1785 Immune Columbia Copper, Nova Constellatio, 13 Stars, AU53 PCGS. CAC. Breen-1117, W-1960, High R.6. ...

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1785 Immune Columbia Copper, AU53
W-1960, Nova Constellatio Reverse

1785 Immune Columbia Copper, Nova Constellatio, 13 Stars, AU53 PCGS. CAC. Breen-1117, W-1960, High R.6. Ex: Bushnell, Warner, Whitman, Mills, Newcomer, Green, Newman. 144.8 grains, 99% copper per metallurgical tests. The reverse belongs to the series of Nova Constellatio coppers. There seems to be some confusion about the punctuation between those words. A period or dot clearly follows NOVA, but the other element that precedes NOVA is typically called a star or an "extra star." As that element has five lobes, and the stars between the rays have six points, that design element is better described as a cinquefoil, following Walter Breen's description. The reverse die is the same as the 1783 Nova Constellatio Crosby 2-B. Often labeled as products of Birmingham, England, recent evidence points to the possibility of an American manufacture.

Just over a dozen examples of this important variety are known, according to the URS-5 rating in the Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins. This piece is a little finer than the XF Ford coin.

A few trivial rim bumps are evident on each side of this exceptionally attractive copper. The lightly marked surfaces are pleasing olive-brown with faint maroon toning splashes on the obverse. The strike is a trifle blunt on the high points of this long-pedigreed piece. The impression is well-centered with a full date and complete legends that are well in from the partially detailed border. Listed on page 53 of the 2024 Guide Book.
Ex: Charles I. Bushnell; Thomas Warner; C.T. Whitman; John G. Mills; Waldo Newcomer; B. Max Mehl; "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $350.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society; Eric P. Newman Collection, Part V (Heritage, 11/2014 as AU55 NGC with CAC), lot 3021; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2016), lot 5216; Dickson Collection / ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2021), lot 3303.
From The James E. Blake Collection of United States Colonial Coins & Tokens.

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 830, Greysheet# 120)

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