1792 Washington President Pattern. Legend Reverse. Musante GW-35, Baker-59, W-10690. Copper. Plain Edge. AU-50 (PCGS).29.8 mm. 177.6 grains. Almost completely uniform rich chocolate brown surfaces with just a nuance of faded tan lingering in the central reverse and a faint outline of slightly darker patina around Washingtons head. Glossy throughout with a few tiny marks and some trivial hairlines that can be found upon close scrutiny, but are invisible otherwise and have no impact on the overall aesthetic. A tiny rim bump left of the P of PRESIDENT is noted, while small marks in the left field readily identify this as the plate coin in the Rulau-Fuld revision of Baker.<p>An important American issue by Newburyport engraver Jacob Perkins, and one that clearly circulated in America. However, it seems that the output was very small as this is a very rare type. Known with both lettered and plain edges, fewer than 30 specimens have been found. We are aware of seven examples with lettered edges and a fairly quick survey of auction appearances has revealed just 17 plain edge examples like this (including one that has been at the ANS since 1954). All are circulated, with several well worn, tooled, holed or otherwise problematic. Among the 17 of this type found, this is easily the second or third finest known. The only obviously superior one we are aware of is the former Boyd-Ford specimen (and Breen <em>Encyclopedia</em> plate coin), which is now graded AU-53 by PCGS. The only other contender is the Eric Newman coin, which looks almost exactly like this in terms of sharpness, but it has several minor rim impairments.<p>This is the Garrett Collection specimen and though we do not have purchase notes available, it was likely acquired in that sale and has thus remained off the market since 1981.From the Richard August Collection. Earlier ex Col. James W. Ellsworth, 1923; John Work Garrett, to The Johns Hopkins University, by gift, 1942; our (Bowers and Ruddys) sale of the Garrett Collection for The John Hopkins University, Part IV, April 1981, lot 1732.
