1788 New Jersey Copper. Maris 50-f, W-5475. Rarity-3. Head Left. VF-25 (PCGS). 151.9 grains. A great looking coin, with attractive glossy medium brown surfaces on both sides. The Head Left horsehead stands out in exemplary relief. Denticles frame the obverse everywhere except the left periphery between 7 oclock and 11 oclock, and the reverse border is bold everywhere but the left as well. A striation through the soft area of the central reverse is about the only significant defect, though there are some scattered striations and laminations on both sides, including one right of the date. Die State 3, not quite to 4, with a die crack arcing from EA of CAESAREA almost to the date. The bulge in the right obverse field is present but affects no devices.<p><p>This is about as nice as this variety is easily found, given the dearth of high grade specimens and the additional demand pressure put on varieties of a distinctive major type. The SHI census is populated exclusively by VF coins after the top two pieces. The 2019 E Pluribus Unum coin, graded VF-30 (PCGS), reappeared in our August 2022 Syd Martin sale. It sold for $6,600 the first time and $9,000 the second. PCGS# 766268. From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
