1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 5.7-H.1, W-2610. Rarity-5. Mailed Bust Left. AU-55 (PCGS).117.3 grains. Dies oriented at 270 degrees. Called Finest Known by Robert on his envelope, an honor that this coin very well may deserve. Most all known survivors are significantly less sharp and lustrous, while only superior examples like the 1975 EAC Sale, Oechsner and Ford-Twin Leaf examples are similar in terms of sharpness and surface quality. Nearly all the high grade examples have some sort of planchet flaw, including this one, which has some notable fissures at obverse center which do not generally affect the strength of the strike, while a single serpentine fissure on the reverse is joined by some microscopic granularity to subtly weaken the lower parts of the reverse designs and date. Essentially unworn, this coin’s bold luster and glossy mahogany brown surfaces are what attracted Robert’s experienced eye to it in 1989.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Purchased from Mike Ringo, January 19, 1989.