1788 Vermont Copper. RR-30, Bressett 23-S, W-2225. Rarity-6-. Bust Right, Backward C in AUCTORI. AU-50 (PCGS). 140.9 grains. When sold in 1907 as part of the Stickney Collection, this variety and coin was regarded as "likely unique." Though its status as a unique coin faded long ago, with approximately 30 pieces thought to exist today, this coin remains unique as the likely finest known of this coveted <em>Guide Book</em> type featuring a backwards C in AUCTORI. Its overall very crudely rendered obverse (reminiscent of Bressetts obverse 26 mated with the 1785 Immune Columbia die), its immediately identifiable spelling mishap, and its enduring rarity have placed it among the most coveted varieties in the Vermont series, one that hits the open market only when great collections like Syds are sold. When last offered in our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of Vermont specialist Robert I. Hinkleys collection, this coin was described as:<p><em>An outstanding example of one of the most popular and highly prized rarities in the Vermont copper series. Medium tan with mainly glossy surfaces. A natural flan flaw, wholly as struck, runs vertically across the obverse effigy. A few other minor flaws are noted on the reverse, most noticeable of these being at the rim above L in LIB, with another small mark following that word, and a third mark to the viewers left of the shield. All of these marks are natural, as struck and only serve to add to the inherent charm of the piece. </em><p><em>Traditionally considered the finest known example of the variety, almost certainly the sharpest although the Roper coin (now in an advanced New York collection) displays a full backward C on the obverse. The present piece is slightly off center, with the obverse rim through the centers of the A and U of AUCTORI with just the bottom of the backward C and the following T on the flan, with the edge through the centers of ORI. Strong (for the variety) hair, wreath, and bow details on the obverse, as well as essentially complete "rope-like" mail at the effigys breast and shoulder. The reverse is also fairly sharp, with definite outlines to Libertys torso, with much delineation in her hair and nearly full facial details as well. The date is weak and virtually nonexistent, although that is typical for the issue…</em><p><em>This specimen offers outstanding quality, undeniable rarity, and an impeccable pedigree that includes the collections of Q. David Bowers, Robert Vlack, C.H. Stearns, and Matthew A. Stickney.</em><p>Plated in the 1907 Stickney catalog and with a pedigree stretching back well over a century, this illustrious coin has always achieved record prices, including the $63,250 Hinkley sale realization. With the current heightened interest in Vermont coppers, we surmise that this coin will yet again set a record for a Vermont copper and could conceivably cross the $100,000 threshold, which would not be terribly surprising given its union of rarity, pedigree, quality and all-around desirability. <p> PCGS# 689362. <strong>To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click<a href="https://stacksbowers.com/sydney-f-martin-collection/"target=’_blank’> here.</a></strong> From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from Henry Chapmans sale of the Matthew Adams Stickney Collection, June 1907, lot 154; possibly C.H. Stearns Collection, though not offered in the 1966 Mayflower sale of his collection; Robert Vlack in 1969 for $3,000; Bowers and Ruddy Galleries Rare Coin Review 7, July 1970; our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Dr. Robert I. Hinkley Collection, November-December, 2001, lot 2412; Jack Wadlington; Anthony Terranova; Stacks Rare Coins, January 2008.
