1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 6-C. Rarity-5-. Pattern Shield. EF-45 (PCGS).135.1 grains. A sharp example of this historic variety. Both sides are well centered and well defined on deep chestnut brown surfaces. The reverse shows the die edge at upper right but manages to retain some denticles at left. The texture is finely granular but still pleasing. Some hints of old golden color around the obverse devices remain from a light cleaning, but the appearance is natural and attractive. Nice early die state with a complete date, Die State 1. Though not included in the SHI 8-coin Condition Census, this piece is a bit sharper than the Boyd-Ford coin and presents itself well.<p>The Maris 6-C is one of the most important of the Horsehead varieties, serving as the definite link through die marriage to several other issues: the 1786 Immunis Columbia (Maris 3-C), the Washington Head copper (Maris 4-C), and the Heraldic Eagle copper (Maris 5-C). These in turn link to the sprawling Confederatio series, likely struck in New York City (or nearby) while the Continental Congress was considering the issuance of a copper coinage. The later appearance of this reverse die at the Morristown Mint, run by Walter Mould, places Mould among the cast of characters behind the Confederatio coppers and helps pin down their American origin.<p>Of course, the C reverse is also used on a few other varieties of extreme rarity: the Maris 7-C Date Under Plow beam (unique), the Maris 8 1/2 - C (three known), and the Maris 10 1/2 - C (unique). With the total population of those five coins, the typical collector may never get a chance to see one, let alone own one (though a Maris 8 1/2 - C is offered in this very sale!). A Maris 6-C gives most enthusiasts a chance to represent this die in their cabinet, and this example is finer than most.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
