1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 5.3-N, W-2575. Rarity-2. Mailed Bust Left, Hercules Head. Double Struck. Fine-15 (PCGS).149.9 grains. Smoothly worn, steely brown surfaces exhibit the expected marks of circulation and a single, minor planchet flaw at the 6 o’clock area of the reverse. If this were just a type coin, it would be prized for its surface quality, but this coin is also a most incredible error. The coin is at least double struck—the first strike was about 20% off-center toward 12 o’clock, following by a strike that was about 20% off-center in the opposite direction. But there’s more—a ring of incuse denticles and letters at the left reverse that are probably possibly the remains of a third striking that was a brockage strike; but there does not seem to be any hint of this third strike on the obverse, so it may have been through an intervening planchet, leaving no trace on this now well-coin. Or the incused letters are a remnant of the die clashing that affects the reverse die and that has now been muddled by the multiple striking and circulation wear. Whatever this is, it is a fascinating coin that any Connecticut or colonial collector would be elated to own. Robert’s collection of Hercules Heads just about has it all—die states, beautiful pieces, a rarity, and this incredible and irreplaceable error coin.From the Robert M. Martin Collection Bowers and Merena’s Rare Coin Review #49, October 1983; Bowers and Merena’s sale of the Russell B. Patterson Collection, March 25-26, 1985, lot 2116.
