1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 33.29-s.1, W-3805. Rarity-7+. Draped Bust Left. VF-35 (PCGS).145.8 grains. A relative newcomer to the variety count of Connecticut coppers, the 33.29-s.1 was discovered only on January 7, 1993 by cherrypicker extraordinaire Mike Ringo as a new combination of 2 previously known dies. This particular example is the discovery specimen, sold by Mike Ringo into Collection SLT in February 1993, shortly after his discovery, and entered the Martin cabinet with the dispersal of Collection SLT in our January 2012 Americana Sale. When we first sold this coin in 2012, only 3 specimens were known to us, including this, one discovered unattributed in an auction consignment by our very own Andy Pollock, graded PCGS VF-25 and offered in our (Stack’s) November 2008 Baltimore auction, and a specimen called Fine-15 and sold in our (Bowers and Merena) November 2006 Baltimore sale. According to Randy Clark, there are currently six known examples, including a couple that have rather rough surfaces. We resold the November 2008 specimen as part of the Twin Leaf sale earlier this year, when we discussed the relative qualities of the discovery specimen and the Twin Leaf examples like this:<p><em>This is arguably the finest of the three we have handled, though it is very similar in grade to the Discovery Coin. Both are of nearly identical sharpness, though varying in evenness. This piece is stronger through the effigy’s face and head, while the other is stronger in the drapery. The obverse centering is virtually identical, quite good, with full legends and partial dentils. One small planchet void is seen in the head of other piece, while this obverse is free of such imperfections. Comparison of the reverses reveals a similar situation. Remarkably, small laminations near 3:00 are seen on both examples. The reverse surface of the Discovery Coin seems a little better, though there is a dig at Liberty’s head which perhaps balances the scale. There is little more to compare, so the opinions of those who will compete for this rarity will have the final say</em>.<p>To the above we can only add that the Discovery coin has choice, golden brown surfaces and the dig at Liberty’s head described above is actually a natural dip in the planchet. It has been missing from every major collection formed and sold since the days of Hall and Hays, including Ryder, Boyd, Norweb, Oechsner, Hessberg, and Perkins. Robert clearly pursued this coin not only for its rarity but for its superb color and surfaces, as it fit comfortably into the rest of his superior quality Connecticut holdings.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Discovered by Mike Ringo on January 7, 1993; Collection SLT, purchased from Ringo in February 1993; Stack’s Bowers’ sale of Collection SLT in the Americana Sale, January 25, 2012, lot 7310.
