2265

1982 (1759 dated) MS Martha Washington Cent-Siz

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1982 (1759 dated) MS Martha Washington Cent-Siz
1982 (1759 dated) MS Martha Washington Cent-Sized Test Piece, Judd-2180, Pollock-4100, R.8 (?), MS64 Red NGC. 2.47 grams. Similar to the piece we offered in our recent New York Sale, this piece is struck from the so-called "nonsense dies" that depicts Martha Washington facing right on the obverse. The reverse shows a view of Mount Vernon. These are called "nonsense dies" by the Mint as they lack any mention of a denomination. Struck in copper plated zinc with a plain edge. The new Judd book gives this information about these coins, "In 1982, the Martha Washington fantasy design used in 1965 was employed to test a new composition for the cent coinage before there was a change from bronze to copper-coated zinc. Seemingly, these dies were used within the Mint and also by private entities to test various concepts. These have been tentatively attributed to 1982 but may have been made at other times as well." The always-useful and informative USPatterns.com website has even more information on this piece: "...This design was first used in 1965. The obverse was designed by Edward R. Grove and the reverse is by Philip Fowler. This design has since become the Mint's all-purpose dies for testing new alloys. It is likely that this piece was struck outside the Mint from one of the vendors the Mint gave these dies to. Among the possibilities include IDX Inc, PMX Industries and the Olin Brass Corporation. Because of this, we have assigned it number P4100. The reason for their striking may have been to test the new copper coated zinc planchets for the Mint. If this is the case, then this was probably struck around 1982. An obverse die trial in copper struck from either cent or dime dies is also known." The surfaces on this piece are flaming mint red except for a darker patch on Martha's forehead and a couple of darker, minute die flaws on Mount Vernon on the reverse. A couple of distinctive, diagonal darker streaks are seen in the right obverse field, which will undoubtedly prove useful in tracing the pedigree of this coin in the future. Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid.