1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 5.8-F, W-2620. Rarity-5. Mailed Bust Left. AU-55 (PCGS).153.9 grains. The second of three specimens that trace their provenance to the storied Stepney Hoard, and one clearly collected by Robert not only for its high grade but for the fullness of detail where the coin is not affected by the texture of the original planchet surface. Essentially Mint State with bold mint gloss, choice chocolate surfaces, and just a touch of rub to the high points, while a crescent of unstruck metal dominates the upper obverse and lower left reverse periphery. Obverse centered a bit toward the 6 o’clock position, while the reverse is a bit off-center toward 2 o’clock. This auction may very well be the first opportunity in which to acquire two examples of the same variety from the Stepney Hoard in the same venue since its discovery and dispersion.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex Stepney Hoard (1951); W. Philip Keller Collection via R.O. Hollinbeck on July 29, 1954; Heritage’s Sale of the Keller Collection, December 2010, lot 3048.
