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- 1792 CENT Washington President Cent, General of the Armies Reverse, Plain Edge XF45 NGC. CAC. Baker-59, Breen-1234, 1995 COAC WA.1792.6, W-10690, R.6. 181.9 grains, 99% copper per NGC metallurgical tests. As noted in the previous lot, compelling evidence places the production of the 1792 Washington President cents at Newburyport, Massachusetts, from the hand of a talented young engraver named Jacob Perkins. However, others hold the traditional numismatic viewpoint that these pieces were coined at Westwood's private mint in Birmingham. The Washington Born Virginia obverse die was in the possession of the Perkins family until at least the late 19th century. One of the three varieties of Washington Born Virginia coppers shares the same reverse as this variety, and a second variety with that obverse shares the same reverse of the example in the previous lot. All of these pieces were clearly made by the same hand. Until John Kraljevich presented his compelling evidence, everyone believed these pieces were made in England. As truly American productions, the Washington President and Washington Born Virginia coppers are elevated to their rightful place among the most important pieces in the Early American field, equally as important as the Getz patterns. With an estimated population at fewer than 30 pieces, these coppers are even rarer than those made by Getz, and they should be considered every bit as valuable, if not more so. Smooth medium brown surfaces exhibit a few scattered marks on each side, consistent with the grade. A minor reverse rim bruise is noted at 5 o'clock. Otherwise, this is an extraordinary example for the grade. Slight central weakness appears on the reverse, as usual, opposite the highest points of the obverse design. This obverse and the previous reverse form a third variety, known in copper, silver, and gold. Eric P. Newman, owner of the unique gold example, has long considered that coin to be a presentation piece given to George Washington by a representative of Westwood's Birmingham Mint. In his 1995 article "Coinage Featuring George Washington," George Fuld noted: "It was common practice to make sample presentations to heads of state or committees when attempting to secure a contract." In light of the February 29, 1792 letter from Nicolas Pike to President Washington, transmitting an example of Jacob Perkins' work, we speculate that the transmitted piece was the very same gold example now in Newman's collection, originally serving the same presentation purpose. Ex: Waldo Newcomer; B. Max Mehl; "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $55812.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
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- 描述:
- 1792 CENT Washington President Cent, General of the Armies Reverse, Plain Edge XF45 NGC. CAC. Baker-59, Breen-1234, 1995 COAC WA.1792.6, W-10690, R.6. 181.9 grains, 99% copper per NGC metallurgical tests. As noted in the previous lot, compelling evidence places the production of the 1792 Washington President cents at Newburyport, Massachusetts, from the hand of a talented young engraver named Jacob Perkins. However, others hold the traditional numismatic viewpoint that these pieces were coined at Westwood's private mint in Birmingham. The Washington Born Virginia obverse die was in the possession of the Perkins family until at least the late 19th century. One of the three varieties of Washington Born Virginia coppers shares the same reverse as this variety, and a second variety with that obverse shares the same reverse of the example in the previous lot. All of these pieces were clearly made by the same hand. Until John Kraljevich presented his compelling evidence, everyone believed these pieces were made in England. As truly American productions, the Washington President and Washington Born Virginia coppers are elevated to their rightful place among the most important pieces in the Early American field, equally as important as the Getz patterns. With an estimated population at fewer than 30 pieces, these coppers are even rarer than those made by Getz, and they should be considered every bit as valuable, if not more so. Smooth medium brown surfaces exhibit a few scattered marks on each side, consistent with the grade. A minor reverse rim bruise is noted at 5 o'clock. Otherwise, this is an extraordinary example for the grade. Slight central weakness appears on the reverse, as usual, opposite the highest points of the obverse design. This obverse and the previous reverse form a third variety, known in copper, silver, and gold. Eric P. Newman, owner of the unique gold example, has long considered that coin to be a presentation piece given to George Washington by a representative of Westwood's Birmingham Mint. In his 1995 article "Coinage Featuring George Washington," George Fuld noted: "It was common practice to make sample presentations to heads of state or committees when attempting to secure a contract." In light of the February 29, 1792 letter from Nicolas Pike to President Washington, transmitting an example of Jacob Perkins' work, we speculate that the transmitted piece was the very same gold example now in Newman's collection, originally serving the same presentation purpose. Ex: Waldo Newcomer; B. Max Mehl; "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $55812.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
