1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 18-N, W-4895. Rarity-5+. Bridle. VG Details--Scratch (PCGS). 140.6 grains. 28.3 mm. A challenging variety from the famous Bridle obverse, with attractive tan color and some of the Bridle break visible. The periphery of the obverse shows a ring of seemingly intentional small marks, creating the appearance of a strong rim that frames that side. The obverse denticles are visible everywhere but the upper right quadrant, strongest at left. The reverse is aligned to 6:00, with denticles bold at top and either side. The surfaces are not perfectly smooth, with some scattered pitting and low spots, but theyre not too bad either. There isnt a scratch of note to align with the PCGS description. Syd called this "Fine details, tooled," which is a more accurate assessment. In any grade, this is a rare Maris number, and most collections have satisfied themselves with problem coins below the grade of VF. The E Pluribus Unum coin, graded PCGS VF-20, realized $4,320. Partrick lacked this variety entirely. PCGS# 767878. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) sale of March 1994, lot 319; Rosa Americana, Ltd.s Fixed Price List #17, August 2005, lot 305.
