1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 1.1-A, W-2700. Rarity-3. Mailed Bust Right, Small Head, ETLIB INDE. EF-45 (PCGS).119.8 grains. The distinctive Small Head type, a biennial die found paired with reverses A and VV of 1787, and also with reverse I of 1788, for which it is called obverse 1. Here is a coin that has remained very consistent in grade over the last 4 decades, called EF-45 by both NERCA in 1977 and PCGS in 2019. That grade, however, does not describe the near lack of actual wear on this coin, which is softly defined in the centers of both sides—the designs are actually quite high relief, and the planchet too thin to provide enough metal to fill those deepest portions of the die, leaving the rough texture of the original planchet surface plainly visible. The fields are aglow with the original luster flow lines and many of the finest scratches, marks and spalling on the dies is still plainly visible, something seen only on coins that are little worn. Rich mahogany and golden brown, with slight iridescence on the high points of the designs and legends. Well struck at the peripheries and relatively well centered, with only AUCTORI tight to the rim. Miller 1.1-A averages in the VF grade range, with superior specimens like this few and far between. The Archangel coin, ex Laird Park, called AU58 was glossier than this example but just as well detailed. The 1975 Pine Tree EAC coin, called only VF back then, seems to be as fine or finer than this and the Archangel example, and a well struck, nearly Mint State example turned up by Mike Ringo circa 1993 is in a New England collection. A prime specimen of the Small Head type paired with the anomalous reverse with legend reading ETLIB INDE rather than the other way around.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex New England Rare Coin Auctions Sale of March 26, 1977, lot 554.
