1788 Vermont Copper. RR-18, Bressett 19-X, W-2135. Rarity-5. Bust Right, *ET LIB* *INDE. Very Fine. 124.6 grains. Boldly and evenly toned in deep copper-brown, this piece retains good outline detail to most major design elements. The surfaces are microporous and a bit rough overall, although not excessively so for an example of this challenging type. Remnants of an old collectors ink mark are evident in the right obverse field. RR-18 is a scarce variety that features the only known use of this obverse die. It is of further significance as one of only two Vermont copper varieties with ET LIB at the left and INDE at the right on the reverse. The other variety with this feature is the exceedingly rare RR-35, and both share the same reverse die. Most examples of RR-18 are overstruck on Irish coppers, although evidence for an undertype does not come readily to view here. Better defined than the Q. David Bowers specimen in PCGS VF-20 that realized $1,560 in our June 2020 Auction, although darker and not as smooth. A significant find for Vermont copper enthusiasts. Collector envelope with attribution notation included.
