Follow-up to 1848-CAL quarter eagles 0

[RWB]

Relating to the “MS-68” 1848-CAL quarter eagle mentioned on another message board site, here is a little follow-up research information that might be of interest.

 

The coins were very special to all concerned and the best quality was desired. Time was short and there was no desire to create a special die for the pieces. A pair of new dies were quickly polished and coins struck to the capacity of the California gold available. This created a small group of proof-like coins followed by pieces with gradually smoothing surfaces as the dies wore. (Planchets were not polished.)

 

Once all the coins were struck, the obverse dies was removed from the upper die chuck of the toggle press and fixed in a vise. Coins were carefully placed individually in the obverse die and the reverse “CAL” logo punched into the coins. The logo was evidently held in place with a jig similar to that used to place lettering in master dies. (Notice the raised metal surrounding each CAL letter caused by metal being pushed out and upward due to displacement.)

 

The logo was likely prepared by the Engraver, Longacre, but the work performed by someone in the Coining Department. This was normal procedure at that time.

[LINCOLNMAN]

Saw this coin ATS, really amazing, thanks for the added background.

[kbbpll]

Is it a "high relief" over there now Roger? Hahahahaha, inside joke.

[RWB]

16 hours ago, kbbpll said:

Is it a "high relief" over there now Roger? Hahahahaha, inside joke.

:)

Maybe it will have a special display....and all the crocs will have damp eyes.