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1783 Washington-Independence Draped Bust

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 5,500.00 USD
1783 Washington-Independence Draped Bust
Washington Coinage

Very Rare 1783 Washington & Independence Cent Variety Fuld WA.NC.1783.5 Vlack 17J (Five to Seven Known)

1783 Washington & Independence Draped Bust. Copper. No Button. Extremely Rare Variety. Fuld WA.NC.1783.5. Vlack 17J. Engrailed Edge with Improper Edge Application. NGC graded Mint State-61 Brown.

147.2 grains. Attributed as Fuld WA.NC.1783.5, Vlack 17J (5 to 7 Known) according to George Fuld. We acknowledge and greatly appreciate that noted numismatist George Fuld has helped in the attribution the specific variety. Currently housed in an NGC holder with a tag that does not have this specific variety identified. This 1783 Washington & Independence is a major sub-variety rarity. Fuld states that, in full:
“It is illustrated in my article on Washington colonials as WA.NC.1783.5 and as Vlack 17J. The dead giveaway is that there is a rust spot on the neck just above the drapery. Of course recutting is obvious. They all have Engrailed edges and definitely are not proofs. I owned a copy (as did Bob Vlack) of this variety and sold it back in 1967 -- at a somewhat reduced price. Have photo of my piece -- yours is different, the rim nick opposite the first "." is diagnostic.”
This Washington & Independence copper is original to that variety. It is clearly NOT to be confused with the later Proof Restrike. The date is heavy and the bottom and top left of the “7” are recut, which also more closely matches the restrikes than the originals. Certainly, this obverse die does not match the standard Baker 2B’s, and the weight is close to that of a later Restrike, however, this coin is an Original.
The surface quality sharpness is struck nowhere near as distinct, nor the edges as sharp, as on the proof restrikes, yet that is a factor of the excellent quality and sharpness of strike on this beautiful specimen. The reverse die is unlike any Restrike reverse we’ve seen. The engrailing on the edge is very distinct and fully applied to the planchet, and accomplished before the coin was struck. We are fortunate to have previously had a wide variety of other Washington & Independence coins to compare with this coin, confirming its distinctive differences. Overall, the surfaces are smooth and hard, having lovely underlying subdued natural mint luster. It is a lovely natural chestnut-brown in color and quite beautiful in its eye appeal. An important sub-variety and major rarity needed by most all George Washington and Colonial coinage specialists.