1776 $1 Continental Currency Pewter MS(PCGS#794)

The Regency Auction 48

拍卖行

Legend Rare Coin Auctions

批号

213

等级

MS63

价格

808,115

详细说明

Ex Donald G. Partrick Collection as noted on the insert. This is an amazing, CHOICE MINT STATE example of this ever popular type, one of the nicest and most original we have ever seen in our decades of experience! This is one of those coin types that has always intrigued collectors of all experience levels as they flip through their Red Books. Warm, even pewter-dove patina graces the surfaces of this semi-reflective and sharply struck Continental Dollar. Exceptionally well struck, all the details are boldly rendered. Even with the aid of a strong glass, we are unable to locate any serious marks or ticks, issues that often plague these soft metal coins. The eye appeal is truly sensational! Struck from the Newman 2-C die pair, which is also listed as W-8455, Hodder 2-A.3, Breen-1092, is a Rarity-3 die marriage, but it needs to be noted that many of these are lower grade or have flaws that would preclude grading. This coin is so high end that Mr. Partrick's envelope noted "if not, then--one of the Finest Known!!" Struck in a pewter alloy of 81% tin, 16% lead, 2% antimony, weighing 253.6 grains. This variety has the word CURRENCY spelled correctly, and does not have E.G. FECIT below the sundial. The motifs are taken from contemporary Continental Currency banknotes, issued by the Continental Congress and had designs inspired by Benjamin Franklin. The obverse design of the sun shining down on a sun dial, with the words FUGIO (I fly in Latin) and MIND YOUR BUSINESS, is a metaphor, interpreted as Time flies so take care of your priorities. The reverse has 13 interlocking chain links with the names of each of the 13 newly united states. AMERICAN CONGRESS and WE ARE ONE fill in the central device. Continental dollars as they are known come struck on three different planchet compositions, silver, brass, and pewter. The silver strikings are EXCESSIVELY RARE, with just 4-5 known in all grades. Brass examples are VERY RARE with perhaps a dozen known. Pewter specimens are represented by a few hundred or so in all grades and varieties. The traditional theory advanced for ages by Eric P. Newman was that these were struck in New York or Philadelphia to circulate alongside the Continental notes. However, modern research by David McCarthy and Erik Goldstein suggests that these were actually struck in Europe. Their theory is supported by the fact that no contemporary records exist of these coins being struck by authority of Congress, nor are there any surviving articles, letters, etc mentioning them in newspapers or correspondence of the era. Indeed the first published reference to Continental Currency coinage is from a 1783 German publication. Regardless of their actual origin, the Continental Dollar is long regarded as a classic piece of American numismatic history, and the inclusion of any example in any grade brings up the stature of any coin collection. Ex. Donald G. Partrick Collection, Heritage, January 2015, lot 5841; earlier ex.Ted L. Craige, private purchase, May 18, 1971. PCGS 7, NGC 3, CAC 4. The last PCGS/CAC example of this variety sold in June 2011 for $115,000-that was a decade ago. Do not let the pops fool you! The current PCGS Price Guide value is $140,000. PCGS has only graded 3 coins finer, all MS64, the most recent of those selling in August 2012 for $223,250. A real prize, and a collection center piece worthy of the the finest of cabinets! Do not be shy who knows when another may become available! Cert. Number 83480463 PCGS # 794