1838 Am I Not A Woman. HT-81, Low-54, W-11-720a. Rarity-1. Copper. Plain Edge. 28.3 mm. MS-62 BN (PCGS). Lovely satin surfaces are warmly patinated in golden-brown on the reverse, mottled olive and gray-brown toning mingling with original rose-orange color on the obverse. Boldly struck overall, a few faint spots over the left half of the obverse are all that seem to preclude a Choice Mint State rating. This is probably the most famous American anti-slavery token or medal, with its evocative image of a female slave in chains on one knee with hands clasped together, looking upward and asking AM I NOT A WOMAN AND A SISTER. A twice-told but completely inaccurate tale is that runaway slaves used these for passes on the Underground Railroad! Circulated grades are certainly the norm for survivors, nonetheless, with Mint State pieces such as this notable condition rarities. From our (Bowers and Merenas) Connecticut Historical Society and M. Vernon Sheldon Collections sale, April 1983, lot 938. Lot tag included.
