Getting to Know Eric P. Newman, Part 3: A Vermont Numismatic Enigma

Lianna Spurrier continues her video series on numismatic publications of Eric P. Newman, with the latest installment focusing on his 1958 publication "A Recently Discovered Coin Solves a Vermont Numismatic Enigma." In this article, Newman sought to explain why Vermont coppers minted during the Confederation period bore British insignia. With an assist from Walter Breen, Newman uncovered a punch interlock between certain 1786 Vermont coppers and Machin's Mills counterfeit halfpence of the same period, demonstrating that the British Union was intentionally reused on the Vermont reverse die, most likely as a cost saving measure. Today, about a dozen examples of the "Vermont Enigma" die pairing are known, with the finest piece selling in the Newman IV sale in 2014.

Images: The Vermont Enigma coin, 1776 Machin's Mills Halfpence, NGC MS62 Brown, Vlack 9-76B, Breen Encyclopedia plate coin, ex. Newman IV (Heritage Auctions, 11/2014, lot 3030, realized $35,250).

Link to A Vermont Numismatic Enigma video on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/586143