"1787" (ca. 1860) Fugio Cent. "New Haven Restrike". Newman 104-FF, W-17570. Rarity-5. Silver. MS-62 (PCGS).
177.2 grains. Richly toned in golden gray and iridescent blue, this intensely lustrous piece is a fully struck example of the early, pre-cracked state of the obverse die called Newman state A/B. Neither from New Haven nor restrikes, the "New Haven Restrikes" differ in detail from original Fugio coppers, particularly on the reverse where the rings are narrow instead of wide. Most examples of this type are struck in copper, bronze, or brass, although rarer silver and gold impressions are also known. The present lot features one of the scarce silver impressions of the Newman 104-FF "New Haven Restrike" variety, one of perhaps just 50 pieces originally produced in this precious metal (per Horatio Rust, as noted in Q. David Bowers' 2009 Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins ); given the many twists and turns in Rust's story, who knows if this mintage is correct! All we can say with certainty today is that the silver pieces are much scarcer than the various color iterations of the copper alloy pieces, and they are usually quite beautifully toned and very attractive, as here.
PCGS# 880964.
To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click here.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Anthony Terranova; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.

Estimate: $10000