New York--New York. 1837 Feuchtwanger Cent. HT-268, Low-120, W-NY-480 Dies 6-I. Rarity-1. German Silver. Reeded Edge. MS-66 (NGC). 18.5 mm. A lovely premium Gem, both sides exhibit iridescent champagne-gold and powder blue toning to smooth, satiny surfaces. The strike is ideally centered and sharp apart a touch of softness in the centers on both sides. The "type variety" among Feuchtwanger cent die combinations, 6-I is a strong candidate to represent this HT number in a more generalized collection.Born in Germany in 1807, Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger operated a business at various locations in New York City from 1831 to 1840, published a book on gems in 1872, and died in 1876. While located at 2 Cortlandt Street (1837 to 1838), Feuchtwanger issued private patterns in one and three-cent denominations as part of a bid to get the United States Congress to adopt his "Feuchtwangers Composition" (actually German silver) as a replacement for the copper large cent.Although Feuchtwangers proposal was supported by Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, it was rejected by Mint Director Robert Maskell Patterson in 1838. The surviving patterns are eagerly sought by numismatists, although few approach the quality and eye appeal offered here. This outstanding example is sure to sell for a strong premium.
