1788 Connecticut Copper. Miller 16.3-N, W-4610. Rarity-2. Draped Bust Left—Struck over a 1787 Massachusetts Cent, Ryder 1-B—AU-53 (PCGS).122.8 grains. Over a dozen examples of Miller 16.3-N overstruck on the contemporary counterfeit 1787Ryder 1-B Massachusetts Cents are known, ironically making the Massachusetts Cent more common as a host coin than in its natural state, which is ratedRarity-7-, or fewer than a dozen known! All 1788 Connecticut coppers are technically contemporary counterfeits to begin with, making this a counterfeit struck over a counterfeit! This example is golden-brown and choice, with lots of mint gloss and mint luster remaining in the fields and protected areas of the legends and devices. Each side is a trivial amount off-center, cutting off the tops of some letters on both sides. Ample amounts of the host coin are visible, including much of the Indian, bow and arrow underneath and through the obverse effigy, while under the reverse we see the eagle’s outer wings, the arrows, the complete date and the distinctive 4-leaf olive sprig which is unique to this reverse in the Massachusetts Cent series; clearly Robert chose this coin carefully for its high grade but also for the clear attribution of the undertype. This PCGS AU-53 is among the finest survivors of this die pairing struck over Massachusetts 1-B hosts, rivaling or even surpassing the better centered Ford coin (which brought $7475) and possibly bested by a gorgeous AU+ coin in the Connecticut State Library Collection. A fascinating issue and the only Colonial coin die marriage that is found struck over Massachusetts coppers.From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Purchased from Palm Coast Coins and Currency via eBay, June 12, 2011. <p>
