New York-- Buffalo. SAGES / CANDY / COIN. on the obverse of an 1874 trade dollar. Brunk S-86, Rulau NY-Bf 20. Host coin About Uncirculated. Pleasing olive-gold surfaces with a rich array of crimson, rose, and medium blue adorning the peripheries. Choice. Counterstamps on this particular denomination are quite rare. In studying these over a period of time Q. Dave Bowers was able to locate only three, as compared to dozens of quarters and half dollars. In later years Rulau (2004) increased the number of Sages counterstamps on 1874 trade dollars to four, still a paltry total, to be sure. Brunk (2003) relates another one of Dave Bowers observations about this issuer and their counterstamps:<p><em>"David Bowers suggests these were given away by a candy company in the same way that prizes are found in boxes of Cracker Jacks. This is supported by the fact that all coins with a verified date were minted in 1874."</em> From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Earlier ex our (Stacks) sale of the Anthony Terranova Collection, September-October 2010 Philadelphia Americana Sale, lot 5208. Lot tag and collector envelope included.
