1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 6.1-M, W-2820. Rarity-2. First Laughing Head. MS-65 BN (PCGS).A magnificent example of this essential Guide Book type, sporting Gem preservation that goes unsurpassed across the entire Connecticut series. Vibrant satiny luster blankets the surfaces and remains fully undisturbed across the high points. The strike is ideally centered on each side, remaining uniform and crisp throughout all elements. The obverse sports mottled chocolate-brown hues with a minor planchet flaw to be noted beneath the R of AUCTORI. On the reverse, a rich crimson patina dominates the lower half while caramel hues flood across the upper border. A beautiful and technically astounding specimen. Though not rare in a general sense, the playful Laughing Head moniker has encouraged strong enthusiasm among collectors for this type, as is evidence by a listing in the Guide Book as a significant variety. Collectors apply this Laughing Head nickname to two distinct Connecticut copper die pairings including Miller 6.1-M and 6.2-M. Though Miller 6.2-M is slightly more scarce, they are both conditional rarities and are seldom found in Mint State. The present piece is a true anomaly of both the variety and the Connecticut Copper issue, ranking as the sole finest Laughing Head certified by PCGS and also one of only two coins graded MS-65 across all varieties, with none finer. It boasts a desirable provenance to the legendary collection of Eric P. Newman and is surely destined for a similarly storied cabinet.Ex Heritages sale of the Eric P. Newman Collection, Part IV, May 2014, lot 30082.
