Stupid question-- is there such a thing as a proof colonial coin?

Longacre

Well, is there? How common are these and what was the purpose of striking a proof colonial piece? For collectors? I noticed this book, "Breen's U.S. & Colonial Proof Coins 1722-1989", which I've seen before, but never focused on whether there are actually proof colonial pieces.

robertpr

Good question. You seem interested in the colonials lately. Let me give you a hint: they're evil.

majorbigtime

Proofing techinques were rudimentary in the days of Colonials--I doubt that "proofs" were coined as such.

TitusFlavius

It depends on your defenition of colonial. A quick look in the Red Book shows the 1733 Rosa Americana Twopence as a proof. I believe there are also proof examples of the Virginia Halfpenny. These were both produced in England where proof coins had been produced since earlier times. Of course actual colonial mints like John Hull's and later Machin's Mills probably didn't have the equipment or the desire to produce "collector coins". So there are proofs, but they were made sporadically depending on the issuer.

morgannut2

They were more likely called Trial Pieces for presentation of the design to the mint. I think even the French tried one---once!

ColonialCoinUnion

Its late, and I'm tired, so this might not be a totally inclusive list, but yes, there is such a thing.

Most of the colonial era issues of which documented proofs exist were struck in the UK, where minting technology was seemingly centuries ahead of the colonial US efforts. Such issues include Myddelton Tokens, various Hibernia issues, some Rosa Americana pieces, some Talbott, Alum & Lees, some Washington pieces, New York Theatre Token, etc.

Isolated spectacular examples of other series have been controversially described as proofs from time to time in the past, including a Nova Constellatio or two (the regular copper issue, not the pattern pieces Laura mentioned) and one particular Pitt Farthing, (both of which were also of UK origin). In this same category I would place the one 1767 French Colonies piece in the Ford sale (struck in France, by the way) and described there as a proof, and which I believe was clearly a proof, but which PCGS has subsequently graded MS67. As an aside, thats the highest graded non-restrike colonial at PCGS of any type.

I am not personally aware of proof strikings of any of the state coins or distinctly American origin pieces, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Even if one did, I'm not sure it would be possible to tell if it was a proof striking or not.

As for the hows, and whys, I would suggest that many of those noted above were struck as presentation pieces either to demonstrate the coiners art, or to be given to dignitaries in hopes of securing a coinage contract, though some of the late 18th century Washington pieces and issues like the New York Theatre Token (UK, UK) were likely made for collectors of the time.

Longacre

Great responses! Thanks