1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 34-J. Rarity-3. Deer Head. Overstruck on a 1787 Connecticut copper. EF-45 (PCGS).155.5 grains. Described in our 1984 Bareford sale as “Well struck, especially at the shield, which is characteristically weak on this variety. A couple of light edge nicks, visible on the obverse. Choice light brown color and surfaces.” The letters RI of AUCTORI are visible left of the date, NN of CONNEC is seen between NOVA and CAESAREA, and the oval pin from the portrait’s cuirass, along with some of the drapery, is visible near the end of the plow bar. The 1787 date of the undertype is largely visible between LUR of PLURIBUS and the rim, and the sprig hand of the seated figure may be seen near UN of UNUM. This is a very handsome Maris 34-J, far better struck than usual, smooth and glossy, with ideal color, and just highly attractive all around. The centering is good, the provenance is better. A choice Deer Head is always a pretty coin and this one is no exception.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers. Earlier, Dr. Thomas Hall Collection to Virgil Brand, 1909; Brand Estate to New Netherlands Coin Company, 1951; Harold Bareford Collection; Stack’s sale of the Bareford Collection, May 1984, lot 149.
