1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 1.2-C, W-2720. Rarity-3. Mailed Bust Right, Muttonhead, Topless Liberty. AU-58 (PCGS).139.5 grains. Originally called the Bull’s Head by Dickeson in 1859, probably for its similarity to the similarly named ca.1816 silver coinage of George III, the name Muttonhead, introduced by Crosby in 1875, has persisted to this day. The origins of the Muttonhead die pairings have not been sufficiently explained, though their stylistic similarity to the Nova Eborac coinages has been observed. The Miller 1.2-C die pairing is common, but not so in this condition. This one is closer to Mint State than to AU, with just a touch of friction to the highest points of the high relief designs on both sides. Light golden brown with a hint of iridescence on both sides, not unusual on high quality survivors of this distinctive design. Well struck from the “middle” die state, where the legends, date, and upper and lower portions of the obverse effigy have been mostly polished from the die; what remains of the reverse legends appears to read INDE EI ILB! It is also in this state that certain details were added to the die, such as the lines of latitude and longitude in the globe. Two Muttonheads have been graded at the AU-58 level by PCGS, this one and the lovely Twin Leaf specimen we sold in March 2019, which was comparable in appearance but from an earlier die state and a bit off-center. The Archangel coin, ex Bowers & Ruddy’s Kensington sale, was called AU-58+ and was from an earlier state of the die with stronger legends. Called “Mint State” and “Among the Finest Known” by Robert, this example is perhaps one of the finest, most balanced survivors that is common when well worn, but uncommon when this nice.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex Stack’s Sale of the Herbert Oechsner Collection, September 9, 1988, lot 1060, where it was featured on the color plate.
