1789 (ca. 1792) Washington Born Virginia Copper. Legend Reverse. Musante GW-33, Baker-60, W-10730. Second Reverse. Copper. EF Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS).Uncommonly sharp detail that includes clear definition to all letters and digits in the center of the reverse is sure to result in keen interest for this piece among astute Washingtoniana enthusiasts. We note only partial denticulation around the borders, but all peripheral features are fully on the planchet and equally as bold as those in the centers. Handsome medium copper and pale rose-brown patina, the surfaces with scattered handling marks and, at the left obverse border, areas of light corrosion to explain the PCGS qualifier. The enigmatic Washington President and Washington Born Virginia coppers are closely related in obverse portrait style to the Large and Small Eagle cents of 1791. As such, the dies for these types may also have been engraved by John Gregory Hancock. These coppers were likely struck by Obediah Westwood of Birmingham, England. Seemingly produced in limited numbers, all types and varieties in this series are scarce to rare in numismatic circles, confirming the significance of this offering for the advanced Washingtoniana specialist.
