1786 New Jersey copper. Maris 12-G. Rarity-4. No Coulter. VF-35 (PCGS).137.7 grains. As one of the few No Coulter varieties that is more common than Rarity-6, the Maris 12-G is often chosen to represent the distinctive No Coulter type. This example is finer than most, with smooth light brown surfaces and golden highlights. The horsehead is sharp and struck into high rounded relief. The surfaces are mostly smooth, a little granular on the reverse, where some surface verdigris is seen left of the shield and among the letters of PLURIBUS. A tiny lamination is present above A of NOVA. As is typical, the tops of the letters of CAESAREA are weak, and the denticles above those letters are missing. The central shield is a bit soft, as always seen, but this crisp early die state, Die State I, shows a full base to the horsehead and a clear date; both of these characteristics become weaker as the die state progresses. The dies are in nearly perfect medal turn. No bad marks are present, just a little rim bruise near 7:00 on the obverse. This is a handsome and highly collectible example of this die variety or major type.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
