Counterstamps

California--Sacramento. J.L. POLHEMUS / (mortar and pestle) / DRUGGIST / 190 J. ST. COR. 7TH / SACRAMENTO CAL. on the obverse of an 1855-S Arrows Liberty Seated quarter. Brunk P-563, Miller-Calif 1A. Host coin Very Fine.

A richly and originally toned example dressed in warm, even mauve and olive-gray. Both sides are remarkably free of detracting marks for a mid grade silver coin from the earliest days of San Francisco Mint coinage. Rulau (2004) reports 32 examples of this counterstamp on Liberty Seated quarters, the Brunk reference asserting that nine of these are dated 1855 (presumably all 1855-S, as here). Choice overall, and really a pleasing example of the type. J.L. Polhemus is among the most popular and famous of California Gold Rush issuers. The son of a shoemaker, James Lozier Polhemus was born in New York City in 1825 and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. News of the Gold Rush reached Polhemus early; he took the Orpheus from New York and arrived in California in 1849. His first pharmacy was across the street from the Magnolia Saloon, August 1850, after which he moved to 190 J Street in December, remaining there until his passing in 1866. His wife continued the business until 1874. In his lifetime, Polhemus was known as the "Oldest Established Legitimate Druggist in the City, open all night, selling on a cash basis, and at cost to indigents." A prolific counterstamper, Polhemus stamped nearly all the coins that passed through his business, including many gold coins. Indeed, at least three double eagles with his counterstamp are known, two of those recovered from the wreck of the S.S. Central America.

From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Earlier ex our (Stack's) sale of the Anthony Terranova Collection, September-October 2010 Philadelphia Americana Sale, lot 5063. Lot tag and collector envelope included.

Estimate: 750