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- 1792 CENT Washington President Cent, Eagle and Stars Reverse. T Below Bust. Lettered Edge. XF40 NGC. CAC. Baker-21B, Breen-1228, 1995 COAC WA.1792.5, W-10685, Unique. 175.4 grains, 99% copper per NGC metallurgical tests. There are two major types of the Washington President cents distinguished by their reverses, featuring either an eagle and 13 stars or the General of the American Armies. Many subscribe to the traditional viewpoint that these pieces are closely related to the 1791 Large Eagle and Small Eagle cents; they are typically attributed to the same engraver, John Gregory Hancock, Jr. Described as a child prodigy, Hancock was employed by Obadiah Westwood's private mint in Birmingham, England. George Fuld explains in his 1995 ANS Coinage of the America's Conference article "Coinage Featuring George Washington:" {blockquote}"Although no direct evidence exists as to the origin of this series, die punch linkage and style directly link the 1792 British issues to J.G. Hancock and Westwood's Mint. Clearly they must have been manufactured between the time of the 1792 cents and before knowledge of rejection of monarchical portraits by Congress [March 1792]. Breen conjectures that for the eagle reverse with no denomination, the strikings in copper, silver and gold represented cent, half dollar and ten dollar samples, while Newman believes the gold and silver specimens were too different from any circulating coin to be usable."{/blockquote} However, evidence suggests that these pieces and the related Washington Born Virginia coppers were made on the American shore, specifically at the oceanside town of Newburyport, Massachusetts. In "Perkins and the Washington Medal," published in the August 2010 issue of The Numismatist, John J. Kraljevich, Jr. presents compelling evidence that a talented young American engraver, Jacob Perkins, was the author of these 1792 Washington pieces. A 22-year-old Perkins worked alongside Joseph Callender at the Massachusetts mint that coined half cents and cents in 1788. His experience there provided the basis for his engraving career, and his interest in government employment. A few years later, he engraved dies and produced these 1792 Washington pieces, sending one anonymously to President Washington via his friend and teacher, Nicolas Pike. The existence of an obverse die for the Washington Born Virginia cents in the Perkins estate, with correspondence between Pike and Washington, leaves little doubt for the true authorship of these coins. Pike wrote to Washington transmitting an example of Perkins' work, as quoted by Kraljevich: {blockquote} "I have the honor to request your Acceptance of a Medal struck in my presence by an ingenious & reputable Gentleman, who also made the Die, which branch he can execute with great facility & dispatch, & which he will warrant to stand until defaced by usage. "He at present, declines having his name made public; but should this Specimen of Ingenuity entitle him to the Notice of Congress, he would be happy, on suitable Terms, to serve the Public in this line."{/blockquote} Like Peter Getz, Jacob Perkins copied the 1791 Hancock cents. The Getz patterns were copied from the Small Eagle cents, and the Perkins patterns were copied from the Large Eagle cents, substituting 13 stars for the denomination, ONE CENT, at the top of the reverse. There is no doubt that the 1791-dated Hancock cents were aimed at the acquisition of an overseas contract for American coinage. The 1792 Getz and Perkins pieces were intended for a different purpose, that of obtaining an engraving position at a soon to be established United States Mint. Kraljevich explains: {blockquote}"Perhaps now Perkins can get full credit for the WASHINGTON BORN VIRGINIA and 1792 WASHINGTON PRESIDENT issues, and stand alongside Peter Getz as the only Americans bold enough to step forward and place themselves at the head of the line for employment at the newly founded U.S. Mint."{/blockquote} This unique variant has splendid walnut-brown surfaces with minuscule marks suggesting careful preservation over the course of many years. Both sides have traces of light blue toning in the protected areas of the design. Here is an exceptional example of a truly important issue that is possibly a pattern issue of a fledgling nation. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $117500.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
