1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 33.2-Z.5, W-3340. Rarity-1. Draped Bust Left. MS-62 BN (PCGS).120.8 grains. Strong luster persists over frosty medium brown and steel surfaces, enlivened by a hint of mint color within the reverse periphery. An uncommonly high grade for any Connecticut copper, even one as abundant as this one. Better struck at centers than a lot of examples from these dies, typically plagued by softness caused by the swelling in the left obverse field and the heavy horizontal die crack across the reverse. The centers here are a bit soft but the profile is fully defined and the seated figure is bold. The centering is nearly ideal on both sides, and some denticles are seen on the right side of the reverse. The date is both complete and crisp. It seems perfectly possible, even likely, that this is either finest known from these dies or pretty close to it. Mint State Connecticut coppers, as a class, are rare. While a fair number of glossy AUs (or worse) have snuck into Mint State holders, that may just offer an opportunity to those with a bit of patience and connoisseurship who seek out lustrous and unworn coins like this at a slight premium to the Mint State coins out there that show wear and have no trace of luster.From the E Pluribus Unum Collection.
