1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 59-o, W-5325. Rarity-5+. No Sprig Above Plow, Sawtooth. VF-20 (PCGS). 141.38 grains. A bold and engaging piece for both the die state and the assigned grade. The strike is ideally centered and allows full appreciation of the deep, sharp denticulation around both sides that gives this variety its Sawtooth nickname. Steely-copper patina with lighter golden-brown highlights, the surfaces are smooth in hand with no troublesome blemishes. DS2, the obverse with considerable die swell over and before the horse. A rare variety that is seldom offered above the lowest circulated grades, the SHI Condition Census published in 2013 includes an AU, a few EFs and several coins graded VF+. This is a just miss example with much to recommend it to the astute New Jersey copper variety enthusiast. From the Norman G. Peters Collection.
