1849 Oregon Ten Dollar - White Metal Restrike

Coin Details

Description

The 1849 Oregon Exchange Company Ten Dollar white metal restrike at 10.89 grams is one of the heavier variants among the white metal restrikes produced from the original ten-dollar dies. White metal — a tin-based alloy historically favored for numismatic reproductions — was commonly used for numismatic restrikes in the nineteenth century due to its low cost and ability to capture fine die details. The weight of 10.89 grams distinguishes this specific variety from other white metal restrikes struck on lighter or heavier planchets. The white metal restrikes reproduce the familiar Oregon Exchange Company ten-dollar design with the beaver obverse and wreathed denomination reverse. The soft white metal alloy typically produces extremely sharp impressions, often revealing die details and engraving nuances that are difficult to discern on well-circulated gold originals. However, the same softness that captures detail also makes these pieces vulnerable to handling marks, edge damage, and environmental degradation over time. White metal restrikes served an important function in nineteenth-century numismatics by making examples of rare and expensive coinages available to a broader collecting audience. The Oregon territorial ten-dollar piece — with original gold examples numbering an estimated 15-25 survivors — would have been virtually unobtainable for most collectors even in the decades shortly after production. White metal restrikes allowed students and collectors to examine and appreciate the die work without the prohibitive cost of gold specimens.

Rarity Notes

Rare. White metal restrikes survive in greater numbers than gold or copper restrikes but remain scarce in absolute terms. This specific weight variant may be represented by fewer than 10-15 examples.

Cross References

PCGS #507069; NGC ID 31014; Kagin K-2c (Ten Dollar White Metal Restrike, 10.89g variant)