1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 6-C, W-5040. Rarity-4. No Sprig Above Plow, Pattern Shield. VF-25 (PCGS). 158.62 grains. Boldly struck on a nice, round planchet, this piece is well defined for the grade with nearly complete denticulation around both sides. The only mentionable softness is confined to the area of the vertical stripes in the shield, a function of both wear and characteristic softness of strike. Glints of bright rose-orange color are evident in the obverse field around the plow handles and the letters NOVA CAES, but otherwise we note a rich blend of steel-olive and copper-brown patina to both sides. The surfaces are smooth in hand with neither planchet flaws nor significant marks to report.<p>The Maris 6-C is one of the most important of the Horsehead varieties, serving as the definite link through die marriage to several other issues: the 1786 Immunis Columbia (Maris 3-C), the Washington Head copper (Maris 4-C), and the Heraldic Eagle copper (Maris 5-C). These in turn link to the sprawling Confederatio series, likely struck in New York City (or nearby) while the Continental Congress was considering the issuance of a copper coinage. The later appearance of this reverse die at the Morristown Mint, run by Walter Mould, places Mould among the cast of characters behind the Confederatio coppers and helps pin down their American origin.<p>Of course, the C reverse is also used on a few other varieties of extreme rarity: the Maris 7-C Date Under Plow beam (unique), the Maris 8 1/2 - C (three known), and the Maris 10 1/2 - C (unique). With the total population of those five coins, the typical collector may never get a chance to see one, let alone own one. A Maris 6-C gives most enthusiasts a chance to represent this important reverse die in their cabinet, and this example is very nice in PCGS-assigned VF. From the Norman G. Peters Collection.
