1785 Connecticut Copper. Miller 8-D, W-2455. Rarity-5+. Mailed Bust Left. VF-30 (PCGS). 144.2 grains. A remarkably sharp example of this rare die variety and the overall scarce 1785 Mailed Bust Left <em>Guide Book</em> variety. Quite well struck for the variety and only lightly worn, the technical grade appearing to be easily in excess of the PCGS grade. The all-important date is bold and the legends are nearly complete. Perhaps most notable is the strong reverse strike and completely visible vines in the reverse shield, something rarely seen on this variety. Not even the lovely EF-45 (NGC) Newman coin that brought $12,000 showed this detail. The surfaces show some of the typical planchet striations and are a microporous yet fairly smooth dark brown with orange undertones indicating an old cleaning. Overall an impressive specimen of the dies that would be difficult to improve upon. From the Norman G. Peters Collection.
