1787 Nova Eborac Copper. W-5755, Breen-986. Rarity-3. Medium Bust, Seated Figure Left. AU-58 (PCGS).124.98 grains. Rich shades of chocolate brown blend across this stunning Near Mint example. The surfaces appear smooth and glossy in-hand with considerable luster blanketing each side. Magnification reveals patches of microscopic scratches that are most prominent in the fields, along with a few more obvious marks on the cheek of the obverse bust and in the drapery of the seated figure. The obverse is aligned slightly towards 7 oclock, pulling NOVA tight to the rim. The strike is drawn towards 11 oclock on the reverse, which pushes the tops of ET just off the planchet. <p>This example is among the most significant survivors of this issue, as it served as the plate coin for the Seated Left reverse in Sylvester Crosbys <em>The Early Coins of America </em>published in 1873. It was more recently sold in our (Stacks) sale of the legendary John Roper collection, where it was praised for its "full clear date..excellent detail...[and] medium brown color."<p>Like the Excelsior coppers, the Nova Eborac pieces of the same year are attributed to John Bailey and Ephraim Brasher. The two are believed to have operated a joint minting operation in or near New York City, through which they sought a contract to coin coppers from the New York State legislature. Although the contract was never issued, Bailey and Brasher went on to produce a sizeable issue of Nova Eborac pieces, the letter punches for which match those of Brashers rarer and more famous gold doubloon. This type apparently saw wide circulation, as most are well-worn. We have records of two pieces found archaeologically in Charleston, South Carolina!From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Ex our sale of the John L. Roper 2nd Collection, December 1983, lot 269. Plated in Crosby, Plate VIII, number 11.
