| Description |
1785 Cent Inimica Tyrannis Americana / Confederatio, Small Circle Cent Original VF30 NGC. Breen-1124, Whitman-5635, Low R.7. 142.8 grains, 99% Copper per NGC metallurgical tests. Experts may disagree regarding the obverse legend which translates to "Americana Opposed to Tyranny," although some will say that AMERICANA may be interpreted as a Latinized version of America. Whether it is correct or not, surviving examples are extremely rare, with eight known examples and one other that disappeared more than half a century ago. Slight surface roughness is evident on both sides of this example. However, the piece is attractive overall with maroon and steel patina on its light brown surfaces. Collector and researcher John L. Howes provided the following Condition Census that shows the Eric P. Newman example in the fifth position. Interestingly, eight coins listed below with grades fall in the narrow range from Fine to AU, and six examples with known weights fall in the extremely narrow range of 138 grains to 148.6 grains, suggesting precision manufacture that may yield an additional clue as to the production location. {blockquote}1. AU. 138 grains. The discovery specimen. Acquired circa 1837 by Captain Davenport; Jeremiah Colburn; McCoy Sale (5/1864), lot 1689; George Seavey; Lorin G. Parmelee (New York Coin & Stamp Co., 6/1890), lot 498; Harlan P. Smith; Dr. Thomas Hall; Virgil Brand; Brand Estate; B.G. Johnson; later, New Netherlands (51st Sale, 6/1958), lot 198; Stack's (10/1987), lot 32; Roger S. Siboni. 2. XF. 142.7 grains. George C. Ham; Stack's (6/1973), lot 828; Stack's (5/1976), lot 126; John L. Roper, 2nd (Stack's, 12/1983), lot 215. 3. XF. 148.6 grains. Purchased by Albert Holden before 1913; Norweb Collection (Bowers and Merena, 3/1988), lot 2625. 4. VF. 148.4 grains. Crosby plate coin. Matthew A. Stickney (Henry Chapman, 6/1907), lot 374; Col. James W. Ellsworth; John Work Garrett; Johns Hopkins University (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/1980), lot 1330. 5. VF30 NGC. 142.8 grains. The present coin. Dr. Edward Maris; Harold P. Newlin; T. Harrison Garrett; John Work Garrett; Wayte Raymond; Waldo 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 @ $750.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. 6. VF. ANA Sale (Stack's, 8/1976), lot 109. 7. VF. Bushnell Collection (Chapman Brothers, 6/1882), lot 882; Farish Baldenhofer Sale (Stack's, 11/1955), lot 44. 8. VF/F. 147.4 grains. Winsor Collection (Chapman Brothers, 12/1895), lot 289; John J. Ford Collection (Stack's, 5/2004), lot 286; John Agre (Coin Rarities Online). Unknown grade. Appleton Collection; Massachusetts Historical Society; missing since 1952.{/blockquote}
Realized $44062.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
