1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 33.31-gg.2, W-3825. Rarity-5+. Draped Bust Left, ETLIR. AU-50 (PCGS).133.5 grains. Called “2nd Finest, Sharpest Seen” by Robert on his envelope, we can easily agree with the latter comment but we are having trouble finding an auction record or reference to any finer specimens out there. The closest contender is the Collection SLT coin, called VF-35 but clearly nearly AU but unevenly struck, which can describe a lot of Connecticuts, including the one in this lot! This coin is AU or better in strict terms of wear, but is very soft on obverse effigy’s head, in the drapery between Liberty’s legs and the shield, as well as around the first C of CONNEC and the exact corresponding area of the reverse. Light olive and ruddy brown, with steely highlights on both sides, especially where the strike is the softest. A small planchet lamination between LI and rim on reverse serves to easily identify this coin, which is a near color and strike match to the Collection SLT coin. Clearly in the Condition Census and possibly the finest known of the die marriage, this coin would make an ideal candidate for a high-end die variety set as well as type set, as it represents the Red Book listed ETLIR type for the misspelling of the reverse legend.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex Coin Galleries Sale of April 28, 2010, lot 2037.
