JDMern, I was bidding on Swappy and could actually see that you were bidding through iCollector. Your username was visible, which you might want to talk to Claude and his people about.
I picked up the Chicago Numismatic Society Progress in Aviation Medal (only 200 struck) and (my favourite) the 1853 New York Crystal Palace So-Called dollar. See my pictured and write-up below. It will be making its way to
ebay shortly.
1853 New York Crystal Palace So-Called Dollar, HK-5, R.8, Gem Uncirculated. AE, 45mm, 45.7g. The 1853 New York Crystal Palace So-Called dollar (HK-5) is one of the most important rarities in this popular area of collecting. Little is known about them; Research is made exceedingly difficult by the strictly limited number of pieces believed extant, which totals five to 10 coins. The second edition of the Hibler-Kappen reference (2008) explained that these were probably sold as official souvenir medals. The design was executed by master medallist Charles (Karl) Stubenrauch (1819-c.1900) an engraver from Darmstadt, Germany who emigrated to St. Louis, Missouri with his family sometime during the 1840s. He moved to New York City in 1853 to participate in the Crystal Palace exhibitions - the first international exposition held in the United States. Examples are known in copper and white metal (HK-6), the latter appearing on the market with far greater frequency.
We have only been able to trace two auction appearances. The most recent was an example certified MS61 BN by NGC and offered as lot 8770 in Heritage Auctions' February-March 2014
ANA Signature sale. It realized $1,527.50. Another Choice Uncirculated piece was presented as part of the Gotham Collection of So-Called dollars (Presidential Coin and Antique's Auction 78, 6/2008) as lot 119. It was estimated between $1,000 and $2,000. The
American Numismatic Society collection includes a VF example with severe rim damage (item #0000.999.8212).
This Gem Uncirculated medal features smooth mahogany-brown surfaces with flashy fields and iridescent cherry-red, violet, and mint-green color. The devices are fully brought-up in high relief without any trace of softness whatsoever. This piece received one blow from the dies before they were inadvertently rotated and used for another impression, resulting in broad doubling on all design elements, a characteristic unseen on other known exemplars. Quite possibly the finest known HK-5 So-Called dollar in existence.
Posted 05/15/2017 2:06 pm
