1786 1/2P Immunis Columbia, Eagle Reverse, BN MS(PCGS#858)

Spring 2023 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

1070

等级

XF45BN

价格

614,422

详细说明

The Maris-Ford 1786 Immunis Columbia Copper Large Eagle Reverse Three Known 1786 Immunis Columbia Copper. W-5675, Breen-1135. Rarity-8-. Large Eagle Reverse. EF-45 (PCGS). 137.4 grains. 180 degree die rotation. An exceptionally attractive Confederation-era copper, a superb example of a charismatic rarity. Glossy tan surfaces are smooth and appealing, nicely showcasing the well defined devices. While the obverse looks fairly worn, the device is rather softly defined owing to the high relief engraving of the die. The reverse, with its fine feather detail on the wing, is more indicative of the coin's real grade. The obverse is nearly ideally centered, with some of the die edge visible outside of the fully formed triangular denticles at right. The reverse is notably aligned to 3 o'clock, with no denticles at right and a fairly substantial unstruck area outside of the triangular denticles at left. A low spot, as struck, remains visible at the waist of the seated figure. Some darker toning is present, particularly visible in two bands across the eagle's head, residual from the planchet mix. No significant marks are seen, and the visual impression is simply magnificent. This is a lovely and well preserved coin of great importance. It is quite similar overall to the Roper-Partrick coin (NGC AU-58) which, though a bit sharper, is nearly identically centered and shows a remarkably similar planchet mix and patina. The third example, the Taylor-Partrick coin graded NGC AU-50, has a very different look and different centering as well. The obverse shows some swelling through the lower right obverse periphery, particularly at BIA. An apparent clash mark that arcs through UNU of UNUM is fascinating, as it's not an impression of this obverse die. It could be a die injury like the one that befell Maris obverse 77 in the New Jersey copper series. It does not appear to manifest on either of the other two known specimens. While the obverse die is different from the one employed in the Maris 3-C copper, this important rarity remains at least New Jersey adjacent. Its obverse device and date link it to the Maris 3 obverse, even if the precise piece of steel that made this wasn't the same as made that. Given its proximity to the New Jersey copper series, it isn't surprising that Dr. Edward Maris announced this variety's discovery after acquiring this precise specimen. As noted in the Ford II catalog: "Maris wrote that he had found the coin in a group of 16 coppers said to have been owned by a Vermont resident whose father had owned them for many years before that. Maris said that among the other coins in the group were three Vermont coppers all of the same variety, a 1787 Immunis Columbia, and a 1786 Immunis Columbia with New Jersey reverse (Maris 3-C)." His announcements of the discovery (July and September 1885 issues of Numismaand the October 1885 American Journal of Numismatics) were followed by a vociferous defense of this coin, a chorus joined by Crosby, Parmelee, Proskey, Frossard, and others. With its exemplary eye appeal, familiar yet distinctive types, and extraordinary rarity, this coin possesses all the aspects demanded of an early American trophy coin. Its provenance and stature as a celebrated discovery coin only improves its case for a focal spot in an advanced cabinet. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier discovered by Dr. Edward Maris in 1885; H.P. Smith's sale of the Dr. Edward Maris Collection, June 1886, lot 501; Dr. Thomas Hall Collection; Elmer S. Sears to Hillyer Ryder, February 1915; F.C.C. Boyd Collection; Boyd Estate to John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack's) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part II, May 2004, lot 289; John Agre and Dave Wnuck (Coin Rarities Online), November 2012. To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click here. PCGS# 858. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA. Click here to see Coins in Motion.[“Coins]