1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 64-u. Rarity-5. Large Planchet, Plain Shield. VF-35 (PCGS).142.1 grains. A somewhat unheralded rarity that is all but unknown better than VF. A single unverified AU in the Anton Collection tops the SHI Condition Census, but the top seven coins are otherwise all VFs: four graded VF+ (including two more unverified Anton coins and the impounded Canfield/NJHS piece) and two more graded VF. This piece may be one of the unverified pieces; if not, it deserves Condition Census consideration. The surfaces are nice chocolate brown, glossy if a bit uneven and not perfectly smooth. The centering is good on both sides, and denticles are complete around both peripheries. The strike is bold and only minimal inherent planchet texture shows through at centers. A few trivial old hairline scratches are noted at the central obverse at the scroll and plow bar, and another light horizontal scratch crosses from the snout to R of CAESAREA. The eye appeal is very nice for the grade, particularly so for a variety that is rarely pretty. The dies appear perfect, but some light swelling is noted at the plow handles. We prefer this coin to the Griffee coin but haven’t seen most of the other coins listed on the Condition Census. This piece appears less worn but less perfect than the Siboni coin ranked second overall.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
