1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 58-n. Rarity-5-. Camel Head. EF-45+ (PCGS).127.5 grains. A coin of exquisite aesthetic appeal, frosty and lustrous, with dark chocolate brown toning to the left and lighter brown toning to the right. As boldly struck and well detailed as the die state would allow, with a fully realized horsehead that shows more detail than most high grade examples from this obverse. The obverse is aligned to 11:00, with the longest denticles at the base and lower right portions of the periphery. The periphery is a bit flatly struck near 3:00, with some pits seen near EA of CAESAREA. The centering and strike of the reverse is nearly identical to the obverse: aligned to 11:00, a bit soft at right, broad denticles framing the base. Some detritus fills the topmost point of the shield and the upper loop of B in PLURIBUS. The planchet stock of this specimen is noteworthy: rather than being overstruck on an earlier host, like most specimens, this example has a fresh virgin flan, giving it smooth surfaces and exceptional appeal uncommonly encountered on this variety. The obverse is bisected, with a crack from C of CAESAREA through the center to the left side of the exergue. Another crack joins that one at a nearly right angle, from center to the rim beyond the end of the plow bar, and a few subtle spidery cracks descend from the end of the singletree. This is Die State 4 or later, the latest die state observed.<p>The most unusual aspect of this obverse is not its distinctive tall “Camel Head” device, but the tiny insignia below the plow handles that resembles the side view of a diamond ring. Clearly a purposeful design element and not something accidental, Siboni, Howes, and Ish call it a “comet” and suggest “it may have served as the hallmark of the engraver.” Whatever is it, it’s very clear here, and a second less clear use of this insignia is also visible at the left end of the exergue.<p>This is one of the very finest examples of this die marriage known. The Maris-Garrett-Garrett-Ish coin tops the SHI Condition Census, graded EF+. That coin is exceptional, but we’re not convinced it’s measurably better than this one. The Spiro-Frontenac coin might be the sharpest of these, but its granular surfaces make its listing as fourth best seem fair. Of the seven coins cited on the census, only the best is called EF+, followed by three EFs and three more graded EF-. If this piece isn’t the finest, or tied for finest, it’s certainly in the top two or three.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
