Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature US Coin Sale 1258 2-6 Aug 2017
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Colonials
1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURRENCY, Pewter, Newman 2-C, Hodder 2-A3, W-8455, R.4, AU58 PCGS. CAC. Presumably struck as an alternative to paper currency, Continental dollars always evoke an element of mystery alongside an aura of irresistibility for collectors. Current research indicates they were struck under the authority of the Continental Congress at the New York Mint in 1776 -- prior to the fall of New York to the British in September of that year.
Other aspects about the coins are less clear. It is uncertain whether the brass and silver strikings were patterns, die trials, or if they circulated alongside the pewter issues. While their rarity (and logic) suggests they were patterns or trials, the sequence of their strike and the fact that several circulated pieces survive give pause. Generally, the pewter issues were struck in larger quantities and clearly they were intended for circulation. Many of the pewter pieces may have been melted as a result of shortages of the metal during the Revolutionary War.
The current Newman 2-C variety struck in pewter is among the more available types for collectors. The obverse shows CURRENCY spelled correctly, without EG FECIT -- which appears on the Newman 3-D variety -- the signature of Elisha Gallaudet, who designed and engraved New York colonial paper currency of the day as well as the Continental dollar coins.
The present piece is nearly Mint State and exceeds many technically Uncirculated pieces in both surface quality and eye appeal. The pewter composition is susceptible to corrosion, planchet problems, and metal degradation, yet this example is virtually free of any such distractions. A lustrous silver sheen surrounds the devices on both sides, with pleasing warm-gray toning on the raised elements. The coin is free of any significant marks or spots. The reverse is rotated 45⁰ (medal turn) and both sides are sharply struck and nicely centered. A more attractive pewter example for the grade is hard to imagine. Listed on page 87 of the 2018 Guide Book. Population: 14 in 58 (1 in 58+), 16 finer. CAC: 5 in 58, 12 finer (6/17).
From The Don Willis Collection of US Colonial Coinage
HID02901242017
1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURRENCY, Pewter, Newman 2-C, Hodder 2-A3, W-8455, R.4, AU58 PCGS. CAC. Presumably struck as an alternative to paper currency, Continental dollars always evoke an element of mystery alongside an aura of irresistibility for collectors. Current research indicates they were struck under the authority of the Continental Congress at the New York Mint in 1776 -- prior to the fall of New York to the British in September of that year.
Other aspects about the coins are less clear. It is uncertain whether the brass and silver strikings were patterns, die trials, or if they circulated alongside the pewter issues. While their rarity (and logic) suggests they were patterns or trials, the sequence of their strike and the fact that several circulated pieces survive give pause. Generally, the pewter issues were struck in larger quantities and clearly they were intended for circulation. Many of the pewter pieces may have been melted as a result of shortages of the metal during the Revolutionary War.
The current Newman 2-C variety struck in pewter is among the more available types for collectors. The obverse shows CURRENCY spelled correctly, without EG FECIT -- which appears on the Newman 3-D variety -- the signature of Elisha Gallaudet, who designed and engraved New York colonial paper currency of the day as well as the Continental dollar coins.
The present piece is nearly Mint State and exceeds many technically Uncirculated pieces in both surface quality and eye appeal. The pewter composition is susceptible to corrosion, planchet problems, and metal degradation, yet this example is virtually free of any such distractions. A lustrous silver sheen surrounds the devices on both sides, with pleasing warm-gray toning on the raised elements. The coin is free of any significant marks or spots. The reverse is rotated 45⁰ (medal turn) and both sides are sharply struck and nicely centered. A more attractive pewter example for the grade is hard to imagine. Listed on page 87 of the 2018 Guide Book. Population: 14 in 58 (1 in 58+), 16 finer. CAC: 5 in 58, 12 finer (6/17).
From The Don Willis Collection of US Colonial Coinage
HID02901242017