The History and Five Varieties of Immune Columbia Pieces
The Immune Columbia pieces of 1785 are sometimes referred to as the 1785 Vermont Immune Columbia coppers. The die used for the obverse does not correspond to any other Vermont coin. However, the punch used for the head on these coins does appear to be the same one used on several other Vermont dies.
The Immune Columbia design of this piece was used with two other distinct issues dated 1785. One was with a Nova Constellatio Copper design showing a single Eye of Providence surrounded by rays and stars. The second coin was one that displayed an image of King George III.
These pieces are considered by many experts to be unofficial or privately made coinage. A couple of the types feature an allegorical representation of Justice as a seated figure. The IMMUNE COLUMBIA device with the Liberty Cap and Scales replaced “LIBERTAS” and “JUSTITIA” on the Nova Constellation copper coinage series.
There are five specific types that are considered part of the Immune Columbia series of coins. The 1785 Vermont Immune Columbia Coppers are a very rare issue with only approximately thirty specimens known in all varieties. Most specimens are very well-circulated with a grade of Very Fine being the condition census coin.
The Silver 1785 Immune Columbia Pattern coin has several elements that closely resemble other colonial coins. The obverse displays a seated version of Justice with a Liberty Cap and Scales. The reverse is nearly a copy of the Nova Constellatio series. This specimen is known as the “13 Stars Reverse” to differentiate it from the Nova Constellatio reverse that has an extra, 14th star. Coincidentally, the 14th state admitted to the Union was the State of Vermont.
Seven different examples of this very rare coin are known.
This unique rarity was struck at George Wyon’s private minting facility in Birmingham, England. The obverse features the Seated Justice, holding a Liberty Pole with Cap atop and the Scales of Justice. The reverse has the “ALL SEEING EYE OF PROVIDENCE” surrounded by pointed rays with 13 six-pointed stars between the rays. The “IMMUNE” was a design mistake; it should have been the Latin “IMMUNIS” instead. It is believed to have been overstruck on a British Gold Guinea coin.
This unusual coin has the reverse of a Nova Constellatio copper, with a star between CONSTELLATION and NOVA and the obverse combines the obverse of a 1785 Immune Columbia Copper with the obverse of an Immune Columbia copper coin. Less than 10 examples are known and this is the Finest One.
The Blunt Rays version of the 1785 Immune Columbia is exceedingly rare with only two known specimens.
| Date | Type | Mintage | F Value | XF Value |
| 1785 | Copper, 13 stars | 30 known | $16,500 | $50,000 |
| 1785 | Silver, 13 Stars | 45 known | $27,500 | $80,000 |
| 1785 | Pointed Rays, 14 Stars | 25 known | $16,500 | $55,000 |
| 1785 | Pointed Rays, Gold | Unique | Priceless | Priceless |
| 1785 | Blunt Rays, Copper | 2 Known | $40,000 | $75,000 |
Invest in the historic significance and beauty of American history and shop our assortment of rare United States coins.
