OK, does that mean this must be a 1796 then? Sorry, EAC is something that I have minimal knowledge in. I literally bought this because I wanted an 18th century piece and based on the dealers other prices...they all seemed reasonable (so I assumed this was too). Plus, I thought it would be a good learning experience.
So here is a question...totally unrelated to anything else I have asked. I'm in the process of moving the coins in my collection that I like into higher quality holders. I'd like to put this coin into an airtite. But, based on Red Book (the only reference I have for this type of coin)...it says the diameter is approximately 29mm. I assume this is because they were stuck without a collar. Now, I prefer the airtites with the rings in them...which give me a little wiggle room for size. Do you think 29mm would be the best choice? Should I dig out some calipers and see if I can measure the coin (or is there really that much variability in these)? Also, I know this is a general preference...but with copper coins do the white or black rings tend to contrast better?
If I have it right, the 29mm is a larger Airtite with the foam ring which will allow you a little room to compress it for a slightly larger coin (if "larger" is your worry). Therefore, an appropriate choice. From a contrast standpoint, white would be better than black for all but the most lustrous copper. Always shoot for the greater contrast when contemplating display.
So, white it is then. With EAC coinage...does the approximate in size tend to be bigger than 29mm or are some smaller? I guess that was my worry. If the coin is slightly smaller...it will rattle around which I don't really want. I should probably just measure it. I'll have to dig out some calipers (not sure where I saw them last...haha).
There should also be optional rings available to make that diameter a bit smaller. Airtite has this figured out.
My first 18th century coin was a 1797 that has a dark surface, but I paid $5 for the coin and that was when I was a kid, it is a VF details coin, and surely worth much more than I paid for it. But like your coin, it is magical - a coin from a nascent USA that when you think about how the British desired to finish off the USA during the War of 1812 makes it all that much more interesting.
I agree...it's from a fascinating period. It's almost hard to fathom...this coin has existed during every US presidency.