1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 27-j. Rarity-6+. Small Planchet, Plain Shield. Fine Detail, Damage (PCGS).121.5 grains. This combination of well known dies was unknown at the time of the 1881 publication of Dr. Maris’ <em>Coins of New Jersey</em>, and it has become well-known since then as the most “common” of the not-in-Maris varieties with somewhere over a dozen specimens known. Lost in this bit of trivia is the knowledge that many of the known specimens are astoundingly ugly. The best of the known examples is the Spiro-Oechsner-O’Donnell coin now in the Ish collection. The Siboni coin that the late Tom Madigan cherrypicked in Florida is good-looking, and the ANS coin is a choice mid-range VF, but most of the other survivors are somewhat challenging on the eye appeal scale. This one, candidly, fits right in. The surfaces are glossy medium brown, smoother and more appealing than most examples from this marriage. Two fairly significant dents, one on the snout and one on the truncation of the horsehead device, are visible from the rear and earned PCGS’ 98-coded enmity. Other scattered marks are seen on both sides, including a notable rim bruise above E of E PLURIBUS. Judged against most standards, this isn’t a terribly pretty coin, but weighed against other examples of Maris 27-j, this is easily in the top third of most attractive examples. The obverse is aligned such that CAESAREA is right against the edge of the planchet, typical for the variety. The date is bold, and plenty of detail survives on both sides.<p>The opportunity to add a not-in-Maris variety always dangles like catnip on a string before New Jersey copper enthusiasts, but the foulness of adding a coin that looks like a cat already ate it often limits the joy of such an acquisition. This example offers a happy medium: a rarity unlikely to require a new mortgage that still looks attractive enough that you won’t be embarrassed to show it at the next colonial-coin barbecue.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
