1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 25-S, W-4980. Rarity-5+. Straight Plow Beam, Eye Nearly in Neck. Fine Details--Cleaned (PCGS). 147.40 grains. Golden and olive-brown patina greets the viewer from both sides of this satiny, pleasingly smooth example. There are certainly no significant marks, although a curiously glossy texture is noted and explains the PCGS qualifier. Well struck and overall bold with the reverse rotated a few degrees clockwise from coin alignment. This popular variety combines an obverse die on which the horses eye is <em>nearly</em> in the its neck and a reverse with a distinctly sharped shield to which many collectors have attached the nickname "Heart Shaped Shield." This is a well balanced Fine that presents uncommonly well for the assigned grade. From the Norman G. Peters Collection.
