1773 Virginia “penny.” Newman 1-A, W-1390. Proof-66 BN (PCGS).135.0 grains. Medal turn. A superlative example of this exciting coinage. Deep glossy chocolate brown surfaces are overlaid with lovely navy blue toning, present on both sides but especially prominent on the reverse. The centering is precise and the detail is magnificent, brought into full detail by multiple strikes. Some doubling is notable at GE of GEORGIVS, and a high wire rim surrounds much of both sides. Fully original and nicely reflective, this piece shows no sign of modern curation, just ideal old surfaces with a natural appearance. <p>Struck on highly prepared planchets from a unique set of dies, the Virginia “penny” coins were never intended for commerce. While a few are known with evidence of circulation, most are fairly nice, well-preserved in the upper class 18th century English collections for which they were intended. As the most impressive form of the only truly “colonial” coin in the United States, the Virginia penny is a classic rarity, avidly sought in every state of preservation. This one is among the finest seen and is tied for finest certified by PCGS.PCGS Population: 3, none finer.From the Archangel Collection. Earlier, from Stack’s sale of the Laird U. Park Collection, May 1976, lot 142.
