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

The March 2012 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1062

Grade

XF45

Price

6,325

Lot Description

1787 Immune Columbia. Breen-1137, W-5680. IMMUNIS COLUMBIA, Eagle Reverse. Narrow Planchet. EF-45 (PCGS). 155.2 grains. An extremely appealing example of this classic type, showing ideal centering that keeps the entire date on the tight planchet. The surfaces are choice, glossy, and dark chocolate brown, with just the most minor pre-striking granularity at central obverse. A thin old scratch is noted below L of COLUMBIA, and a small rim bruise is barely notable below the right talon on the reverse. The color and balance is exceptional for the issue, which is often found with poor surface quality or significant problems. Though the exact story behind their production is shrouded in some mystery – they were a for-profit enterprise of Col. Mathias Ogden, owner of the Elizabethtown Mint – they were clearly popular in circulation around the time of the ratification of the Constitution. Most are well worn, but this lightly worn piece has probably been sitting on commerce's sidelines since the 1790s.