1786 New Jersey copper. Maris 12-I. Rarity-5. No Coulter. VF-30 (PCGS).152.7 grains. The last of the No Coulters, this marriage represents the only use of reverse I, whose long pointed shield is almost always seen with little to no central definition. This example is no different, even though it’s finer than most, with glossy medium brown surfaces and good eye appeal. The base of the horsehead is soft, as seen in the later stages of the previous die marriage, Maris 12-G. The date is mostly present, but soft at the bases of the numerals, as always seen on this variety. The central shield shows vertically oriented laminations that outlived striking pressure that was insufficient to efface them; another light lamination is seen above E of E PLURIBUS UNUM. Some light hairlines are present on the shield, noted with scrutiny along with some faint old scratches under PLU. Overall this is a far finer example from this elusive marriage than usually encountered.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
