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1785 Confederatio Copper, Washington, Large Stars, VF20 NGC. Baker-9, Breen 4-D, Breen-1125, W-5645, GW-03, R.7. ...

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Sold on Jan 14, 2026 for:
$24,400.00 Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
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Description

Very Rare 1785 General Washington
Large Stars Confederatio Copper
W-5645, Ex: Garrett, VF20

1785 Confederatio Copper, Washington, Large Stars, VF20 NGC. Baker-9, Breen 4-D, Breen-1125, W-5645, GW-03, R.7. Ex: Garrett. 87.0 grains. One of only six known examples of this classic Confederation-era rarity, with one of the finest provenances available to an early American coin. The level of detail present is higher than what might be expected for the numerical grade, with all design elements clear and many fine details distinct. The strike is uneven, most obviously in the legends. On the obverse, GEN. W is bold, while ASHING becomes faint before TON increases in clarity. Likewise, the 1785 date at the bottom of the reverse is strongly impressed, while the top EDER is soft. The coin's surfaces are granular, and a straight mark, toned over long ago, extends from the rim at 2 o'clock to Washington's right eye. The coloration remains an attractive coffee brown.

The GEN. WASHINGTON. obverse (Breen obverse 4) is encountered married to three reverse dies: the 1785 large stars Confederatio (Breen 4-D, as here); the E PLURIBUS UNUM shield reverse (Breen 4-F, considered Maris 4-C in the New Jersey series); and the 1786 heraldic eagle (Breen 4-G). All of these combinations are very rare. W-5645 is the most common, though with only six known examples. All three of the reverse dies are in turn found paired to other obverses in the complex series of Confederatio and related coppers. While most writers have considered these pieces to be pattern issues, based jointly on the proliferation of design types and the rarity of existing examples, Q. David Bowers has suggested that the circulated condition in which most pieces are found should be considered as evidence that they were intended all along for circulation. While their intended purpose is unconfirmed, these coins have fascinated generations of collectors. Listed on page 26 of the 2026 Guide Book.

Roster of 1785 General Washington Confederatio Coppers
1. AU53 PCGS. Bill Anton Collection. The Breen Encyclopedia plate coin.
2. AU50 PCGS Secure. John L. Roper, 2nd Collection (Stack's, 12/1983), lot 216; Gil Steinberg; Fairfax Collection (Stack's, 5/1993), lot 48; Jon Hanson (5/5/1993); Donald G. Partrick Collection (Heritage, 1/2015), lot 5641.
3. Choice Very Fine. Lyman Low (201st sale, 5/1920), lot 20; Hillyer Ryder; Wayte Raymond; F.C.C. Boyd; John J. Ford, Jr. (Stack's, 5/2004), lot 287.
4. VF30 NGC. Charlestown Bridge (Massachusetts) Toll Collector; Hon. Richard Frothingham; Thomas G. Frothingham; Lorin G. Parmelee (New York Coin & Stamp Co., 6/1890), lot 609; Chapman Brothers; James Ten Eyck (B. Max Mehl, 5/1922), lot 837; Waldo C. 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 @ $1,000; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society (Heritage, 11/2014), lot 3024; Sydney F. Martin Collection, Part III (Stack's Bowers, 3/2023), lot 1068.
5. VF20 NGC. Wayte Raymond (4/11/1924); Garrett Family Collection (Bowers & Ruddy, 10/1980), lot 1331; Donald G. Partrick Collection / Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2021), lot 3022. The present piece.
6. VG/AG. Prann Collection; Hollinbeck Stamp & Coin Company (10/1/1953); Norweb Collection (Bowers & Merena, 3/1988), lot 2628.

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 849, Greysheet# 117)

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Auction Info

2026 January 14 - 17 FUN US Coins Signature® Auction #1390 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2026
14th-17th Wednesday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 28
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 302

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Sold on Jan 14, 2026 for: $24,400.00
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