1791 washington large cent

I have a Washington large cent 1791. I now understand that it was minted in Birmingham England but was never made into coinage because Washington felt it too regal a portrait. I have had this for over 40 years. It is in excellent condition. I am not a coin expert, but the detail is amazing. The story of how I found it even more interesting. I live in Southern Ontario. As kids we used to camp along the Etobicoke Creek and look for Indian arrowheads- of which we found many. During the war of 1812, the river valleys were sites of the British, Indian and American forces. I found this coin lodged in the mud on the sides of the Creek just above what was obviously an old camp and have had it ever since. The edge of the coin says "United States of America", with to dots and an x between United and America: when Washington's image is down. The front has an eagle with a striped seal and arrows and an a branch in its talons. The reverse has an image of Washington with the inscription "Washington President" and 1791 under his likeness.
Is this a valuable coin?

 

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I'm sure there are people on here that could tell you quite a bit about your coin, grade, value etc. If you could take photos and post them, that would be helpful. Here is a thread from another 1791 Washington coin but not the one you have. http://www.cointalk.com/t182617/

Also - here is a link to a site that has sample photos and some diagnostics. http://www.coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/ColCoinText/WashEAGLECent.html

 

First let me make a correction for you. The side with the portrait of Washington, is known as the obverse and the side with the Eagle , of course is the reverse. These pieces, which account for better than a dozen varieties, are known as Hancock's Washington Cents, named after the designer John Gregory Hancock. Depending upon both the condition and the variety of the coin you have will determine it's market value. An image of your coin would be helpful. IF you have a copy of Crosby's " Early Coins Of America " , see plate X . While at this time I cannot suggest a value for you, I will say that it is not a common coin and is not without value historically and financially. Post a photo, please. ( both sides )

 

Do any of these look familiar? I assume since you referred to the Eagle side as the Obverse, your coins has the date on the Eagle side.

 

I believe the op stated the date was under Washington.

 

Ooops...you are correct! :thumb:

 

Those are very cool, I would love to see a pic of this coin. Very interesting story as well. Definitely post pics if you can.

 

1791 Washington cent picture

Here is a picture of the coin

 

Please also show the reverse. Thanks.

 

I'd like to take you into a sentimental journey of the history of the portrait of Washington on these pieces. I say " sentimental " because it has to do with an individual who I consider a kindred spirit and a little known or recognized name among our young collectors of this day. He is the Founding Father Of American Numismatics. His name is, Pierre Eugene Du Simitiere. Nearly four years after the Revolution most Europeans and American had never seen the likeness of Washington. The demand awakened this entrepreneur, Du Simitiere, and he had asked his friend John Jay, than the President Of Congress to arrange a sitting by the busy General. The Honorable Mr. Jay was successful and on February 1st, 1779 Du Simitiere recorded:...a drawing in black lead of a likeness in profile of his excellency general Washington, from a medal in my collection. The General at the request of the Hon. Mr. Jay came with him to my house this morning and condesceneded with good nature to sit about 3/4 of an hour.

This is the Portrait, that you find on these Large Cent pieces.

Pierre Eugene Du Simitiere is the Founding Father Of American Numismatics. It was his contributions that ultimately lead to the creation of our " Great Seal " of the United States Of America.

I could easily talk for hours about this man, whose name is rarely mentioned by those who are involved in this pursuit we simply call coin collecting. His story is an absorbing experience. His legacy deserves to be remembered by everyone who remotely associates themselves in Numismatics.

 

Images of my 1791 Washington cent

I have attached images of both sides of the coin. I understand it has historical significance but does anyone know approximately how many exist and how valuable it is.
Thanks for the info and interest.

 

The value will depend upon a verifiable authentication and grade assessment services such as PCGS or NGC would be recommended . The coin you present appears to have some slight rim damage, which of course will effect the value. Recent auctions indicate that examples in grades below Mint State condition survivors, bring anywhere from $200-$1000. While I appreciate the time you took to image the coin, I reserve the right to not offer an opinion as to it's authenticity or grade, simply through the digital imaging you provided. Best wishes .

 

The piece is cataloged in Dalton and Hamer as Middlesex 1049. It is rated as Scarce which would mean maybe a few hundred pieces known. If these was your typical run of the Conder token with that rarity rating it would be worth about $35. But since it has Washington's portrait on it and it has also been listed in the Guidebook of United States Coin it tends to bring a lot more. Assuming it is genuine, and from what I have seen in the pictures it does look like it is real, I would think $250 - $400.

 

Thanks for the information. You stated the prices from recent auctions. You are obviously a coin expert. Can you tell me where can I access these auction evaluations. I followed up on Crosby's "Early Coins of America", but there was little if any information on my coin. Thanks for the link anyway. I have had this coin since I found it in 1958. How do I go about obtaining a verifiable authentication and grade assessment?
Thanks for your expertise.

 

That's a very nice find. :hail:


Btw, I'm on my way to Etobicoke Creek with my metal detector...I'm sure I'll see some of you there. :cheers:

 

Since you are located in Canada, I would suggest you contact Canadian Coin Certification Service, ( CCCS ) 450-723-1204 Or contact NGC Directly in the U.S. 1-800-NGC-Coin

 

Thank you very much for your help.

 

Your very welcome and I hope all turns out in your favor.

 

[Lord of the rings voice]
One does not simply walk into Etobicoke Creek and find a large sent
[/lord of the rings voice]

 

You are correct.I did not find a sent or even the scent of a sent- but I found a 1791 Washington cent!