1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 5.7-G, W-2605. Rarity-8. Mailed Bust Left. VG-10 (PCGS).126.7 grains. We are delighted to be able to once again offer this prize for sale. The last time we sold it, in our January 2011 Americana Sale, it was the first public offering of this specimen, the second of only two examples identified at the time. It entered the Twin Leaf Collection at that time and has been off the market until now. The condition is exactly as when we last offered it. Pleasing deep tan on the higher points of the motifs contrasts nicely with the deep steel brown of the recesses. Light granularity is noted across both sides but it does not affect the overall eye appeal. One tiny nick left of the portrait and another at the rim beneath the truncation are the only notable marks, and these barely warrant mention. A couple of trivial natural flaws are detected, neither of which affects the appearance to any meaningful degree. The obverse is centered low, with parts of the letters AUCT compromised by the rim, while the reverse is nicely centered with full legends. The misalignment of the obverse resulted in weak strike pressure opposite the date, so there is weakness in this area; the digits are just ghostly.pThis variety was discovered in 2002 and was the first new 1786 Connecticut to be discovered since Miller’s work was published in 1920. Previously, this obverse was known to have been paired with reverses H.1 and O.2. The reverse was known to have been mated with obverses 4.1, 5.3 (one of the rare Hercules Head varieties) and 5.4. This specimen came to light shortly before its first public sale in 2011, bringing the number known to two, with the other said to be marginally finer. A third has now been reported, according to Randy Clark. The Twin Leaf Collection is the first truly great specialized cabinet of Connecticut coppers to be sold with this variety included. Another very important highlight of the present sale.From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex Stack’s, January 2011:5897.
