1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 31-L. Rarity-3. Outlined Shield. AU-50 (PCGS).153.1 grains. A choice high grade example of this variety, one that is a worthy addition to the Condition Census. The surfaces are smooth, hard, and glossy, toned a rich medium brown that deepens around the design elements. The obverse is aligned right, with complete triangular denticles and the die edge visible at left; the reverse is aligned to 4:00 with the boldest denticles visible at upper left. Both sides are positively problem free, with no noteworthy flaws either inherent in the planchet or notable from this coin’s useful life in commerce. The obverse is spectacularly broken, with the cracks through the plow to central obverse and the horizontal bisector from E of CAESAREA into the left obverse field near O both bold and visible, making this Die State 2. The grade of this piece compares favorably with the Maris-Garrett-Siboni coin, ranked second and plated in the Siboni, Howes, Ish book. Three of the top six in the Condition Census are listed as unverified (an Uncirculated in the Anton Collection, the untraced 1920 Miller sale coin called “Uncirculated” at the time, and the Partrick AU). Another of those six is impounded at Yale. We prefer this one to the Boyd-Ford coin for its superior color and surface. The Siboni coin is a later die state, making comparisons based on sharpness alone a bit unfair, but this one appears to be the sharper of the two. All things considered, this coin certainly belongs in the top six and appears to be the finest Maris 31-L sold at auction in a generation or more.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
