1788 Vermont Copper. RR-39, Bressett 24-U, W-4400. Rarity-5+. Bust Right, Small Head. Fine-12 (PCGS). A relatively wholesome and attractive example of this always crude rarity. Chocolate-brown surfaces are just lightly granular but show no major marks or serious environmental damage. The obverse is struck slightly off center, although Vermont collectors might appreciate that CONNEC is mostly off the planchet. The reverse centering is remarkably good, about as dead-on as youll ever see, with a full date and just an even amount of the tops of the legends missing on each side. <p>The RR-39 variety is scarce and subject to intense demand from collectors of Vermont, Connecticut, and Machins Mills coppers. Also known as Miller 1-I, it is pursued by Connecticut collectors as the Small Head <em data-uw-styling-context="true" style="box-sizing:border-box;">Guide Boo</em>k type. Though prized by three distinct groups, it is not excessively rare in an absolute sense. Tony Carlotto assigned a Rarity-5 rating in his 1998 reference and admits that it is "not as rare as most believe. A small group of people each owns multiple specimens, of which I am one of the guilty." The 2018 Vermont copper reference by Q. David Bowers suggests that 33 to 64 examples survive, which is consistent with Carlottos assessment from 20 years earlier. Even so, this limited supply falls far short of the demand, and coins are seldom offered publicly.<p>This is one of just six examples graded at PCGS across both major variety and die variety submissions -- a testament to the difficulty of locating specimens without serious condition issues. This satisfying example will appeal to many collectors and is sure to generate strong bidding activity.
