1849 Moffat $5 PCGS VG10 CAC OGH
Attractive honey-gold surfaces are the hallmark for this California Gold Rush issue that saw exhaustive circulation in that area of the country. Despite the substantial wear on this piece, the coin retains strong details, with the date and key design elements clearly visible. The rich, rosy patina of this coin is extremely beautiful, and exactly the type of look that astute pioneer collectors seek out. Moffat & Co. was instrumental in orchestrating the circulation of coinage in California prior to the establishment of the San Francisco Mint. As the first year of the issue, this example is quite popular amongst those who are seeking an example of pioneer gold. Housed in a PCGS Old Green Holder, CAC stickered, and at the very top of the "patina spectrum", all the bells and whistles are accounted for.
In terms of recent comps, we have a VG8 that sold in 4/22 at Stacks for $7800, and that coin was brighter and a bit wipey from what we can tell. As well, there was an F15 CAC that sold at HA in 1/25 for $7800. That coin was original, but the toning was dark and wasnt nearly as attractive as this coin in our opinion.
PCGS Price Guide - $5,250
CAC Price Guide - $4,600
PCGS Population - 7/177
CAC Population - 2/26