1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 31-L. Rarity-3. Outlined Shield. EF-40 (PCGS).149.8 grains. Another exciting example from this die marriage, struck from the shattered state of the dies, Die State 4. The central obverse is now entirely bucked, and the horizontal crack from E of CAESAREA across the horsehead to near O of NOVA is the least of this die’s problems. The crack from the base of the horsehead device through the plow is so severe that the areas of the die face on either side are now on two different planes. Another curved crack from E of CAESAREA arcs upward to the snout, and a severe crack from the rim below N of NOVA extends up to the central obverse with force. A lighter crack, nearly parallel to that one, extends from the end of the plow handles to the left side of the scroll under the horsehead. The die could not have withstood the pressure of striking coppers much beyond this point. This specimen is golden brown, mostly smooth and appealing, with no notable problems. The obverse is aligned to 1:00 and the die edge is visible below the triangular denticles that frame the border beneath the date. A single nick is noted in the field below EA of CAESAREA. This is not Condition Census for the die variety but it may be for this visually impressive terminal die state.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
