1785 Nova Constellatio Copper. Crosby 3-B, W-1895. Rarity-2. CONSTELLATIO, Pointed Rays. MS-63 BN (PCGS).
116.4 grains. An exceptional piece, with fully frosty surfaces toned medium brown and olive in thoroughly attractive fashion. A hint of mint color remains around some letters of CONSTELLATIO. Choice and problem free on both sides. The die state is advanced, with all the usual die rust around the all-seeing eye in addition to two cracks through N of NOVA, the longer of which extends more than halfway to O of CONSTELLATIO. This is a variety that is found in high grade with some frequency, but examples this nice are few and far between. We've never sold an example from these dies certified at a higher grade than MS-63, and we prefer the look of this one to most at that grade level.
PCGS# 45404.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from our (Stack's) sale of March 2000, lot 1000; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.

Estimate: $5000