Continental Dollar
Lustrous 1776 Continental Dollar “CURENCY” In Pewter PCGS About Uncirculated-58 (Old Green Label Holder)
1776 Continental Dollar. “CURENCY” Newman 1-C. W-8445. Pewter. PCGS graded About Uncirculated-58 (Old Green Label Holder of 16 Years Ago) with CAC Confirmation.
This is an impressive, flashy and lustrous example of the 1776-Dated Continental Dollar, an American numismatic classic as authorized by the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War. Compared by this cataloger to other, more recently certified specimens, it appears to be undergraded, of premium quality and certainly finer than some others seen in more recent “Mint State” certified holders. The extra CAC tag means that the original grade is confirmed, which is easy to do if it is undergraded by current standards.

This exciting coin has its pedigree to the Colonial Coin Collection of Jim Jones. He had purchased it from Bowers and Merena on February 24, 1996 and until recently sold, it had been off the market for some 16 years, being certified by PCGS much earlier in the history of that company. As stated by the prior seller, “... we would not be surprised to see this piece shed the old green label holder in which Jim bought this coin in 1996 and someday find a new one with a higher grade.” This cataloger agrees, as Colonial coin grading standards are definitely different in today’s world.

As with most Mint State Continental Dollars this coin shows some minor evidence of handling from prior owners but has no significant friction or actual wear. The pewter surfaces show absolutely no evidence of tin pest and remain clean with pleasing eye appeal. The small internal cud, typically seen on this major variety is clearly present over “GI” of FUGIO” as made. The delicate pewter rims are completely sound having no damage or major detractions noted, just a hint of friction and a few fine contacts on the surfaces. Overall being mostly brilliant, having excellent details and superior in its appearance.

The 1776 Continental Dollar is often considered a centerpiece of any Colonial coin collection as the only collectible American coin dated 1776 and designed by none other than Benjamin Franklin. Since the last appearance of this coin, a superb quality 1776 Continental Dollar in pewter of the “CURRENCY- EG FECIT” type, sold for $546,250 at public auction. This coin has the classic designs of Dr. Franklin which were “borrowed” for the production of America’s first official cent in 1787, the FUGIO Cent. Dated during the first year of American Independence, this coin will once again become a historic centerpiece, prized in some new owner’s collection.