“1783” (circa 1820) Washington Draped Bust Copper. Large Military Bust Die Trial. Musante GW-109, Baker-4, Breen-1203, Vlack-9 (obverse only). Copper. VG-8 (PCGS).

37.6 mm. 412.8 grains. A uniface impression on a 1797 Great Britain penny that is likely a die trial for the Washington obverse. However, it seems to have either circulated or been well handled as a curiosity as the details are quite worn. Traces of the undertype are visible on both sides, largely at the rims, but this includes the full 1797 date. The Military Bust die designs are soft from wear, but major details are clear. A bit of damage is noted at Washington's shoulder. While the general weakness and overall condition of this makes a definite attribution to a Vlack die challenging, there is a very clear break attaching the base of the 1 in the date to a dentil below. That is found on the Vlack obverse 9, so this is likely the correct attribution though little else can be discerned.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Purchased from Gregory Field, October 2014.