1852 Wass, Molitor & Co. Ten Dollar - Copper

Coin Details

Description

This copper striking of the 1852 Wass, Molitor & Company ten-dollar eagle dies is a rare off-metal impression that preserves the die work of this Hungarian-immigrant partnership. Copper strikings from territorial gold dies served as die trials, presentation pieces, or numismatic curiosities produced in extremely small numbers. The copper composition allows examination of the full detail of the Wass, Molitor eagle design without the wear that characterizes virtually all surviving gold examples. The European-influenced design sensibility is particularly apparent on this well-preserved copper impression. Off-metal strikings from any California territorial gold mint are exceedingly rare, and examples from Wass, Molitor are among the most seldom encountered. The firm’s relatively brief production period and small scale of operations meant that ancillary products like copper die trials were produced in the most minimal quantities.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Copper off-metal strikings from Wass, Molitor dies are virtually undocumented. Unique.

Cross References

K-2 copper (Kagin); NGC #31033; Wass, Molitor & Co., San Francisco; copper off-metal striking