1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 12-I, W-4795. Rarity-5. Date Under Plow, No Coulter, Shaggy Mane. EF-40.，126.0 grains. From our January 2013 Sale of legendary Ted L. Craige Collection, where we described this sharp coin as: <br /><em>"Just a few degrees off medal turn. Barely worn, and technically probably worthy of an AU grade. Fine raised die finish lines remain visible all over the obverse field, elements that would be among the first to wear off with any significant friction. Though this coin may be the least worn 12-I in existence, it clearly spent some time in the earth, with even deep olive patina on both sides. Raised encrustation and scale remains at the peripheries of both sides, with some specks nearer centers, raised rather than corrosive into the coin. The obverse is well-centered, slightly aligned to 10 oclock, with the outside of the dentils visible at lower right. Reverse better centered, showing a full complement of dentils, though those at base are shorter than those at top. In this somewhat advanced die state, the bottom of the horsehead is ill-defined, and the shield is also poorly defined, as struck. Ranking a coin like this in the Condition Census is problematical. It is clearly not as desirable as the sharp EF and choice appealing Boyd-Ford coin, though it is obviously less worn. The SHI Condition Census places Ford as finest (accurately), Royse as second finest, the Bareford-Foreman coin third, followed by others in the VF range. This coin will be preferable to a nice VF in some collectors eyes, less desirable in others. Vive la difference."</em> <br /><p>From the Syd Martin Collection. Earlier Ex our sale of the Ted L. Craige Collection, January 2013, lot 11297. Coin is accompanied by Craiges original collection envelope and a Richard Picker imprinted cotton liner, leaving open the possibility that Craige originally purchased the coin from Pickers stock.
