1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 20-N, W-4905. Rarity-4. Wide Shield, Drunken Die Cutter. VF Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS).155.78 grains. Dark espresso patina covers the fields of this lovely example, shadowing lighter golden brown color across the high points. A light granularity shows in the fields under magnification, though this goes unnoticed to the naked eye and is trivial in the context of the issue. The obverse die is in a late state, exhibiting a wiry crack from the 6 of the date to the rim at 4 oclock, in addition to considerable clashing with the shield that softens the striking detail at center. The reverse remains sharp, and the dies are well aligned on each side. An attractive example of the Drunken Die Cutter type; one of two varieties given such a nickname for a more crudely engraved obverse die.From the Cohasco Collection of Colonials formed by Sir Philip H. Snyder, circa 1963-68.
