1787 Nova Eborac Copper. W-5760. Seated Figure Facing Right. MS-62 BN (PCGS). CAC.；An impressive condition rarity that ranks among the finest Nova Eborac coppers extant. The surfaces are hard and tight with an overall smooth satin texture. Evenly toned in lovely orange-brown patina, as well, the eye appeal is remarkable for a type that is usually offered in worn condition, if not also impaired. Striking quality is no less impressive, both sides well centered on the planchet aside from trivial off-centering to 9 oclock. The left peripheral devices are flush with the borders, as a result, but the entire design is present with overall bold definition that comes up short only over the central high points. Struck from the intermediate state of the reverse die with a pair of light cracks from the quatrefoil after the word LIB extending to the seated figures leg. In the late die state of this variety these cracks would advance to form a single sizeable cud break.<p>Like the Excelsior coppers, examples of which are offered above, the Nova Eborac pieces of the same year are attributed to John Bailey and Ephraim Brasher. The two are believed to have operated a joint minting operation in or near New York City, through which they sought a contract to coin coppers from the New York State legislature. Although the contract was never issued, Bailey and Brasher went on to produce a sizeable issue of Nova Eborac pieces, the letter punches for which match those of Brashers rarer and more famous gold doubloon. Donald Groves Partrick described this example as the finest known when he acquired it from RARCOAs sale of April 1972. Although that distinction now belongs to the Roper coin, acquired later by Partrick and since certified MS-65 BN by NGC, the present example is still high in the Condition Census for both the type and variety.；From the Antony Bettencourt Collection. Earlier ex RARCOAs Central States Numismatic Society sale of April 1972, lot 388; Heritages sale of the Donald G. Partrick Collection, Part I, January 2015, lot 5670.
