1788 Vermont Copper. RR-28, Bressett 21-U, W-2215. Rarity-5. Bust Right. VF-20 (PCGS).130.1 grains. A really appealing example of this dramatic variety, always seen boldly cracked across the obverse and almost always encountered overstruck. While the overwhelming majority of the survivors of this die marriage are struck atop counterfeit Irish halfpenny hosts, this piece appears to be struck on a virgin planchet, with no evidence of undertype on either side. The obverse is ideally centered and remarkably well detailed, with lovely light brown surfaces that show significant natural gloss. A glass reveals a hint of trivial granularity, but no significant flaws are visible on that side, just a short toned scratch near the rim at 6 oclock, a light abrasion at the back of the jawline, and some really subtle hairlines. The reverse is lightly granular and shows scattered pitting, most notable right of center, but the color is good and the centering is ideal. The date and legends are complete, and only minor marks are seen.<p>In the last 20 years, weve only had four of these graded better than Fine, three of which were certified while the other was a raw piece with scratches that would receive a Details grade today. Syd Martin had the best of them, the Hinkley coin we sold in November 2001. In August 2023, graded EF-45 (PCGS), it brought $6,600.PCGS# 800842. BASE PCGS# 563. NGC ID: 2B5D.From the Richard August Collection.
