1776 (1783) Continental Dollar. Newman 2-C, W-8455. Rarity-3. CURRENCY. Pewter. MS-64 (NGC). This delightful example reveals flashy mint luster as the surfaces dip into a light. The overall appearance is one of light, even toning in antique pewter-gray, with an intermingling of faint sandy-gold. The strike is nicely executed for the type with all major design elements boldly to sharply rendered. Pleasingly smooth in hand, a bit of roughness in the planchet at the left reverse border is as made and of no concern. Indeed, just a bit more flashiness to the surfaces may have secured a full Gem Mint State grade from NGC for this superior Continental dollar.<p>When viewed with a global approach to the series, Continental dollars can be divided into two main groups. The first includes the CURENCY and CURRENCY varieties (Newman 1-A, 1-B, 1-C and 2-C). The second group includes the EG FECIT, CURRENCEY and floriated cross varieties (Newman 3-D, 4-D and 5-D). The first group is of interest to us here, since it includes the offered example.<p>Research by Michael Hodder confirms that the first variety of Continental dollar produced is Newman 1-A in brass, with the CURENCY misspelling on the obverse and the rings on the reverse as dotted lines. The reverse die was then modified with the 13 intertwined dotted rings strengthened so that they now appear as unbroken lines, although many of the former dots are still visible within each ring. This change in reverse style created the variety now attributed as Newman 1-B, of which examples were struck in both brass and pewter. Based on his study of die states, Michael Hodder confirmed that the initial press run comprised brass pieces, followed by some in pewter, with a final run of additional brass examples. Both compositions are rare, Newman 1-B in brass with only 12 specimens confirmed and Newman 1-B in pewter with only about half a dozen known. All are known from only a perfect, unbroken state of the obverse die, as is Newman 1-A.<p>The reverse was then modified again, through heavy lapping and reworking of the rings so that they are now circles composed of thick lines. Paired to the same obverse, this further modified reverse produced the usually seen (though by no means common) Newman 1-C CURENCY pieces in pewter, later die state examples with a prominent obverse break over the letters GI in FUGIO. Two silver impressions of Newman 1-C are also known, ex Garrett and ex Don Corrado Romano Collection sale. The aforementioned obverse break eventually forced that dies retirement and its replacement with the CURRENCY die, the new marriage resulting in the Newman 2-C pieces, which are known only in pewter, as here.<p>The present sale offers a fleeting opportunity for an advanced collector to acquire examples of the three major Continental dollar types in pewter. This Newman 2-C CURRENCY specimen is temptingly close to Gem Mint State, and is sure to see spirited bidding. PCGS# 794. NGC ID: 2AYT. From the Addison Collection.
