1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 1.2-mm, W-2730. Rarity-7. Mailed Bust Right, Muttonhead, Topless Liberty. Fine Details—Bent (PCGS).Somewhat rough surfaces exhibit a deep steel brown patina that is broken only on the higher points where some reddish brown copper shows through. A few ancient abrasions are also noted, most significantly right of Liberty’s head and near the date. Likely “lost and found,” as the surfaces suggest exposure to the elements for some time. However, it is the found part that is most essential as every example of this rarity is important. A small natural clip over the C of CONNEC doesn’t seem to affect any design elements. The obverse is well centered and retains decent detail, with complete legends. The face is weak, but this element is softly executed on this variety to begin with, so this is no surprise. Weak at the central reverse. but major outlines are visible, as are most of the legends and date, including the diagnostic large pellet between T and L at right.pThis variety was discovered by Robert Vlack and first published in the emColonial Newsletter/em in 1961. Very few pieces have been identified. Perkins and Ford did not have examples, nor did one reveal itself in the Eric Newman holdings. Frederick Taylor had a relatively nice one, graded “VF-20, or finer” and suggested to be “probably finest known” in that sale. We sold one slightly inferior to the Taylor coin in our 2012 offering of Collection SLT. That was called “Fine-15” and it brought $109,250, setting a record price for any Connecticut at auction. Needless to say, this Muttonhead is important and we are delighted to be able to present it once again.From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex Stack’s Bowers, August 2013:1242.
