California--Sacramento. J.L. POLHEMUS / (mortar and pestle) / DRUGGIST / 190 J. ST. COR. 7TH / SACRAMENTO, CAL. on a France 1830-A 5 francs. Brunk P-563, Miller-Calif 2G. VG-8 (NGC).The host coin attractively original in medium and dove gray, the counterstamp neatly centered over Charles Xs portrait. This prolific counterstamper seems to have applied his hallmark to all coins that passed through his hands, including gold pieces. Interestingly, two Polhemus counterstamped Liberty Head double eagles were included in the treasure of the S.S. Central America. A genuine artifact from Gold Rush California that will delight the specialist.From the Newmark Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Merenas) Four Memorable Collections sale, September 1985, lot 2803; our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Frank L. Kovacs Collection of Counterstamped Coins, November 1993, lot 3221. Lot tags and collector tag and envelope included. Plated in both the Brunk and Rulau references.
