NNP

(1790) PENNY Albany Church Penny, D Above CHURCH, Breen-1170, W-8500, R.7 -- Rim Damage -- NGC Details. XF. Attractive chocolate brown coloration and smooth, hard surfaces enhance the eye appeal of this classic rarity. The Albany Church Penny is known in two varieties, with and without a script "D" over the word CHURCH. The meaning of the "D" remains uncertain. It is frequently said to stand for the Latin "denarium" (penny), but this appears to be speculative. Others have suggested that it was the initial of a pastor or church official, but the pastor at the time was the Rev. John McDonald and there appears to be no other obvious connection with an elder of the congregation. The two varieties appear to be comparable in rarity. Indeed, combining the populations graded by the two main services leaves us with eight examples with the "D" and eight without (7/17). This piece has obvious and deliberate rim damage, but the design features are undisturbed and it retains much of its charm as among the most mysterious of early American issues. Listed on page 77 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15054, realized $15600. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.