1792 Cent Washington, Roman Head, BN PR(PCGS#731)

August 2011 Chicago ANA - Rarities Night

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

7182

等级

PR65

价格

1,028,421

详细说明

1792 Washington Roman Head Cent. Baker-19, W-10840. Rarity-6. Proof-65 BN (PCGS). CAC. Secure Holder. Struck in Obediah Westwood's private mint in Birmingham, England from dies engraved by the young John Gregory Hancock, the 1792 Roman Head cents are part of the English Conder token series. These pieces were prepared expressly for distribution to contemporary collectors, and they depict Washington dressed in the style of a Roman official. This was a popular way of honoring the United States' first president, but usually after his death, so it is curious that the Roman Head cents were produced during Washington's lifetime. One of the rarest of all Washington coinage types, the Roman Head cent has an extant population of probably no more than 20-25 pieces, and perhaps as few as 15-20 specimens. The present example rivals the finest known, both sides silky smooth in sheen and yielding modest, yet appreciable semi reflective "flash" in the fields as the surfaces rotate under a light. A loupe is required to discern what few minuscule contact marks are present, none of which are even remotely distracting to the eye. Mostly medium-brown in tone, the obverse does reveal flickers of original faded-orange color in many areas. Fully struck, very appealing and sure to have no difficulty finding its way into the finest cabinet.<br /> <br /> <strong>Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers<br /> </strong>Over the years it has been my honor and privilege to have offered certain of these at auction. Each has been an occasion for excitement. This particular variety has captured a lot of ink, from George Fuld, Walter Breen and others. The present piece is a wonderful Gem, finer than usually seen, and destined for one of America&rsquo;s greatest cabinets -- perhaps yours? <br /> <br /> <iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tjIBdLNcL4o" frameborder="0"></iframe>