California--Sacramento. J.L. POLHEMUS / (mortar and pestle) / DRUGGIST / 190 J. ST. COR. 7TH / SACRAMENTO CAL. on the obverse of an 1856-S Liberty Seated half dollar. Brunk P-563, Miller-Calif 1B. Fine Details--Cleaned (NGC).

With pale gold highlights to otherwise silver-gray surfaces. The counterstamp is neatly executed over the lower portion of Liberty's portrait, and a somewhat glossy texture hardly detracts. An ever-popular issue with a solid link to the California Gold Rush. 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.

Estimate: $ 1000