1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 12-Q, W-2885. Rarity-3. Mailed Bust Left. 1787 over 1887. EF-40 (PCGS).116.6 grains. Another exceptional example of this important variety, offering a desirable provenance and displaying an interesting late die state. Called “one of the best examples we’ve handled” when we sold this coin a half century ago, this piece displays ideal and even medium brown color over glossy and mostly smooth surfaces. The centering is ideal on both sides, with denticles framing the entire reverse and present everywhere on the obverse except in areas where softly struck, like above AUCTORI. The date and its overdate characteristic are good and bold and the central devices are very well detailed. The fine details on the shield are particularly impressive. Some striations are seen on the obverse, most notable in the northeast quadrant. The striations on the reverse are less visible and mostly confined to the center. Struck from a late die state, later even than the SLT coin, which showed the latest die state of any we’ve offered in the last decade or so. A heavy break obscures much of B of LIB as it extends from the rim to shield, and another nearly parallel break four denticles down runs into the central shield details. The swelling through CONNEC is similar to other earlier die states. As noted in the previous lot, this is a very challenging variety to find in nice grade, particularly with good surfaces and an even strike. This piece is not far removed from Condition Census, and its provenance stretches into the 19th century in the world-class cabinet of William Sumner Appleton.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier from the William Sumner Appleton Collection; Massachusetts Historical Society Collection, 1905; our (Stack’s) sale of the Massachusetts Historical Society Collection, October 1970, lot 135.
