1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 73-aa. Rarity-4. Plaited Mane. Overstruck on 1788 Connecticut copper, Miller 16.3-N. EF-45 (PCGS).122.3 grains. An overstrike so brazen that calling this coin a New Jersey copper seems tantamount to fibbing. On the purported New Jersey obverse, the horse seems to have left the barn, only barely visible on the chest of the much bolder seated figure from the reverse of the Connecticut host. INDE CAES EA surrounds the seated figure, who appears to be seated uncomfortably atop a plow. ET from the Connecticut hugs the rim above EA. The 1787 New Jersey date is clear in the exergue, beneath the 1788 date from the Connecticut, which appears intermingled with the plow’s finer details. The reverse legend resembles AUCTORRIBUS UNUM, surrounding the central details of the Connecticut portrait and the New Jersey shield, which appear equally prominent. The surfaces are frosty medium brown, a bit inherently granular in areas, but essentially unworn. Some darker flecks scattered throughout aren’t really verdigris, as they were made part of the coin during the striking process.<p>This piece is stunning and worthy of a spot on the Condition Census.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
