Undated (ca. 1898) Mormon $5. Restrike. Uniface Obverse Impression. K-3a. Rarity-8. Gilt Copper. Plain Edge. Unc Details--Improperly Cleaned (NGC).Although both the NGC insert and Kagin (1981) refer to this piece as a uniface reverse impression, the Guide Book classifies the side with the All-Seeing Eye as the obverse, hence our listing of this piece. Additionally, Kagin notes that these pieces have a reeded edge when, in fact, the edge is plain. The devices are sharply defined on this overall bright honey-gold example. Wispy hairlines and a somewhat glossy texture explain the NGC qualifier, a few small carbon flecks on the obverse also noted for accuracy. Ostensibly, these pieces were produced circa 1898 using the original dies to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Mormon settlement in Salt Lake City. Only four specimens of K-3a are known, two of which are gilt and have had wire attached to the reverse for mounting on poster boards, as here.From the Collection of Samuel J. Berngard. From Heritages FUN Coin Auction of January 2010, lot 4368.
