1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 19-M, W-4900. Rarity-5. Curved Plow

Condition Census Maris 19-M Ex Taylor-Schettino 1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 19-M, W-4900. Rarity-5. Curved Plow Beam, Drunken Die Cutter, Wide Shield. VF-30 (PCGS). 161.4 grains. SHI DS1. A superb example of a rare variety, boasting a choice appearance and a very desirable provenance. From the famed 1987 Frederick Taylor sale, where it was described by Dave Bowers as: ...a very attractive coin, with light brown surfaces. The obverse and reverse dies were slightly misaligned at the time of striking, with the result that the piece appears to be struck slightly off center; this is not the case, for the obverse and reverse 'off center' appearances are not opposite each other in the dies. This obverse is distinguished by irregular date numerals, the first of which leans sharply to the left, on a diagonal. One of the finest known examples of this issue. In his day, Maris saw "four or five." There is little to add, other than to reiterate just how pretty this coin is. Were it a common type coin, its fine color and smooth glossy surfaces would recommend it highly. A very tiny rim bruise is noted under the date, to no great consequence. Careful scrutiny reveals a very finely penned number 4 on the chest of the horse and a letter H in the soft spot of the reverse shield, shorthand for the Crosby designation of 4.2-H.3, placing the likely date of this die variety notation before 1881's publication of the Maris book! The Maris-Garrett coin is EF+, and the rest of the 2024 SHI Condition Census for these dies is populated with EF+, EF, and EF- coins. The present example is included there, as published in the authors' New Jersey State Coppers Companion. The Ford coin, ranked higher therein, was slightly sharper but showed some minor reverse roughness. We could understand a sensible collector being undecided if given the choice between this one and that very nice and also well-pedigreed specimen. Early die state, only a very slight bulge visible under the horsehead. Provenance: From the Emerald Coast Collection. Earlier ex our (Bowers and Merena's) sale of the Frederick Taylor Collection, March 1987, lot 2182; Don Valenziano, January 2006; Clem Schettino; our (Stack's) sale of the Clem Schettino Collection of New Jersey Coppers, January 2010 New York Americana Sale, lot 4258. PCGS# 498. NGC ID: 2B4H. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

Estimate:$1

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