1787 Fugio Copper. Pointed Rays. Newman 8-B, W-6740. Rarity-3. UNITED STATES, 4 Cinquefoils. MS-65+ BN (PCGS).156.3 grains. This splendid Gem would do justice to the finest type set or specialized Fugio copper collection. Predominantly toned in handsome medium copper patina, as befits the BN designation from PCGS, we do note remnants of faded pinkish-rose color outlining many of the design elements. Well centered on the planchet, if not quite fully denticulated around both sides, the strike is bold to sharp as far as most features are concerned. We note only minor softness to the lower right obverse and upper right reverse, where faint traces of original planchet texture are evident. A few speckles of light carbon along the right reverse border are also noted, but otherwise there are no mentionable flaws or marks to overall pristine surfaces. Satiny in texture and tight, this is a lovely coin in all regards that is worthy of the strongest bids.pBy Fugio copper standards Newman 8-B is an available die marriage in Mint State. Most such pieces trace their pedigree to the Bank of New York Hoard, in which some 246 examples of Newman 8-B resided as late as 1948. A common provenance is where the similarity between this PCGS-certified Gem and most other Mint State examples of the die pair comes to an abrupt end. As one of the three highest graded examples of the UNITED STATES, 4 Cinquefoils emGuide Book/em variety listed on the emPCGS Population Report/em, this Condition Census Gem belongs in the finest cabinet. pThe Newman 8-B die marriage is known in three different states. The present example is a middle die state with a straight die crack (as struck) from the obverse rim to the top of the first 7 in the date and a reverse die crack (also as made) from the reverse rim into ring 10. This piece also exhibits fairly bold clash marks (again, as struck) on the reverse at both the upper and lower borders.pFrom the Greenway Collection. Stacks paper envelope included.
