Circa 1795 Liberty and Security Penny. Musante GW-45, Baker-30, Breen-1254. Copper. Lettered edge, AN ASYLUM FOR THE OPPRESSED OF ALL NATIONS. EF Details--Holed (PCGS). 33.8 mm. 299.4 grains. Pierced for suspension. Deep steel brown surfaces with areas of green and ruddy oxidation noted on the reverse, and within a small edge chip at 6 oclock relative to the obverse. A fascinating example of this type. While these <em>come nice</em>, as seen in the previous lot, this has character that inspires the imagination. Though the suspension piercing is the first unusual element seen, this is dramatically and boldly double struck. The legends on both sides, Washingtons face and other details are fully expressed twice, with about a 3-millimeter shift between the two impressions. In most cases, a strong secondary strike will remove much of the first impression, but not so here, making this among the more visually interesting pieces we have seen. This is a very rare error on this type, and one must wonder if the piercing isnt related to its unusual character. Perhaps this was pierced to be worn by someone not too far removed from the maker as a curiosity, as no collector would likely have holed such a piece. Whatever the precise history, this certainly has a story to tell, as this was clearly worn as an adornment of some fashion for a time and it shows the expected handling and wear. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Purchased from Chris Stevens, December 2016.
