1776 Continental Dollar in Pewter Newman 1-C Rarity-3 CURENCY Type. PCGS graded EF-45. Attractive frosty medium gray with traces of lustrous lighter steel gray in protected areas. The planchet is void of any of the usual "tin pest" or darker corrosion spots that are so often found on these early pewter patterns. The only notable defect is a dull dent under the U in CURENCY, but this small dent is strong enough that it caused a barely perceptible bulge inside the opposing ring for "S. CAROLIN". While a very few examples of our Continental Dollar pattern were struck in silver or brass, most were struck in this much-softer and more reactive pewter metal. Therefore, pewter examples void of marks or corrosion are quite rare. These dollar-sized pattern coins were proposed as a replacement for our paper dollars and evidence suggests that they were officially authorized by our Continental Congress. Current research also suggests that this Newman 1-C variety was struck in New York before the British captured that city in September of 1776. The most extensive research into these historic pieces was presented in an article by Eric Newman, "The 1776 Continental Currency Coinage" published in The Coin Collector's Journal, July-August 1952, with follow-up articles in The Numismatist. This lot offers a rare opportunity to acquire what is arguably our most historically significant colonial coin. Late die state. The die crack down the left side of the obverse is strong and small lumps caused by die rust can be found on the reverse. Struck with the reverse rotated 140 degrees CCW relative to a normal head-to-foot die orientation. Comes with an old green PCGS label.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
Continental Currency