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- 1792 CENT Washington President Cent, Eagle and Stars Reverse. T Below Bust. Lettered Edge. XF40 NGC. CAC. Baker-21B, Breen-1228, 1995 COAC WA.1792.5, W-10685, Unique. 175.4 grains, 99% copper per NGC metallurgical tests. There are two major types of the Washington President cents distinguished by their reverses, featuring either an eagle and 13 stars or the General of the American Armies. Many subscribe to the traditional viewpoint that these pieces are closely related to the 1791 Large Eagle and Small Eagle cents; they are typically attributed to the same engraver, John Gregory Hancock, Jr. Described as a child prodigy, Hancock was employed by Obadiah Westwood's private mint in Birmingham, England. George Fuld explains in his 1995 ANS Coinage of the America's Conference article "Coinage Featuring George Washington:" {blockquote}"Although no direct evidence exists as to the origin of this series, die punch linkage and style directly link the 1792 British issues to J.G. Hancock and Westwood's Mint. Clearly they must have been manufactured between the time of the 1792 cents and before knowledge of rejection of monarchical portraits by Congress [March 1792]. Breen conjectures that for the eagle reverse with no denomination, the strikings in copper, silver and gold represented cent, half dollar and ten dollar samples, while Newman believes the gold and silver specimens were too different from any circulating coin to be usable."{/blockquote} However, evidence suggests that these pieces and the related Washington Born Virginia coppers were made on the American shore, specifically at the oceanside town of Newburyport, Massachusetts. In "Perkins and the Washington Medal," published in the August 2010 issue of The Numismatist, John J. Kraljevich, Jr. presents compelling evidence that a talented young American engraver, Jacob Perkins, was the author of these 1792 Washington pieces. A 22-year-old Perkins worked alongside Joseph Callender at the Massachusetts mint that coined half cents and cents in 1788. His experience there provided the basis for his engraving career, and his interest in government employment. A few years later, he engraved dies and produced these 1792 Washington pieces, sending one anonymously to President Washington via his friend and teacher, Nicolas Pike. The existence of an obverse die for the Washington Born Virginia cents in the Perkins estate, with correspondence between Pike and Washington, leaves little doubt for the true authorship of these coins. Pike wrote to Washington transmitting an example of Perkins' work, as quoted by Kraljevich: {blockquote} "I have the honor to request your Acceptance of a Medal struck in my presence by an ingenious & reputable Gentleman, who also made the Die, which branch he can execute with great facility & dispatch, & which he will warrant to stand until defaced by usage. "He at present, declines having his name made public; but should this Specimen of Ingenuity entitle him to the Notice of Congress, he would be happy, on suitable Terms, to serve the Public in this line."{/blockquote} Like Peter Getz, Jacob Perkins copied the 1791 Hancock cents. The Getz patterns were copied from the Small Eagle cents, and the Perkins patterns were copied from the Large Eagle cents, substituting 13 stars for the denomination, ONE CENT, at the top of the reverse. There is no doubt that the 1791-dated Hancock cents were aimed at the acquisition of an overseas contract for American coinage. The 1792 Getz and Perkins pieces were intended for a different purpose, that of obtaining an engraving position at a soon to be established United States Mint. Kraljevich explains: {blockquote}"Perhaps now Perkins can get full credit for the WASHINGTON BORN VIRGINIA and 1792 WASHINGTON PRESIDENT issues, and stand alongside Peter Getz as the only Americans bold enough to step forward and place themselves at the head of the line for employment at the newly founded U.S. Mint."{/blockquote} This unique variant has splendid walnut-brown surfaces with minuscule marks suggesting careful preservation over the course of many years. Both sides have traces of light blue toning in the protected areas of the design. Here is an exceptional example of a truly important issue that is possibly a pattern issue of a fledgling nation. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $117500.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
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- 1792 CENT Washington Roman Head Cent PR65 Red and Brown NGC. CAC. Baker-19, Breen-1249, W-10840, R.6. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. 197.5 grains, 99% copper per NGC metallurgical tests. The edge is lettered UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The dies of the Roman Head cent, a product of Obediah Westwood's Birmingham Mint, are attributed to the talented young engraver John Gregory Hancock. Walter Breen gave Hancock's life dates as 1775-1815 in his Complete Encyclopedia and described him as a "juvenile engraving prodigy." However, Forrer's Biographical Dictionary of Medalists suggests that those dates were his active years of engraving: "Medallist and die-sinker of the latter part of the eighteenth century and first two decades of the nineteenth, circ. 1775-1815." His son, also John Gregory Hancock (born 1791) was described as a prodigy who was engraving tokens at the age of eight or nine years. If the elder Hancock was born in 1775, he was just 16 years old when his son was born. Birmingham records indicate that John Gregory Hancock and Sarah Ward were married in 1780, suggesting that the elder