1783 Washington Independence

killer26

So what are the chances this is a genuine 1783 washington cent i came to in my father's collection today? It's in incredible shape, & looks just like the coin pics that came up from a google search. Please dont tell me there's something like 10 of these in existence.

zap1111

What fun for you. There were lots of copies made of these early colonial pieces - I'll let the experts chime in on this. Here's hopin' you have the real deal!
zap

Broadstruck

Are you talking about a Unity cent

Reverse looks like a US cent, Obverse shows Washington looking all Roman.

Would most likely also have file marks on the planchet.

killer26

Yep thats it. The Roman(goofy) looking Washington was the first thing to catch my eye. Its this golden brownish color, washington side says "Washington & Independence" reverse just says "United States".
Thanks Zap! I have a feelin bout this one, but u guys have never heard someone say that im sure

JamesMurray

I'm almost certain it should say United States of America and one cent on the reverse qith the 1/100 fraction at the bottem. Maybe i'm reading your post wrong when it says "United States" ?

ColonialCoinUnion

There are a number of different Washington pieces which are dated 1783, and which have the legend Washington & Independence, some of which I have listed here:

1783 Washington UNITY STATES:


1783 Washington Large Military Bust:


1783 Washington Draped Bust, No Button on the Toga:


1783 Washington Draped Bust, with Button on the Toga:


1783 Washington Draped Bust, Restrike (circa 1860):


So which one do you have?

coinhunters

I have an " original " Draped Bust, No Button 1783. I believe there are somewhere around 800-1000 pieces , all in low grades.

DorkGirl

I love the "Unity States of America".

EagleEye

The portrait on these pieces is not of Washington. It is likely the Duke of Wellington.





This also dates the pieces to much later than than 1783. Likely 1810-1820 era.

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>I have an " original " Draped Bust, No Button 1783. I believe there are somewhere around 800-1000 pieces , all in low grades. >>



I believe the total population extant is far less than 800 - I would guess less than 200. But they do exist in high grade, including the one shown above.

killer26

Well its definetely the Draped Bust Washington. I dont have the coin in front of me so I'm not positive which one but im fairly sure its the no button. And its condition is almost identical to the one pictured above. Thanks ColonialCoinUnion for posting those pics. I'll post as soon as I'm back home and let you guys know which one I have

Zoins

Thread Revival Alert

@EagleEye said:
The portrait on these pieces is not of Washington. It is likely the Duke of Wellington.

This also dates the pieces to much later than than 1783. Likely 1810-1820 era.

This is interesting. Notre Dame says that the Washington bust was based on a Washington portrait by the Philadelphia painter Edward Savage. Is Savage's Washington portrait based on the Duke of Willington or is Notre Dame incorrect about the Savage portrait?

On some varieties the initials T.W.I. and E.S are found in exergue on the reverse. They stand for the engraver Thomas Wells Ingram who modeled his work on a Washington portrait by the Philadelphia painter Edward Savage.

• https://coins.nd.edu/colcoin/colcoinintros/WashDRAPED.intro.html
• https://coins.nd.edu/colcoin/ColCoinIntros/WashMILITARY.intro.html

Just noticed the initials on this piece: