1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 3-D.1, W-2510. Rarity-5. Mailed Bust Right, Scholar’s Head. VF-25 (PCGS).160.0 grains. The Taxay (Scott’s Encyclopedia) Plate Coin. Dark olive brown and glossy, with no distracting surface marks on either side, a minuscule planchet clip at apex of laurel wreath that looks like a small cud at quick glance. Struck on a heavy flan, above the nominal 144 grain standard, and though fully struck, the detail is sufficiently shallowly cut into the die that little actual detail was imparted to the coin when it was new; here we see hints of detail in the hair, epaulet, face and of the obverse effigy, and the internal contours of Liberty’s chest and drapery on the reverse. Reverse is in its late, boldly clashed die state that has the transferred distinctive triangular denticles along left reverse periphery, as well as parts of CON of CONNEC. Catalogued as “The FINEST we’ve seen, specimens almost never appearing above good. Worthy of generous bidding!” in its 1962 auction appearance, when the die marriage was still considered “almost R-7, ” this coin is a near ideal survivor of the variety. Though no longer the finest seen—the superb Mint State Oechsner coin is the head and shoulders finest known—this example still rates as one of the best examples of 3-D.1 out there; it is comparable to the PDV 1975 EAC Sale coin, is finer than Taylor-Perkins, finer than Garrett and finer than Collection SLT. Well pedigreed and choice, this example is destined for another collection featuring the great color and surfaces of so many of Robert’s coins!From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex New Netherlands 56th Sale, June 27, 1962, lot 25; Stack’s Sale of the John L. Roper Collection, December 8, 1983, lot 231.
