1785 Connecticut Copper. Miller 3.4-F.2, W-2345. Rarity-2. Bust Right, ETLIR. EF-45 (PCGS). 160.8 grains. Marbled golden-brown and olive-copper patina greets the viewer from both sides of this pleasingly original example. The strike is well centered and, while the denticulation is incomplete, all major design elements are fully rendered and include, among other impressive features, a sharp date. A flan flaw (as made) originates at the upper right obverse border and meanders through the first letter O in CONNEC and the effigys portrait. Otherwise the surfaces are overall smooth in hand with only microscopic pitting and a few trivial handling marks, all of which are easily overlooked. The reverse is more evenly struck than typically encountered for this variety, although the popular ETLIR feature is still evident. As might be expected of an R-2 variety, there are a good handful of superb examples of this die marriage, the present Choice EF sure to please the discerning Connecticut copper enthusiast. Acquired via H. Garrett, November 13, 1989. Collector envelope with attribution and provenance notes included.
