1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURENCY, Pewter MS64 PCGS. Breen-1089, Crosby Pl. VIII, 15, Newman 1-C. An intermediate die sta...
Near-Gem Prooflike Mint State 1776 Continental Dollar1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURENCY, Pewter MS64 PCGS. Breen-1089, Crosby Pl. VIII, 15, Newman 1-C. An intermediate die state of the Newman 1-C marriage with a internal cud over GI of FUGIO, but with the die cracks to the left and right of the cud in their preliminary stages. Compare, for example, the Norweb Collection coin, lot 2454 in the March 1988 sale of that collection, with the die cracks well advanced, including a second small internal cud between the second NT of CONTINENTAL. Like most known examples of this coinage issue, this specimen is made of pewter, called Ley Metal at the time they were struck. These have also been called tin, but it seems that pewter composition is the correct description. In the October 2003 sale of the John J. Ford Collection, cataloger Michael Hodder reported on x-ray testing of certain examples, finding that a pewter example was composed of 83.7% tin, 13.3% lead, 1.6% copper, and 1.4% silver or trace elements. This clearly indicates a composition that is known as pewter. Even though the majority of the composition is tin, these pieces should not be called tin.
It is a pleasure to again handle this coin, which began our sale of the Morris Silverman Collection in April 2002. At the time, we noted: "This is an extremely desirable representative of a tin Continental Dollar with CURENCY on the obverse--a misspelling caused by spacing problems when the die was engraved. Both sides are lustrous with a uniformly, if moderately bright sheen that is evident at most angles. The surfaces are tinged in soft slate-gray shades, and every feature is boldly, if not sharply struck. The impression is well centered and all border beads are discernible. A late die state, [sic] the obverse exhibits a meandering crack over the left side that is most extensive at the tops of the letters GI in FUGIO. A few trivial abrasions in the center of the obverse are all that keep this exquisite example from a full Gem grade. A tiny, well concealed toning spot at 2 o'clock on the reverse rim is noted for accuracy. Truly an impressive coin, and an important piece of numismatic history that will surely elicit strong bids at auction." Listed on page 81 of the 2006 Guide Book.
Ex: Morris Silverman Collection (Heritage, 4/2002), lot 4001.
From The Jack Lee Collection, III(#791) (PCGS# 791)
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