1788 Connecticut Copper. Miller 12.2-C, W-4525. Rarity-5. Mailed Bust Left. Overstruck on 1788 Connecticut copper, Miller 4.2-R with Nova Constellatio Undertype. AU-53 (PCGS).106.6 grains. One of the most remarkable 1788 Connecticut coppers extant. The Miller 12.2-C is almost always found overstruck, and the usual undertype is a Nova Constellatio copper. This is typical for several varieties of 1788 Connecticut copper, nearly all of which were made at Machin’s Mills: 3-B.1, 3-B.2, 4.1-B.1, 4.1-K, 4.2-R, 5-B.2, 12.2-C. This piece went through another step, unique in our experience: it was overstruck on a 1788 Connecticut copper, Miller 4.2-R, that had been previously overstruck on a Nova Constellatio copper. This suggests that the 4.2-R mintage was proximate in time and place to that of 12.2-C and a struck piece got redeposited into the 12.2-C planchet stock, i.e. a bag full of Nova Constellatio coppers set to serve as planchets.<p><p><p>The 1788 date of the R reverse is distinctive in form and is easily seen here at the hairline and forehead of the 12.2-C overstrike. Other bits of the Connecticut undertype are visible on both sides, at both centers and peripheries. Among them are traces of the Nova Constellatio host, including the radiant eye at the central obverse and bits of CONSTELLATIO above the main obverse portrait.<p><p><p>This study is made much easier by the fact that this piece is high grade and attractive. Its surfaces are even and attractive light brown, glossy and free of major problems. The sharpness is superb, and the eye appeal is both excellent and unlike any other Connecticut copper extant. This piece has been off the market since 1984 and is likely to see a great deal of competition today.<p><p>From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. Earlier, from our (Stack’s) sale of the Richard Picker Collection, October 1984, lot 168.
