1785 Vermont Copper. RR-1, Bressett 26-Z, W-2250. Rarity-5+. IMMUNE COLUMBIA. Fine Details--Obverse Scratched (NGC).104.6 grains. Warm golden-brown patina with intermingled autumn-brown on the reverse. The surfaces are premium quality for both the type and the assigned grade, the planchet with a nice, hard, smooth texture. A few planchet fissures scattered about on both sides are as made, as is a minor planchet flaw at the right obverse border. The NGC qualifier concerns several scratches over the obverse portrait, the most prominent of which bisects the head from upper left to lower right. Reverse impression off center with the lower right periphery off the flan, obverse better centered, most major design elements discernible to bold; the central reverse is typically soft. This is a popular, intriguing and rare muling attributed to Machins Mills. As Q. David Bowers (2009) asserts: "Despite their peculiar nature, this and other Machins Mills mulings are official, as that mint was an authorized producer of Vermont issues." Per <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em>, only 30 to 40 examples of RR-1 are believed extant in all grades, most of which are in lower grades than this with extensive environmental and/or other damage. An impressive provenance further enhances the appeal of this coin for advanced collectors.From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Earlier ex B. Max Mehl, January 1937; our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Norweb Collection, Part II, March 1988, lot 2624; Ken Goldman, August 1988; Donald Groves Partrick; Heritages sale of the Partrick Collection, January 2012 FUN Signature Auction, lot 5736.
