Auction Name: 2026 January 14 - 17 FUN US Coins Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 3385

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/1390*3385

1849 $5 Mormon Five Dollar VF35 PCGS. K-2, R.4. The Mormons were among the earliest seekers of gold in California, primarily soldiers returning as part of the Mormon Battalion that served as part of the U.S. Army during the Mexican American War. Prior to the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill, Donald Kagin reports that there were more than five times as many Mormons living in California as there were in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Many successful prospectors brought their gold to Salt Lake City. As early as late 1848 Brigham Young wrote, "... we are preparing to put the gold dust into coin without alloy, which if you propose to take, you can have out the value." The first 1849 Mormon fives were struck late in 1849 and soon became the most encountered Mormon gold coin. This Choice VF example is free of the often-seen impairments encountered for the 1849 issue. Smoothly worn green-gold surfaces show minimal abrasions and retain bold rims surrounding well-defined devices. Listed on page 402 of the 2026 Guide Book.

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