1838 Am I Not A Woman. HT-81, Low-54, W-11-720a. Rarity-1. Copper. Plain Edge. MS-63 BN (PCGS). 28.3 mm. Flashes of original pinkish-orange mint color persist around the peripheries of this otherwise warmly patinated, medium brown example. Satin to modestly semi-reflective surfaces are smooth in hand and suggestive of an even higher numeric grade. This is probably the most famous American anti-slavery token or medal, with its evocative image of an enslaved female 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 freedom seekers 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. Robert A. Vlack envelope with attribution notation included.
