1786 New Jersey copper. Maris 18-M. Rarity-3. Bridle. AU-55 (PCGS).153.8 grains. A marvelous specimen, with a provenance to one of the finest researchers the colonial field has ever known. Damon Douglas’ exacting dependence upon original sources has allowed his research to remain current and relevant even seven decades after he left the field. His New Jerseys ended up in a Stack’s sale after his 1974 death, largely unheralded despite their importance. This coin was sold as lot 77 in Stack’s June 1975 sale, described as: “1786 Maris 18-M. The Normal Bridle variety, with wide shield. A SUPERB SPECIMEN. Only the slightest hint of any rubbing on the very high spots. Complete sharp denticles on obverse and reverse, and a very sharp strike. Many die engraver’s marks are still visible. Every hair on the mane is sharp. Full sharp date. Smooth glossy proof-like planchet. Light olive. A borderline Uncirculated.” The piece is as smooth and lovely as described, toned a beautiful shade of dark chocolate brown with splashes of slightly darker color below the plow handles and below V of NOVA. The centering is ideal on both sides and the surfaces are positively choice, as free of any substantial marks and as immaculate as any picky collector could hope for. The reverse is perfect, the obverse shows the fully mature Bridle break for which this variety is known.<p>This piece is listed as eighth finest known in the SHI Condition Census of three UNCs, two AU+ coins, and four AUs. Given how very close to perfect it is, we would like to see the AU coin that’s better than this one. We’re not sure it’s even theoretically possible.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers. Earlier, from the Damon Douglas Collection; Stack’s sale of the Robert J. Kissner Collection, June 1975, lot 77.
