1787 Immunis Columbia Copper / Large Eagle Reverse. W-5680. Rarity-4+. Plain Edge, Narrow Planchet. EF-40 (PCGS).127.9 grains. This is a thoroughly delightful example of this enigmatic issue, displaying rich chocolate brown color with a patch of darker patina in the lower left obverse field. The obverse is only slightly aligned towards 3 oclock, pulling the tops of COLUMBIA tight to the edge. An old thin mark near the cap at 12 oclock is well integrated into the aesthetic and barely merits a mention. The reverse is ideally centered and without a notable mark, showing the usual crack from the eagles right wing to the U of UNUM. The centers are a bit soft, as is typical, though the surrounding elements remain boldly defined. An attractive piece to examine in-hand.<p>The origin and intent of the Immunis Columbia coppers had long been debated by numismatic scholars. Walter Breen had suggested that they were patterns for a proposed U.S. coinage, although the number of examples known and the evidence for extensive commercial use that most display suggest that they were intended for circulation. With minimal wear and attractive surfaces, the present specimen is a real treat. If these had been intended as a proposal for contract coinage, as suggested by Breen and others, it would seem that fewer would have been struck and higher grade examples like the present piece would be the norm. Instead, collectors rarely have the opportunity to acquire an example as lovely as that offered here.From the Cohasco Collection of Colonials formed by Sir Philip H. Snyder, circa 1963-68.
