1791 Washington Large Eagle Cent. Musante GW-15, Baker-15, W-10616. Copper. Lettered Edge. MS-64 BN (PCGS).29.5 mm. 191.5 grains. Attractive rose, blue, gold and green iridescence over most of the prooflike surface, while outlines of rich lingering mint red remain in the most protected recesses. A few faint hairlines and a tiny inconsequential scratch off the eagles beak are noted for accuracy, but these have little impact on the attractive aesthetic. An early coinage proposal that is popular today, but very much "got it wrong" in 1791, when its makers made the assumption that Washington would follow the European model of governance, desire his face on coinage, and stay in office until his own end.From the Richard August Collection. Earlier ex Jim Skalbe.
