1787 Fugio 1C Newman 7-T, BN MS(PCGS#878078)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1362

Grade

VF25BN

Price

1,680

Lot Description

132.5 grains. A late die state specimen from the second pairing of these dies, a state that follows the first marriage of Newman 7-T, Newman 10-T, Newman 17-T, and Newman 9-T. Glossy dark brown and olive with contrasting tan devices. A handsome piece with good eye appeal and sharpness. A bit of verdigris and old buildup is seen on both sides, more prominent on the reverse, but there are no significant flaws or problems to mention. A couple of trivial fissures are noted in the upper left obverse.<p>While this is a very appealing example of the variety, its die state is its real attraction. The obverse is later than Newman State D but earlier than Newman State E. Retz describes this coin more precisely, calling it his state 4, "Late state second usage: LDS with lower obverse break from rim." The substantial diagonal crack right of the sunface appears in an earlier state (Newman States B-D, Retz state 3), but this coin shows a similarly impressive crack from the rim between FU of FUGIO to the sundial and a fine crack near 6 o'clock between SI of BUSINESS. On the reverse, the heavy crack at the rim near 7 o'clock has softened that area appreciably, and another slim crack bisects the ring right of 6 o'clock. The only example we have seen published later than this coin is the unique piece that shows all of MIND swallowed up by die failure, a piece Retz describes as state 5 and the Newman book illustrates as Obverse State E and Reverse State D. Aside from that lone coin, this is about as late as it gets. While collectors clearly get credit for the Newman number with just a single 7-T specimen, the real nerds will want examples from the first marriage and the second marriage of these dies. And Mr. August, much to his own delight, was most definitely one of those nerds.