LOT #2140 |
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1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURRENCY, Pewter, EG FECIT AU53 NGC....
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Sold on May 29, 2008 for:
$35,793.75
Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder
Description
Memorable 1776 Pewter Continental Dollar
CURRENCY, EG FECIT, AU53
1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURRENCY, Pewter, EG FECIT AU53
NGC. Crosby Pl. VIII, Newman 3-D, Breen-1095, R.3. The precise
status of the so-called Continental dollar is unclear in the
economy of the early United States is not precisely known. It may
have been intended to retire circulating Continental paper
currency, and it may well have also served as a pattern for a
planned issuance of silver dollars. What is nearly certain is that
Elisha Gallaudet is the EG who engraved at least one set of
dies--hence the EG FECIT on this variety.What is beyond a doubt is that these pieces, whatever their precise nature, are incredibly popular with collectors today. As the only dollar-sized U.S. numismatic issue dated 1776, they are collected by many alongside the early U.S. federal silver dollars. Also beyond the shadow of a doubt is that Benjamin Franklin's stamp is all over these pieces, even if he did not personally sign them. The MIND YOUR BUSINESS under the sundial does not mean "Mind your own business" in the modern sense of "Stay out of others' affairs," but much more "Make hay while the sun shines."
Gallaudet was previously known for his work on the Feb. 17, 1776, Continental Currency fractional notes, also bearing sundial and links, after sketches by Franklin. The thematic similarity between the paper and pewter pieces suggests that one was clearly intended as backing or complement to the other.
This piece has lovely silver-gray surfaces with premium appeal. The E in FECIT is soft, perhaps due to die filling, and some minor planchet flaws and rim irregularities appear here and there. However, this piece has a far above-average appearance compared to many pieces seen in the marketplace. In particular, all of the entwined links on the reverse are boldly struck up, with little of the weakness usually seen on those details, and all lettering on the state abbreviations legible to bold within the links. This wonderful piece presents a memorable opportunity for the collector of historic U.S. coinage. Listed on page 81 of the 2009 Guide Book.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2AYU, PCGS# 795, GSID# 80)
Auction Info
2008 May Long Beach, CA Signature Auction #1108 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
May-Jun, 2008
28th-2nd
Wednesday-Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 27
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 3,691
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
15% of the successful bid per lot.
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