Auction Number 40 Closed (#11006)

33 - 173/(Steel DIE) Unlisted AU Original steel die for George Washington First In War, First In Peace Patriotic Civil War token 173. One of only a handful of original dies still in existence, the only others that we are aware of are 123, 129, 131 and 153. All have been used at one time or another to make restrikes. Uniface silver restrikes of die 123. The 1939 CSNS tokens used the 129 die. Uniface White Medal and counterstamped restrikes of die 131. Primarily counterstamped Large Cents of die 153. And finally uniface Silver and Gold restrikes of die 173. A once in a lifetime opportunity (well maybe thrice) to acquire an actual Civil War token die. The Franklin die for Patriotic 153 sold for $7,700 in our March 2008 sale. The Lincoln die for Patriotic 131 sold for $5,000 in our October 2011 sale. This die produced a typical Civil War token compared to the other two, likely used to create tens of thousands of Civil War tokens while the others struck tokens in very limited quantities generally for collectors rather than for circulation. This die is massive weighing well over four pounds, 102mm tall and 70mm at its widest point. A product of Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury Connecticut, they are well known for their well made and boldly struck tokens. One look at this die and you can see why. (4000-6000)