1849 Massachusetts & California Co. Five Dollar - Nickel, K-7c

Coin Details

Description

The K-7c nickel striking of the 1849 Massachusetts & California Company five-dollar piece is one of the most unusual metal variants in the M&C series. Nickel is an uncommon medium for California territorial strikings, as the vast majority of non-gold examples are found in copper, brass, or white metal. The use of nickel indicates production at a facility with access to this metal, which points toward an Eastern origin rather than a frontier California workshop. The silver-white color of nickel gives this piece a distinctive appearance that immediately sets it apart from the golden hues of copper, brass, and gilt varieties. Nickel is also significantly harder than these other metals, resulting in different striking characteristics with sharper edges but potentially less complete filling of deep die recesses. The high Kagin die variety number reflects the remarkable diversity of die pairings known for M&C five-dollar pieces. Seven or more die combinations for a single denomination from a short-lived private mint is exceptional and indicates a more complex production history than is sometimes appreciated. The nickel K-7c piece is a specialized collectible pursued by advanced M&C variety collectors.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Nickel strikings of M&C dies are highly unusual. K-7c may be known in very small numbers.

Cross References

K-7c (Kagin). Massachusetts & California Co. $5 nickel, die pair 7.