1785 Immune Columbia Copper Pattern - Extra Star

Coin Details

Description

Distinguished by an additional star beyond the standard count in the reverse design, this 1785 Immune Columbia copper pattern (Crosby; Whitman 5635) represents one of the rarest proposed federal coins from the Confederation period. The extra star may indicate a die preparation error or a deliberate design variation. Immune Columbia patterns from 1785 are among the most important proposed federal coins, predating the U.S. Mint by seven years and documenting early national debates about coinage design. The obverse features seated Liberty with IMMUNE COLUMBIA (a variant of "Immunis Columbia," meaning "Columbia is Free"); the reverse typically displays an eagle or patriotic device surrounded by stars. The extra star anomaly is extremely rare, adding die variety significance to a type already of the highest importance. The 1785 date places these patterns when the Confederation Congress actively considered national coinage proposals, and pieces like the Immune Columbia were produced as official proposals or private speculations demonstrating potential designs. Struck in copper, these survive in extremely small numbers.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. The extra star makes this a distinctive variety.

Cross References

Crosby; Whitman 5635