engraver was likely born a couple of decades earlier, perhaps around 1760. It is known that President Washington objected to the appearance of his likeness on the Federal coinage. However, the Senate version of the Mint Act called for "an impression or representation of the head of the president of the United States." The House of Representatives, apparently ceding to Washington's wishes, changed the wording to call for "an impression emblematic of liberty." As the Getz pattern followed the designs of Hancock's earlier Washington cents, this piece appeared as a response, although opinions of its purpose differ. In the Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins, Q. David Bowers wrote: {blockquote}"The Roman Head cent depicts Washington dressed in the style of a Roman official, a popular way of honoring him, at least in memory, but these are dated during his life. The apotheosis of Washington saw many forms, most famously in Horatio Greenough's statue of epic proportions showing Washington as a Roman emperor seated on a throne. For years this was displayed on the U.S. Capitol grounds. There are many versions of similar tributes in the classic style to be found on bank note vignettes."{/blockquote} In his Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins, Walter Breen labeled this variety "Hancock's Revenge:" {blockquote}"When news of Washington's rejection reached Birmingham, John Gregory Hancock (doubtless with Westwood's gleeful consent, possibly at his instigation) undertook an extraordinary piece of revenge. As Washington's spokesmen had compared the idea of presidential portraits on coins to the practices of Nero, Caligula, and Cromwell, so Hancock's (and/or Westwood's) idea was to portray Washington on a coin as a degenerate, effeminate Roman emperor. Hancock's satirical masterpieces, the 'Roman Head' cents manage to convey this impression--with a subtle resemblance. ... Beginning as tokens of incredible spite, these cents have become among the most highly coveted of Washington items."{/blockquote} This example is from the "Celebrated and Valuable" Charles Ira Bushnell Collection that the Chapman Brothers sold in June 1882. Bushnell (1826-1880) was an uncle of the Chapman Brothers who was born and died in New York City. After his death, Lorin Parmelee purchased the entire collection, kept a few for his own collection, and consigned the balance to the Chapman Brothers who described this piece as: {blockquote} "1792 Cent. A very fine undraped bust, facing right, the hair confined by a fillet, tied in a bow with long ends; WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. 1792. Rev. A small eagle with upraised wings, on his breast a shield; an olive branch in right talon and a bunch of arrows in left; about his head, six stars; above, CENT. Edge lettered, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A splendid sharp, even impression, of beautiful color. Proof. Excessively rare, but about six known. This cent, usually termed the 'Naked Bust' or 'Roman head' generally brings about $225, but has sold for as high as $480 in McCoy sale."{/blockquote} NGC and PCGS have certified 10 examples of this variety, including seven designated Brown and three called Red and Brown. This piece is the finest of those designated Red and Brown. This lovely Gem combines bluish olive-brown with chestnut toning, showing considerable glimpses of mint red, especially on the reverse. Ex: Charles Ira Bushnell Collection; Lorin Parmelee (Chapman Brothers, 6/1882), lot 1250; later, "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $250.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $102812.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
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- 1792 CENT Washington Roman Head Cent PR65 Red and Brown NGC. CAC. Baker-19, Breen-1249, W-10840, R.6. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. 197.5 grains, 99% copper per NGC metallurgical tests. The edge is lettered UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The dies of the Roman Head cent, a product of Obediah Westwood's Birmingham Mint, are attributed to the talented young engraver John Gregory Hancock. Walter Breen gave Hancock's life dates as 1775-1815 in his Complete Encyclopedia and described him as a "juvenile engraving prodigy." However, Forrer's Biographical Dictionary of Medalists suggests that those dates were his active years of engraving: "Medallist and die-sinker of the latter part of the eighteenth century and first two decades of the nineteenth, circ. 1775-1815." His son, also John Gregory Hancock (born 1791) was described as a prodigy who was engraving tokens at the age of eight or nine years. If the elder Hancock was born in 1775, he was just 16 years old when his son was born. Birmingham records indicate that John Gregory Hancock and Sarah Ward were married in 1780, suggesting that the elder engraver was likely born a couple of decades earlier, perhaps around 1760. It is known that President Washington objected to the appearance of his likeness on the Federal coinage. However, the Senate version of the Mint Act called for "an impression or representation of the