1787 1/2P Immunis Columbia Eagle Reverse, Plain Edge, BN AU53BN 认证号38321557, PCGS号841

Ron Guth

Two schools of thought surround the 1787 Immunis Columbia, Eagle Reverse coppers.  Traditonal scholars believe they were pattern coins struck to support a coinage contract proposed by Matthias Ogden in Mach 1787.  A newer school of thought believes they were struck as late as 1788 and early 1789 for circulation.  A fairly large percentage of circulated examples supports the new school's thinking, but the rarrity of the issue supports the former.

All but four 1787 Immunis Columbia, Eagle Reverse coppers are struck on undersized planchets, resulting in a typical loss of denticles and sometimes portions of the date.  Four examples are known to have been struck over 1786 New Jersey Coppers (all Maris 26-S).  These are the so-called "broad planchet" varieties, which means that the host coins were larger in diameter than the dies for the Immunis, thus every bit of the design, including the denticles and beyond, of the Immunis can be seen.  These are dramatic pieces that fetch huge premiums over the smaller-diameter versions.

As a class, the 1787 Immunis Columbia, Eagle Reverse coppers are scarce in circulated condition and very rare in Mint State.  No Gems are known, nor are any known with more than tinge of original red color.