1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 18-M, W-4890. Rarity-2. Wide Shield, Bridle. AU-58 (PCGS). 156.62 grains. A remarkably high grade example of the popular Bridle <em>Guide Book</em> variety. Sharply struck and with little to no actual wear, the deep reddish-brown surfaces display subtle mint frost and show no contact marks or roughness. While not listed in the Siboni-Howes-Ish Condition Census, this piece is certainly on par with several of the AUs listed there and is especially comparable to, if not slightly sharper than, the Damon Douglas-E Pluribus Unum coin we sold in November 2019 that is graded AU-55 (PCGS) and listed as 8th best. While there are a few UNCs known, including the incredible MS-66 Red Brown (NGC) Norweb-Partrick coin that recently sold for six figures, PCGS has certified no Mint State examples and a single AU-58+ piece, the Ted Craige coin, is the only higher graded than here. This impressive piece would serve as a standout example of the variety in any New Jersey copper cabinet. From the Norman G. Peters Collection.