head of the president of the United States." The House of Representatives, apparently ceding to Washington's wishes, changed the wording to call for "an impression emblematic of liberty." As the Getz pattern followed the designs of Hancock's earlier Washington cents, this piece appeared as a response, although opinions of its purpose differ. In the Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins, Q. David Bowers wrote: {blockquote}"The Roman Head cent depicts Washington dressed in the style of a Roman official, a popular way of honoring him, at least in memory, but these are dated during his life. The apotheosis of Washington saw many forms, most famously in Horatio Greenough's statue of epic proportions showing Washington as a Roman emperor seated on a throne. For years this was displayed on the U.S. Capitol grounds. There are many versions of similar tributes in the classic style to be found on bank note vignettes."{/blockquote} In his Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins, Walter Breen labeled this variety "Hancock's Revenge:" {blockquote}"When news of Washington's rejection reached Birmingham, John Gregory Hancock (doubtless with Westwood's gleeful consent, possibly at his instigation) undertook an extraordinary piece of revenge. As Washington's spokesmen had compared the idea of presidential portraits on coins to the practices of Nero, Caligula, and Cromwell, so Hancock's (and/or Westwood's) idea was to portray Washington on a coin as a degenerate, effeminate Roman emperor. Hancock's satirical masterpieces, the 'Roman Head' cents manage to convey this impression--with a subtle resemblance. ... Beginning as tokens of incredible spite, these cents have become among the most highly coveted of Washington items."{/blockquote} This example is from the "Celebrated and Valuable" Charles Ira Bushnell Collection that the Chapman Brothers sold in June 1882. Bushnell (1826-1880) was an uncle of the Chapman Brothers who was born and died in New York City. After his death, Lorin Parmelee purchased the entire collection, kept a few for his own collection, and consigned the balance to the Chapman Brothers who described this piece as: {blockquote} "1792 Cent. A very fine undraped bust, facing right, the hair confined by a fillet, tied in a bow with long ends; WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. 1792. Rev. A small eagle with upraised wings, on his breast a shield; an olive branch in right talon and a bunch of arrows in left; about his head, six stars; above, CENT. Edge lettered, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A splendid sharp, even impression, of beautiful color. Proof. Excessively rare, but about six known. This cent, usually termed the 'Naked Bust' or 'Roman head' generally brings about $225, but has sold for as high as $480 in McCoy sale."{/blockquote} NGC and PCGS have certified 10 examples of this variety, including seven designated Brown and three called Red and Brown. This piece is the finest of those designated Red and Brown. This lovely Gem combines bluish olive-brown with chestnut toning, showing considerable glimpses of mint red, especially on the reverse. Ex: Charles Ira Bushnell Collection; Lorin Parmelee (Chapman Brothers, 6/1882), lot 1250; later, "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $250.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $102812.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
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- 1792 CENT Getz Washington President Pattern Cent, Plain Edge MS64 Brown NGC. Baker-25, Breen-1352, Pollock-5020, W-10775, R.5. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. 257.7 grains, 99% copper per NGC metallurgical tests. The late Jack Collins spent many years studying the Getz silver and copper Washington President pieces. Unfortunately, he passed away before the study was completed. His friend, George Fuld, continued the study through completion, and in 2009 The Washington Pattern Coinage of Peter Getz was published by George Frederick Kolbe and Alan Meghrig. The Peter Getz pattern coins were minted in silver and copper. Those struck in silver include 14 with a plain edge, five with the Circles and Squares edge, and three with the twin olive leaves edge. Copper impressions include 45 with a plain edge and 11 with the Circles and Squares edge. Among those 56 copper pieces are eight examples that are described as Mint State. The Eric P. Newman coin is the fifth finest of those eight pieces. An arcing planchet cutter mark is visible from the bottom of the 1 to the top of the G, continuing to the border over the A. The entire obverse is double struck, with less noticeable reverse doubling. The surfaces are prooflike, and the design motifs are bold. Both sides have attractive chocolate-brown surfaces with delicate light green toning highlights. An exceptional Getz copper. There were many Washington tribute pieces made in England, but those by Getz were actually made in the U.S., and are considered pattern coins as opposed to Washington issues. While they were made outside the mint, they were struck in Philadelphia on a coin press that was soon moved to the new Philadelphia