1849 Mormon Two-and-a-Half Dollar - Uniface Lead Obverse, K-1, Plain Edge Restrike

Coin Details

Description

The 1849 Mormon Two-and-a-Half Dollar uniface lead obverse restrike preserves the obverse die of the original Deseret Mint quarter eagle in soft lead. The plain edge and K-1 Kagin reference number identify this as one of the earliest documented restrike varieties from the Mormon gold dies. Lead’s extreme softness allows even worn or lightly corroded dies to produce remarkably sharp impressions, revealing fine details that might be lost on harder metals. For the Mormon quarter eagle dies — which were produced under frontier conditions with limited die-cutting equipment — lead impressions provide an invaluable record of the full design as originally engraved. This uniface obverse piece shows only the face of the coin bearing the theocratic motto and divine eye symbol, with the reverse left blank. These restrikes were created for collectors and numismatic documentation purposes, preserving the artistic and historical legacy of the Mormon territorial coinage program long after the Deseret Mint ceased operations.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Lead restrikes from the Mormon quarter eagle dies are among the scarcest restrike varieties. Fewer than a dozen examples exist.

Cross References

NGC #779398, Kagin K-1