| Description: |
Superb deep gray color—dark, even, and natural—with some lighter silver color around
design elements. Glossy and attractive, no raised corrosion present as so often seen on
circulated specimens of this classic type. While scattered light marks are present, there
are far fewer than often found on worn specimens. The soft composition attracted marks
like a magnet, but on this piece we note only a minor abrasion left of the sunface and a
short cut inside the rim right of 12:00. All major design elements remain present, with
the sundial defined if a trifle weak. Superb quality for the grade, a coin that will be
nearer to the reach of most collectors who desire a specimen of this famous and historic
rarity than some of the six-figure Mint State coins which have recently sold. Circulated
Continental dollars are famously tough to find, making a chance to buy a choice VF like
this an important opportunity.A good investment for the winner of this lot: David
McCullough's new book 1776 which, though not as in-depth or moving a study as his works on
the Brooklyn Bridge, John Adams, or Harry Truman, is an excellent narrative summary of the
events of this most epochal year. From Dorchester Heights to the Battle of Trenton at
Christmas 1776, the book follows Washington's army through the major theatres of war,
including the New York/New Jersey area which served as both the major theatre of late
summer and fall 1776 as well as the probable origin of Continental dollars such as this.
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