1787 Fugio Cent. Pointed Rays. Newman 19-SS, W-6980. Rarity-5. STATES UNITED, 4 Cinquefoils. AU-58 (PCGS).
164.8 grains. A notable survivor of this scarce die variety, and quite possibly the finest known, as the top spot on the Retz census is filled by the AU-50 Terranova specimen. This fresh to the market AU-58 coin would not have been known to Retz, having been acquired by Syd years after Retz' death. Lustrous and evenly brown across both sides, with vestigial mint color around FUGIO, 1787 and MIND YOUR BUSINESS on the obverse, and pristine mint gloss on the reverse. Darker toning is noted in rings nine through eleven, and ring number three hosts a minuscule planchet lamination. The visual appeal of this coin is impressive; its essentially unworn surfaces are quite simply very pretty. The lovely Craige-Fricke coin graded PCGS AU-50 sold for $8,400 in our November 2021 sale, and this example should bring quite a bit more. Were this a common variety, it would be fawned upon by type collectors, and as a condition rarity, it will be pursued by those wanting the very finest in their collections of these first Federal coins. A highlight of highlights in Syd's impressive front-line collection of Fugio cents.
PCGS# 878113.
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From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex John Kraljevich, November 2011.

Estimate: $16500