1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 11-H, W-4775. Rarity-6-. Date Under Plow, No Coulter, Cuneiform Shield. VG-8 (PCGS). 146.56 grains. Deep copper-brown patina yields to lighter golden-brown in the centers, as well as over some of the peripheral design elements. Microporous, yet to no great detriment to the eye appeal since a lack of significant marks provides a pleasingly smooth appearance in hand for the assigned grade. Much of the horses head has been lost to wear, but all other design elements are boldly outlined and fully appreciable. The six-coin Condition Census published by Siboni, Howes and Ish (2013) descends into VF territory with two EFs atop it: the Boyd-Ford coin and the Spiro-ODonnell piece. This example may not be as fine as those, but it is nice for the grade and would serve as a suitable representative of this elusive Maris number in a specialized collection of New Jersey coppers. From the Norman G. Peters Collection.
