1787 1/2P Immunis Columbia Eagle Reverse, Plain Edge, BN MS(PCGS#841)

The March 2013 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

310

等级

MS62

价格

238,317

详细说明

1787 Immunis Columbia Copper. W-5680. IMMUNIS COLUMBIA, Eagle Reverse. MS-62 BN (PCGS). 103.4 grains. A superb example of this classic Confederation-era copper, choice among specimens in its grade range by virtue of strike, centering, and surface. The surfaces are rich frosty chocolate brown with lustrous golden brown around devices where mint color was last to fade. The strike is definitively sharp, showing fine details in Columbia's hair, strong breast feathers on the eagle, and fine feather tips on the eagle's wings. Comparison of other Mint State-graded specimens in recent auctions shows that there really is no comparison to most; this coin is simply one of the most sharply struck Immunis Columbia coppers around. The centering is ideal, with the full date present, a fact that Mr. Craige noted in exclamatory fashion on his envelope. A short band of denticles is even seen on the right rim on both sides. Magnified scrutiny reveals no meaningful flaws, just a fine diagonal planchet fissure that crosses Columbia's chest. This is a special example of this coinage. While PCGS has certified five examples as MS-62BN, we suspect this piece is probably sharper and nicer than most or all of them. It may outpace some of the five specimens graded higher too, particularly in the area of originality. The actual grade matters less than detail, eye appeal, and surface quality. Ryder called this Extremely Fine. Craige called it "AU-55, GEM." Craige's assessments may, on the whole, be the most accurate of them all.