1787 Fugio Cent. Pointed Rays. Newman 15-Y, W-6915. Rarity-2. STATES UNITED, 4 Cinquefoils, 8-Pointed Stars on Label. EF-45 (PCGS).
160.7 grains. Newman 15-Y is another of the distinctive varieties that can be attributed at arm's length, as it is the only combination in which the reverse has eight-pointed stars separating STATES UNITED. Though quite common overall, the perception is that the variety is rare because it brings a strong premium as a Guidebook listed type. If a type set of Fugio cents is your goal, you and many other collectors need one of these. Fortunately, there are many choice examples in the VF to EF range, with PCGS having graded 23 at the 40 level and 20 at the 45 level, as here. Newman 15-Y usually comes quite nice, as the planchet stock was good, with just minor planchet flaws noted on some pieces, such as the minor original planchet texture visible at the rim around 9 o'clock on the obverse. Some however do have significant planchet flaws, such as the Norweb coin we sold in or Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction. The present example is choice light chocolate brown, with a fair amount of mint gloss remaining in the fields where the luster is still present despite some circulation wear. Aligned to the left of both sides, bringing the letters BU and some of the rings into close contact with the rims. No Mint State survivors are known to exist, but then again who needs an Uncirculated when you can have a great-looking Fugio like this?
PCGS# 878505.
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From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from our (Stack's) sale of the Herbert M. Oechsner Collection, September 1988, lot 1380; Donald Scarinci Collection, November 2010.

Estimate: $2600