Just Added a new Feuchtwanger cent to the collection, Interesting 4-E

ambro51

During my morning cruise of ebay, a new listing popped up for a feuchtwanger cent, and the image of it was the unusual 4 obverse. This is listed as an R3, but with only two heritage sales, and an NGC population of 12 pieces...it is not seen very often at all. It uses the E reverse, which is marked by more deterioration than when it was coupled with obverse 3.

What I liked about this piece (aside from a very reasonable BIN price) was the fact it is in a nice circulated grade, with the right color and no planchet issues. Also, it is well centered with strong dentils.

Sellers pics, will repost better images once it arrives here.

llafoe

Very attractive coin. Looks like someone is getting obsessed with feuchtwanger coins. I've never paid attention to them, but having read all your posts regarding them, I wanted to learn a little bit more about them so I went to your link. Well...

ambro51

They are amazing pieces and Im learning/collecting them as much as I can.

Research resources are difficult to find, and Ive been working compiling a data bank of everything I can locate. The website will come eventually, hopefully with enough solid material and sale data to make understanding the one cent and three cent pieces a little easier.

Dr. Feuchtwanger left NO records of his production. Period sources reveal little snippets of information, early auction records show a fascination with these pieces even as far back as the mid 19th century. So we must make these coins speak for themselves, and then try to develop an understanding of them through that.

llafoe

With the AU58s selling for $450 on eBay, that MS63 looks like a bargain at $650?

ambro51

Ebay can be an expensive marketplace for these. Check what some of the pieces went for in the Philadelphia Stacks sale in November. THATS the venue for these at reasonable prices.....

Deagle74

I missed your post Ambro. WOW realy nice find - that 4 obverse is unique and so recognisable by the snakes split tongue.
Regards, Rok

greghansen

A very nice looking speciman. Congratulations. I've wanted one of the 'forked tongue' Feuchtwanger's for awhile and looks like you''ve found a very nice one!

baddogss

Very nice example, congratulations on your latest Feuchtwanger.

ambro51

Yes when you really study these, the different types of eagles just jump out at you. The obverse 1 and obverse 2 eagles are positively ugly. I think the engraver, whoever he was...was 'learning the ropes'. Obverse 3 is excellent, Obverse 4 gets a little strange, and 5 and 6 are perhaps the best appearing versions.

Personally, I DO like the obverse 4, perhaps because of its more primitive look. Heres a better picture, my image. Theres a lot of old surface crud on this piece.

baddogss

Another Obv. 4 diagnostic is the loop in the snakes tail - to the left of the date. Thank you for sharing.