overstrike. Together, the three pieces (standalone K-5b, standalone K-5c, and the overstrike) tell a complete story about the relationship between these two die pairings in M&C production.

Rarity Notes

Rare. K-5c copper is scarce as a standalone striking. Essential reference for overstrike identification.

Cross References

K-5c (Kagin). Massachusetts & California Co. $5 copper, die pair 5c.