Lot 216
1790 Standish Barry Threepence (Baltimore, Maryland) Breen-1019. NGC graded AU-55. Glossy medium steel gray. The surfaces are smooth, void of any notable marks. The strike is sharp everywhere except at the tip of the bust and at the opposing rim at the bottom of the reverse, all thanks to a tiny planchet clip, as struck. The legends are complete and bold except for a single letter on each side that was affected by the weakly struck spot. On the obverse the "Y" in JULY is missing and on the reverse the second "S" in STANDISH is gone. Otherwise the legends are easily readable and nicely centered on the planchet. An outstanding example of this extremely rare early American issue. These were designed and struck by Standish Barry at his tiny mint in Baltimore, Maryland, perhaps as advertising pieces as much as for making small change. The portrait is probably a rather crude representation of George Washington, and the date of JULY 4 (17)90 suggests a commemoration of the date of American Independence. Regardless of Standish Barry's real intentions, this American-made silver threepence is one of the rarest of our pre-federal issues. NGC population 1 with none finer. In fact, this is the only example graded by NGC. A great opportunity for the serious collector of American colonial coins.
Estimated Value $60,000 - 80,000.
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| Realized $143,750 |
