1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 68-w, W-5400. Rarity-5. Outlined Shield. Fine-12 (PCGS).A pleasing example of this rare issue toned in marbling shades of caramel and cocoa-brown. The surfaces are overall hard and compact, with just a few trivial hairlines revealed by direct lighting. Severe weakness to the central devices is the result of die failure as noted for Die State 3. Even so, the obverse retains considerable definition to most elements. A thin crack connects the tops of CAES in CASEAREA and original planchet texture remains visible in select areas. Due to peculiarities in some of the features, the authors of New Jersey State Coppers suggest that Maris 68-w could possibly be a contemporary counterfeit issue. Obverse 68 is unknown outside of this marriage while Reverse w is also used for Maris 69-w, which is strongly suspected to be a contemporary counterfeit, as well. An attractive and choice specimen that has been off the market for nearly two decades.From the Collection of Larry L. Terrell. Earlier ex Bowers and Merena, April 2002, privately.
