| Description: |
24.5 mm. 83.1 grains. Attractive light to medium brown with good eye appeal. One of the
most popular types among all early American issues, present on more want lists than nearly
any other Guide Book entry from this era. This specimen is unusual in that it actually
shows some wear—most are AU or so, and the prices listed in various publications for
examples in the VG range are fiction, as such pieces do not exist. Issued about 1785 and
circulated thereafter in New York, coppers at this low weight (consistently under 90
grains) were almost entirely kicked out of commerce during the Copper Panic of 1789—and
a coin can only become so worn in a four-year span. This piece shows gentle wear and a few
light scratches, mostly above the USA monogram atop the obverse. A few light diagonal
pinscratches on the reverse are barely notable, though some old verdigris is seen under
magnification around design elements on both sides. The commonly cited authentication
hallmarks—including the spur at the end of bar 12—are plain to see. A very appealing
piece in hand, due to its charming quality and simple designs inspired by two buttons used
by the Continental Army. This would be a fine addition to any type collection.From the
Collection of Benjamin Woodruff.
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