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Sale 16
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Lot 76
1786 Vermont Copper. "Vermontensium". PCGS graded AU-55 "Benson". Obverse with seven trees, ray points between ES. U of PUBLICA sharply recut low, diagnostic of this obverse. One of the very finest graded of this variety, PCGS in their Population Report note 4 graded this high, with just a single coin graded higher, that a thin hair above at AU-58. No mint state coins have yet been graded. Further, most of those seen grade from VG to VF, and these are frequently found on less than perfect planchets. On this particular example we note a few minor planchet flaws, one on the edge above NS of VERMONTENSIUM, another on the reverse edge above the M of DECIMA. Toned a natural chocolate brown in color, with darker areas noted around the trees. The strike on and around the plow is particularly nice, and the fields and surfaces are very nice for the grade. Localized striking weakness is noted on ENSIUM and on the opposing areas of the reverse. The central reverse all seeing eye is sharp, and the coin is well centered. An impressive example of this important variety that is certain to attract many appreciative numismatists who would find it a welcome addition to their collections.
The Latin obverse legend of VERMONTENSIUM RES PUBLICA translates to "the Republic of the Green Mountains" (Ryder/Slafter) and the obverse device was to consist of "A sun rising, with mountains and trees in the foreground, and a plough in the field beneath." while the reverse device had to have "A radiated eye, surrounded by thirteen stars" and the legend QUARTA. DECIMA. STELLA. or the fourteenth star, referring to Vermonts desire to become the next state after the original thirteen colonies joined to form the United States. This did come pass, but not until 1791 when Vermont officially became the 14th state to join the union.
After the necessary legislation and authorization, the bond requirements were met and suitable lodgings for the coinage we procured, Reuben Harmon began coinage in earnest. Reports vary, but it has been suggested that the coining equipment obtained could strike as many as 60 pieces per minute, although usually half that number were coined using the screw press (Ryder/Slafter). An historic example of this precious state coinage made during the brief tenure after the Revolution, but prior to the Vermont joining the other states officially in the Union.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection and purchased from our Benson I Collection Sale, 2/2001:80.
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| Realized $6,038 |
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