1787 Fugio Copper. Pointed Rays. Newman 1-L, W-6605. Rarity-5. Obverse Cross After Date, No Cinquefoils, STATES UNITED. EF-45 (PCGS).An impressive condition rarity for this distinct and scarce variety in the Fugio copper series. Both sides exhibit deep charcoal-copper patina with considerable gloss to satiny surfaces. The strike is generally well centered with all devices present, most retaining sharp detail even to their more minor elements. There is, however, scant denticulation on the obverse, that on the reverse also incomplete in areas. Minor planchet roughness is evident along the right obverse border, and there are a few minor scuffs within the lower left reverse ring, but otherwise we see no blemishes of note. Obverse Die State C, per Newman, with bold double clash marks evident in the field. Of the four die marriages that employ the Cross After Date obverse, Newman 1-L is the only one that corresponds to the STATES UNITED emGuide Book/em variety. Examples are elusive in all grades, and most are well worn, if not also impaired. Per Q. David Bowers in his 2019 Whitman colonial and early American coin encyclopedia, the finest Newman 1-L is the Ford specimen in About Uncirculated. As a PCGS-certified Choice EF the coin offered here undoubtedly qualifies as Condition Census and would make an impressive addition to an advanced cabinet.
