1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 37.8-k.2, W-4155. Rarity-5. Draped Bust Left. EF-45 (PCGS).146.6 grains. Dies oriented at 285 degrees. A Clark Reverse Plate Coin. Robert was apparently accumulating "possible finest known" 37.8-k.2s, as he ended up with three pieces that PCGS has graded exactly the same way, EF-45! Each has its pluses and minuses, and it will be interesting to see which piece the market decides it likes the most. This one is dark brown with steely highlights, with hard surfaces that are somewhat lustrous at the peripheries. A solitary planchet lamination at reverse center is joined by some planchet roughness at CTOR that was not flattened out by the force of the strike. Both sides off-center a touch, softening the bottoms of the date digits. The three coins in this sale, along with a chocolate brown, gently striated EF piece in private collection are probably among the top specimens extant of the issue. A pleasing coin that hails from one of the most significant sales of Connecticut Coppers ever.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex 1975 EAC Convention Sale, Pine Tree Auctions, February 15, 1975, lot 154.
