1786 New Jersey copper. Maris 17-b. Rarity-3. Large planchet. PLUKIBUS. Overstruck on a (counterfeit?) George III English halfpenny. EF-40 (PCGS).145.6 grains. Perhaps unique with this undertype, at least unseen by Mossman and unlisted in his Table 29 list of 11 distinctive undertypes encountered on this variety. The evidence of the host is slim but enough to allow proper identification: an exergual line and Britannia’s foot upside down at URIB of PLURIBUS atop the reverse, and the peaks of King George’s laurel visible at 17 of the date. These aspects preclude other similar types but are not enough to determine definitively whether the host is a Tower Mint product or counterfeit — at this weight, it could be either. The surfaces are attractive light golden brown with some scattered marks and natural surface flaws. A bit of darker toning is seen left of the shield and some verdigris is present within it. The sharpness is really superb on both sides. Die State 2, with the R of PLURIBUS now broken to create the PLUKIBUS spelling.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
