Pre-Long Beach Auction #84

1792 Washington "Roman Head" Cent Breen-1249, Baker-19 PCGS graded Proof-64 Brown. The obverse is beautiful glossy golden tan and light brown with darker steel brown toning on the highpoints while the reverse is a darker shade of steel brown and chocolate with lighter brown in protected areas. Traces of lighter golden tan faded down from mint color can be found in some of the protected areas on both sides. The fields are smooth and slightly reflective and this cent offers excellent eye appeal. No spots or contact marks. An area of darker toning along the rim left of the C in CENT can help identify this piece. The edge is lettered "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The "Roman Head" Cents depict Washington in the style of a Roman Emperor, an image that most certainly was contrary to Washington's desires. These were struck in England during the "Conder Token" era and they are among the rarest and most desirable of the Washington coppers. About 15 examples known today (and several of those are worn or otherwise impaired). A superb example of this very rare Washington copper. Listed on page 83 in the "Redbook." Weight 197.5 grains. Pop 3; 3 finer, 2 in 65, 1 in 66.
Estimated Value $65,000-UP.
From the Ted L. Craige collection, Stack's Bowers Galleries 1/22/2013:11499.