1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 71-y, W-5415. Rarity-6. Sprig Above Plow, Plaited Mane. Good-6 (PCGS). 88.6 grains. A fairly pleasing example of the rare and always fascinating Maris 71-y. Dark brown surfaces are a tad microporous and show light, old scrapes across each side, yet the overall appearance is that of a glossy and rather smooth coin with decent eye appeal. Though reasonably well worn, the detail is remarkably full and well balanced for a variety that often comes very poorly struck as a result of all known examples being overstruck and often retaining just as much or more of the host coin detail as the New Jersey overstrike. Given that all existing examples of Maris 71-y are overstruck, it is likely that this piece is as well, though no undertype is readily apparent. Given the light weight, a counterfeit British or Irish halfpenny could possibly have been used as the planchet here. As with all of the Plaited Mane varieties, Maris 71-y is an especially coveted coin among New Jersey copper enthusiasts, and with only two dozen or so examples known, many advanced collectors still lack this variety altogether. Interested bidders should expect a lot of competition for this attractive and long off the market example. From the Norman G. Peters Collection.
