(1785) AE Token "USA" Bar Copper, BN MS(PCGS#599)

The August 2013 Chicago ANA World's Fair of Money

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4004

Grade

AU58

Price

15,890

Lot Description

Lustrous AU-58 Bar Copper Undated (Circa 1785) Bar Copper. W-8520. AU-58 BN (NGC). Lustrous golden brown surfaces with wisps of pink and blue. Both sides show good centering, especially the obverse which exhibits complete dentilation; something that suggests to us that the obverse die was probably in the anvil position of the coining press when this specimen was struck. The diagnostic sharp spur at left side of 2nd reverse bar from the bottom (relative to the obverse) is clearly visible. The Bar Copper remains one of the most enigmatic varieties of the late 18th century. The Guide Book notes: "believed to have first circulated in New York during November 1785," but the identity of the manufacturer remains a mystery. PCGS# 599.