1788 Vermont Copper. RR-26, Bressett 16-T, W-2190. Rarity-6+. Bust Right. Fine-15 (PCGS).107.36 grains. A truly extraordinary piece with rich golden brown across the high points and deep chestnut patina in the fields. The complexion is overall glossy, with a minor granularity apparent under scrutiny. Each side shows an ideally centered strike, leaving the legends tightly aligned to the borders. A few old pinscratches cross the obverse portrait, though these have been well worn into the surrounding patina. The reverse shows an angled mark at the top of the shield, though this is similarly ancient and not distracting in the least. A diagnostic crack horizontally bisects the upper reverse from 10 to 1 oclock, essentially beheading the seated figured at the chin. An attractive specimen that combines strong eye appeal with immense rarity. The Ryder-26 variety is a significant challenge for colonial collectors. Vermont specialist Tony Carlotto noted in his 1998 reference that it "is one of the classic rarities in the Vermont series. It is not a distinctive type or sub-type, but is genuinely rare." More recently, Dave Bowers suggests in his new (2018) reference that as few as 9 examples might exist, saying "it is one of the well-known key rarities in the original Ryder listing." Most examples are heavily worn or with problems, emphasizing the desirability of the present piece now available for the first time in many decades.From the Cohasco Collection of Colonials formed by Sir Philip H. Snyder, circa 1963-68.