1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 5.8-F, W-2620. Rarity-5. Mailed Bust Left. VF-20 (PCGS).132.9 grains. Invitingly glossy dark caramel brown with subtle mottling and traces of deeper steel on the high points. Smooth, hard surfaces are free of any notable handling marks. One small natural void in the rim is noted beneath the truncation and a couple of tiny streaks may be found on the reverse upon close study. Once a rarity, and noted in William Wallace Hays’ copy of the Hall notebook, “2nd specimen found by Dr. H,” and then later, “Mr. Phelps has one. Is it the 3d.” By the time this coin appeared in the October 1976 Turoff sale, it was called Rarity-5, but it was also identified then as “one of the finest known specimens.” This in spite of the softness which is largely due to the die states. While it is no longer counted among the Condition Census pieces, it is certainly quite choice where the surfaces are concerned, and very attractive. The mentioned weakness affects the entirety of the obverse legend, and that of the reverse to a lesser degree. Flatness is also seen beneath Liberty and on the effigy’s head. The rims are tight in places, but the coin is well centered overall. With the lack of surface problems and trivial flaws, this is an ideal specimen for the quality conscious collector and the preservation is actually quite a bit better than the PCGS grade suggests.From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex Bowers and Ruddy, October 1976:547; Jack Beymer; George C. Perkins, Stack’s, January 2000:239.