1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 32-T. Rarity-2. Outlined Shield. AU-53 (PCGS).143.4 grains. An elegantly beautiful example of this well done die marriage. Choice glossy chocolate brown with a hint of mint frost around peripheral design elements. Well struck, with a high relief horsehead and good detail on the shield. Some planchet texture is visible at centers, remaining thanks to the depth of the obverse engraving, and a curved lintmark is seen in the field beneath the snout on the central obverse. Denticles frame the right side of the obverse and extend around all but the lowest portion of the reverse. In the scheme of things, Maris 32-T is a variety that is relatively available in nice grade, but this one remains prettier than most and may deserve a spot in the Condition Census. The top seven coins listed by Siboni, Howes, and Ish include two Uncirculateds (one Gem), two AUs, and three EF+ coins. This would make a positively superb type coin for the copper enthusiast who is not yet ready to make the dive into variety collecting, both for the iconic quality of the die work and the excellent condition of this particular specimen.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
