1787 Fugio Copper. Pointed Rays. Newman 10-T, W-6705. Rarity-5. STATES UNITED, 1/Horizontal 1. AU-55 (PCGS).

A first-rate example of the variety with exceptional definition and eye appeal. Sharp, barely worn detail, the obverse receiving a particularly bold strike save for a little weakness on the right border where the planchet tapered thin. Fortunately the date wasn't affected and the 1/1 feature is perfectly clear. Attractive olive-brown fields contrasting golden-brown devices. The surfaces are sound, showing no flaws or damage. Tied for finest graded of the variety at PCGS with one other coin, the Newman specimen which realized $25,850 in 2014. While the Newman coin certainly has choice color and surfaces, it is noticeably not as sharp nor as well centered as the present coin. While this coin was previously certified as EF-45 by PCGS, it has since been resubmitted and received an AU-55 grade which is more befitting of the coin. It is sharper than both of the other AU graded examples at PCGS (AU-50 and AU-55) and has no grade-limiting impairments. This piece is fully deserving of the assigned grade. An exciting and significant offering for all sorts of Fugio collectors, from those pursuing die varieties to major Guide Book varieties to Registry Sets, and sure to garner intense bidding competition.

PCGS# 878086.

From the Pierre Fricke Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers & Merena) The Collections of Craig N. Smith and George William Youngman Sale, March 2003, lot 258; Sun Rays Collection; Inde Et Lib Fixed Price List #1, August 2018, lot 32; our November 2019 Baltimore Auction, lot 4140.