U. S. Coins

Lot 1038
1837. Feuchtwanger Cent. PCGS graded MS-64. Die pair 6-I. A very popular token struck in German Silver by Dr. Lewis Feutchwanger during the period in the late 1830's known as the "Hard Times". The attractive design with a defiant eagle clutching a snake is growing in popularity with its analogy to the current U.S. war on terrorism. This token exhibits a better than average strike for this issue. The color is a steel gray with considerable luster evident under the tone.

Feutchwanger initially struck these as a pattern to solicit a contract from the government. His attempt failed when Mint Director Patterson argued that the material would cause confusion with the public. Advised by Professor James Booth of the Franklin Institute, Patterson also stated that the material would be hard to acquire in uniform quantities. However years later in 1853, Booth, now the Mint's Melter and Refiner, approached the idea of using German Silver in coinage. He had Cent trial strikes made utilizing a obverse die of the Quarter eagle.
Estimated Value $400-600.

Lot 1039
1837. Feuchtwanger Cent. NGC graded MS-62. Listed by Rulau & Fuld as NY HT-268 (6G). A strictly Mint State example with muted luster due to streaky toning on both sides. Feuchtwanger developed this metal as an alternative to the pure copper used in the Large Cents of the period. His goal was to become the sole supplier of the metal to the U.S. Mint, but the plan was never adopted. Feuchtwanger was a little ahead of his time -- just under twenty years later, the Mint went with a Copper-Nickel mixture for the new Flying Eagle Small Cents, in diameter and color very similar to the good Doctor's mixture.
Estimated Value $250-300.