1785 Immune Columbia / Nova Constellatio. W-1960, Breen-1117. Rarity-6+. Copper. Pointed Rays, Extra Star in Reverse Legend. EF Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS).
146.4 grains. 28.1 mm. 0 degree die rotation. A sharp example of this famous and popular rarity. The surfaces show some evidence of ground exposure, with trivial granularity throughout and more significant surface pitting at the upper right obverse and some areas of the reverse periphery. The roughness does not affect the superb detail, including a very well struck eye at the central reverse. A thin scratch is seen against the edge above NO of NOVA, and there are some rim bruises in the same area. A scrape on the outstretched arm of the seated Columbia blends into the surfaces. The centering is good, and very little wear is seen. This variety marries the 1785 Immune Columbia obverse with Crosby's Nova Constellatio obverse 2 of 1783, which happens to have a cinquefoil in the legend (called an "Extra Star" in the Guide Book and forever after). It offers yet another link to the Nova Constellatio series; the silver Immune Columbias (and some coppers) are married to Crosby's Nova Constellatio Obverse 3 of 1785 (in a much earlier state than most of the coppers), and the lot that follows is a copper Immune Columbia with Crosby's Nova Constellatio Obverse 1 of 1785. Most censuses of the copper Immune Columbias suggest about a dozen known, which sounds about right to us. None are Gem, and many are quite well worn. An example like this offers excellent sharpness for a collector seeking to add this type to an advancing cabinet.
PCGS# 830.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Dan Friedus, August 2011.

Estimate: $15000