1787 Immunis Columbia Copper. W-5680, Breen-1137. Rarity-4+. Large Eagle Reverse. Plain Edge, Narrow Planchet. AU-55+ (PCGS).171.5 grains. 26.5 mm. 180 degree die rotation. Glossy chocolate brown and perfectly choice, an exquisite example of this popular issue. Ideally centered on the usual narrow flan, with a full date (and a bit of room to spare) along with complete legends on both sides. The tops of NIS COL intersect the rim at the top of the obverse, but trivially, and BUS of PLURIBUS has lost just its top serifs to the same fate. Aside from a single thin hairline scratch below the wingtip on the left side of the reverse and a picayune contact point above the outstretched elbow on the obverse, this coin is something close to perfect.<p><p>Struck in large enough quantities to be collectible today, this piece must have been intended as a profit-making enterprise, even though its designs recall the rare pattern pieces of the previous couple of years. Many of these are seen very well worn, suggesting a long time in circulation, far beyond the Copper Panic of 1789 that booted lower-weight coppers from American pockets. Very few have survived in this kind of quality to be pursued by collectors today.PCGS# 841.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.
