My Very First Colonial Coin - 1785 Nova Constellatio

That's a very respectable coin for the price, Susanlynn9. Unless the future resale value is a factor, I'd vote to crack it out. I've found that the holders do tend to impress non-collectors more as they validate the antiquity. As for me, I tend to be in cipster's camp on this and much enjoy holding the old coppers.

BTW, do consider buying "Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins" by Q. David Bowers. I'm really enjoying it. Prices for this book are all over the map, so shop around. Best wishes ...

For better depth history of each particular issue get a copy of Crosby. But don't ignor the NDU site it is a great primer.

Great deal! I want some now.

I have picked up three more Colonial coppers for under $75 and was able to the book for under $30. I'm really looking forward to getting the coins and the book. It will be nice to look up varieties for myself.

Here are the pics. The details look much better in-hand by turning/tilting the coin. Corrosion looks to be very minimal.

Congrats!

I'll second the Crosby 5-E! If you look below the R in LIBERTAS (perhaps with a loupe, SusanLynn!) you'll see a row of five or six triangular denticles, angling up to the bottom-left of the upright of the T. I think you'll find these on late die state 5-E's. Not sure how they got there, though; they don't look like a straightforward clash.
Of course, you could just count the leaves; 26 pairs, and a 5-E it is!