1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 23-R, W-4945. Rarity-3. Narrow Shield, Curved Plow Beam. AU-50.，149.6 grains. The glossy chestnut brown obverse surfaces of this high grade New Jersey copper were lightly smoothed in the center to minimize the visual impact of the natural planchet surface that shows through as a result of the inadequate central strike seen an all survivors of this die pairing (even the Gem Red finest known example). The glossy olive-brown reverse fields appear to have received similar treatment, in addition to some cruder revision to the vertical shield lines in an attempt to insert what was never visible on this very high grade 23-R. Well-centered on a broad flan, this example is quite visually appealing and holds the fifth position in the Siboni/Howes/Ish condition census.From the Syd Martin Collection. Earlier Ex our (Stacks) sale of May 2000, lot 88; our (Stacks) sale of September 2005, lot 285; Lawrence R. Stack Collection.
