1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 38-c, W-5190. Rarity-3. Small Head, Seven Pales Shield. Fine-15 (PCGS).While not a major rarity in an absolute sense, Maris 38-c is seldom offered much finer than this. Predominantly toned in rich burnt-orange hues with areas of smoky slate-grey patina visible on each side. Boldly defined on the obverse and less so on the reverse, with particular sharpness remaining to the date and horse. Natural striations in the planchet appear under magnification and the complexion is nicely composed to the naked eye. Free from distracting abrasions though direct lighting reveals a few microscopic hairlines on the reverse. Found paired with four different obverse dies, Reverse c is one of only two reverse dies to feature seven pales to the shield. The other, Reverse ii, is exceedingly rare.From the Collection of Larry L. Terrell. Earlier ex Stacks, August 1995, privately.
