1785 Immune Columbia / Nova Constellatio. W-1982. Rarity-8. 13 Stars. Silver. Plain Edge. EF Details--Reverse Graffiti (NGC).；86.4 grains. An aesthetically appealing example of this formidable rarity from one of the more enigmatic series in the early U.S. coinage family. Attractively toned in original pearl gray, both sides reveal more vivid cobalt blue and pale gold undertones as the coin dips into a light. The strike is well centered, although the denticulation is faint to absent in all areas save for on the reverse from 9 to 11 oclock. Design detail is well balanced and universally bold to readily uphold the validity of the EF grade from NGC. The in hand appearance of this piece is quite smooth, certainly relative to the stated qualifier, although closer inspection reveals numerous wispy pinscratches and, along the lower and left reverse borders, several faint initials. All in all, however, this is pretty coin, and it certainly numbers among the more significant Immune Columbia pieces extant.<p>The Immune Columbia coinage of 1785 has managed to keep its secrets well and, to date, numismatic scholars have uncovered virtually no definitive information about the origin and intended purpose of these pieces. They are related to the more widely known Nova Constellatio coppers of 1783 to 1786 and the Vermont coinage of 1785 to 1788. Eight varieties of Immune Columbia coins are known, all of which share the same obverse die, and all of which are rare. Some numismatists believe that the obverse inscription IMMUNE COLUMBIA refers to the newly independent United States (Columbia) being immune to the problems of Europe. Six of the varieties employ either the Pointed Rays or Blunt Rays Nova Constellatio design as the reverse, including the specimen offered here. The other two varieties are mulings of irrelevant dies (George III obverse and VERMON AUCTORI obverse) that are thought to have been produced at Machins Mills in Newburgh, New York.<p>Regarding the six Nova Constellatio reverse varieties, most are struck in copper and, while the late Walter Breen speculated that they are of English origin, the current thought is that all Immune Columbia pieces were produced in America. Three precious metal varieties are known, as follows:<p>1 - Immune Columbia / Nova Constellatio, Pointed Rays, Extra Star in Reverse Legend, Gold, W-1790: unique and permanently impounded in the National Numismatic Collection in the Smithsonian Institution. This coin was once owned by Matthew Stickney, who traded it to the Mint Cabinet on May 9, 1843 for a Class I 1804 silver dollar.<p>2 - Immune Columbia / Nova Constellatio, Pointed Rays, 13 Stars, Silver, Plain Edge, W-1982: only two or three known, including the present example.<p>3 - Immune Columbia / Nova Constellatio, Pointed Rays, 13 Stars, Silver, Reeded Edge, W-1985: approximately 15 known.<p>Although facts are once again lacking, these precious metal pieces may have been produced as numismatic curiosities, and possibly later than 1785.<p>Additional uncertainty surrounds the plain edge silver variety regarding the exact number of coins extant. Only two pieces are positively confirmed to exist, although the second has not been seen for many years:<p>1- The present example, the complete provenance of which is given below.<p>2 - A holed and plugged example that, per Walter Breen, appeared in Doyle Galleries 1983 sale of the Loye Lauder Collection as lot 191, but which was withdrawn before the close of the auction. The current whereabouts of this example are unknown.<p>A possible third piece was said to be in the estate of the late Ted L. Craige, although it was not included therein when we sold Craiges material at auction in 2012 and 2013.<p>Easily among the most important pieces in our extensive offering of colonial and related coinage in the present sale, this example may be the only collectible silver Immune Columbia with a plain edge. It is certainly the finer of the two known examples, and it would serve as a highlight in the finest cabinet of early American coinage.；From the Antony Bettencourt Collection. Earlier ex our (Stacks) sale of the John L. Roper, 2nd Collection of Colonial & Early American Coins, December 1983, lot 210; Jon Hanson, December 22, 1984; Heritages sale of the Donald G. Partrick Collection, Part I, January 2015, lot 5645. Stacks lot tag and Partrick envelope with collector notes included.