Mint. It is our opinion that these pieces should be collected as part of the United States pattern series, and they are listed in Andrew Pollock's pattern reference. These pattern coins are attributed to Peter Getz of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, apparently on the strength of remarks made by J. Franklin Reigart of that town, and published by Montroville Wilson Dickeson in The American Numismatical Manual: {blockquote}"Mr. Getz was personally complimented by Washington for his artistic skill in producing the die for what is called the 'Washington Cent,' and it was also officially recognized by the Government. This letter was often exhibited by Major John Getz, a son of the artist, during his lifetime. Memory must, however, supply the place of this documentary proof, as it cannot now be found."{/blockquote} Searching for source material proving these pieces were engraved by Peter Getz is challenging. All we have found was the commentary in Crosby, who wrote: {blockquote}"It is believed that the three dies last described [including the piece offered here] were the work of Peter Getz, of Lancaster, Pa: a self-taught, but skillful mechanic and engraver."{/blockquote} Crosby further notes that his information was obtained from Joseph Mickley, and came from Congressman James Lawrence Getz (1821-1891), a grandson of Peter Getz. A biographical note of Peter Getz appeared in William Barton's Memoirs of the Life of David Rittenhouse, published in 1813: {blockquote}"Peter Getz was a self-taught mechanic of singular ingenuity in the borough of Lancaster, where he exercised the trade of a silversmith and jeweler, and was remarkable for the extraordinary elegance and beauty of the workmanship he executed. He was, in 1792, a candidate for the place of chief coiner or engraver in the mint." {/blockquote} There is some uncertainty about his life in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Records place his birth in 1762, 1764, and 1768. Other records state that he died in 1804 or 1809. Some sources suggest that he served in the Pennsylvania Militia during the Revolutionary War, although he does not appear in records of the DAR. Die state evidence suggests that originals and restrikes of the Getz pieces exist. Examples with no die rust, such as this example from the Eric P. Newman Collection, are the original 1792 issues. Those with die rust followed, possibly after an intermission of several years. George Fuld explained in 2009: {blockquote}"On observing the die progression on the copper and silver impressions, the logical sequence appears to be as follows. The small, 32 mm. plain edge copper pieces were struck first in December 1791. All specimens are from perfect dies with no die rust on the reverse. ... Later, the large diameter copper coins, with diameters of 35 mm. with plain, prominently toothed borders (often called piedforts due to their thickness and broad oversize planchets) and ornamented edges, were made in January/February 1792, or possibly later in 1799-1800 in commemoration of Washington's death."{/blockquote} As one of the early strikes on a 32 mm. planchet, the Eric P. Newman coin is one of the original strikings of December 1791, and is among the most historically important examples in the present sale. Ex: Waldo C. Newcomer; B. Max Mehl; "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $300.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Reportedly earlier from John F. McCoy (W. Elliot Woodward, 5/1864), lot 2456; J.N.T. Levick (W. Elliot Woodward, 10/1864), lot 2257; W. Elliot Woodward (3/1865), lot 3277; to J. Ledyard Hodge. Realized $164500.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
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- 1792 CENT Getz Washington President Pattern Cent, Plain Edge MS64 Brown NGC. Baker-25, Breen-1352, Pollock-5020, W-10775, R.5. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. 257.7 grains, 99% copper per NGC metallurgical tests. The late Jack Collins spent many years studying the Getz silver and copper Washington President pieces. Unfortunately, he passed away before the study was completed. His friend, George Fuld, continued the study through completion, and in 2009 The Washington Pattern Coinage of Peter Getz was published by George Frederick Kolbe and Alan Meghrig. The Peter Getz pattern coins were minted in silver and copper. Those struck in silver include 14 with a plain edge, five with the Circles and Squares edge, and three with the twin olive leaves edge. Copper impressions include 45 with a plain edge and 11 with the Circles and Squares edge. Among those 56 copper pieces are eight examples that are described as Mint State. The Eric P. Newman coin is the fifth finest of those eight pieces. An arcing planchet cutter mark is visible from the bottom of the 1 to the top of the G, continuing to the border over the A. The entire obverse is double struck, with less noticeable reverse doubling. The surfaces are prooflike, and the design motifs are bold. Both sides have attractive chocolate-brown surfaces with delicate light green toning highlights. An exceptional Getz copper. There were many Washington tribute