1792 Washington President pattern. GENERAL reverse. Musante GW-35, Baker-59. Copper. Plain edge. VF-30 (PCGS).29.8 mm. 176.2 grains. Deep steel brown with subtle mottling in the fields and somewhat lighter chocolate brown patina on the high points. The surfaces are slightly granular, which becomes evident upon close inspection. However, this is not really a detriment to the overall eye appeal of this evenly worn specimen. As typical for coins bearing this reverse, the center is not well struck up, a result of the generally shallow engraving of the reverse die coupled with the high relief of the portrait at the central obverse. Still, nearly the entire reverse legend can be made out, even if some characters at the center are ghostly. Struck on a tight flan, but well centered on both sides. Only the base of the date and the final S of STATES are against the edge, while all other elements are comfortably spaced. A couple of tiny nicks and a very thin old scratch are noted on the obverse, while one more pronounced dig is nestled against the top of the hair ribbon.<p>As few as a couple of dozen examples are thought to exist, and many are lower grade, often with suspension piercings. This one is rather wholesome in comparison to most and has rather good eye appeal for the grade. It was considered important enough to be plated in the 1884 Thomas Warner sale.Ex Thomas Warner, S.H. and H. Chapman, June 1884, lot 2134; Captain John W. Haseltine; William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