pieces made in England, but those by Getz were actually made in the U.S., and are considered pattern coins as opposed to Washington issues. While they were made outside the mint, they were struck in Philadelphia on a coin press that was soon moved to the new Philadelphia Mint. It is our opinion that these pieces should be collected as part of the United States pattern series, and they are listed in Andrew Pollock's pattern reference. These pattern coins are attributed to Peter Getz of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, apparently on the strength of remarks made by J. Franklin Reigart of that town, and published by Montroville Wilson Dickeson in The American Numismatical Manual: {blockquote}"Mr. Getz was personally complimented by Washington for his artistic skill in producing the die for what is called the 'Washington Cent,' and it was also officially recognized by the Government. This letter was often exhibited by Major John Getz, a son of the artist, during his lifetime. Memory must, however, supply the place of this documentary proof, as it cannot now be found."{/blockquote} Searching for source material proving these pieces were engraved by Peter Getz is challenging. All we have found was the commentary in Crosby, who wrote: {blockquote}"It is believed that the three dies last described [including the piece offered here] were the work of Peter Getz, of Lancaster, Pa: a self-taught, but skillful mechanic and engraver."{/blockquote} Crosby further notes that his information was obtained from Joseph Mickley, and came from Congressman James Lawrence Getz (1821-1891), a grandson of Peter Getz. A biographical note of Peter Getz appeared in William Barton's Memoirs of the Life of David Rittenhouse, published in 1813: {blockquote}"Peter Getz was a self-taught mechanic of singular ingenuity in the borough of Lancaster, where he exercised the trade of a silversmith and jeweler, and was remarkable for the extraordinary elegance and beauty of the workmanship he executed. He was, in 1792, a candidate for the place of chief coiner or engraver in the mint." {/blockquote} There is some uncertainty about his life in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Records place his birth in 1762, 1764, and 1768. Other records state that he died in 1804 or 1809. Some sources suggest that he served in the Pennsylvania Militia during the Revolutionary War, although he does not appear in records of the DAR. Die state evidence suggests that originals and restrikes of the Getz pieces exist. Examples with no die rust, such as this example from the Eric P. Newman Collection, are the original 1792 issues. Those with die rust followed, possibly after an intermission of several years. George Fuld explained in 2009: {blockquote}"On observing the die progression on the copper and silver impressions, the logical sequence appears to be as follows. The small, 32 mm. plain edge copper pieces were struck first in December 1791. All specimens are from perfect dies with no die rust on the reverse. ... Later, the large diameter copper coins, with diameters of 35 mm. with plain, prominently toothed borders (often called piedforts due to their thickness and broad oversize planchets) and ornamented edges, were made in January/February 1792, or possibly later in 1799-1800 in commemoration of Washington's death."{/blockquote} As one of the early strikes on a 32 mm. planchet, the Eric P. Newman coin is one of the original strikings of December 1791, and is among the most historically important examples in the present sale. Ex: Waldo C. Newcomer; B. Max Mehl; "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $300.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Reportedly earlier from John F. McCoy (W. Elliot Woodward, 5/1864), lot 2456; J.N.T. Levick (W. Elliot Woodward, 10/1864), lot 2257; W. Elliot Woodward (3/1865), lot 3277; to J. Ledyard Hodge. Realized $164500.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
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- 描述:
- 1787 1C Fugio "Cent" (c. 1860), AMERICAN CONGRESS, White Metal, Reverse Die Impression MS64 NGC. Newman-GG. 126.8 grains. The white metal reverse impression from the same source as the Newman-102 obverse impression. This piece is plated in the 2008 Newman reference where it is described as aluminum. However, the weight seems too high for that composition. Bright pewter-gray surfaces and essentially as made. Ex: Virgil Brand; Brand Estate; Richard Picker; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $6462.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
-
- 描述:
- 1787 1C Fugio "Cent" (c. 1860), AMERICAN CONGRESS, White Metal, Reverse Die Impression MS64 NGC. Newman-GG. 126.8 grains. The white metal reverse impression from the same source as the Newman-102 obverse impression. This piece is plated in the 2008 Newman reference where it is described as aluminum. However, the weight seems too high for that composition. Bright pewter-gray surfaces and essentially as made. Ex: Virgil Brand; Brand Estate; Richard Picker; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. Realized $6462.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
