1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 34-V, W-5120. Rarity-6-. Deer Head--Overstruck on a 1787 New Jersey Copper, Maris 35-J--VF-20 (PCGS). 161.4 grains. 30.0 mm. One of just nine such overstrikes recorded, including the eight listed by Siboni-Howes-Ish and the new discovery sold as lot 6089 in our E Pluribus Unum sale. The phenomenon of Maris 34-Vs being struck over Maris 35-J undertypes is not fully understood, but the Maris 35-Js in question were likely unsuccessful strikes over other hosts. All of the Maris 34-V specimens known struck over other New Jerseys are over examples of Maris 35-J (the Picker coin, long listed as over a 34-J, was sold in E Pluribus Unum as lot 6090 and is also over a 35-J). This example is the last of these fascinating overstrikes listed on the SHI census. Its surfaces are nearly choice, smooth and glossy, mostly medium brown with some mottled tan. The centering is fairly good, though the reverse is aligned right with a broad frame of denticles, including the die edge, at left. The interplay between the host and overstrike is fascinating, with the diagonally-oriented shield bold and easily seen beneath the horsehead. The basining of the fields kept the overstrikes date from being struck up, but the distinctive date numerals of the Maris 35 host obverse are nearly all present at the right base of the 34-V shield. The legend on the reverse appears to read E * PLAESARUS * U-M, and the snout of the Maris 35 obverse is seen poking out just above the shield. Scattered tiny marks are seen, along with a thin scratch across the snout and a pit near the tip of the plowshare, but the surfaces and color are both far above average and the overall aesthetic appeal is exceptionally strong.<p><p>Most Maris 34-V coppers are overstrikes. Connecticut coppers are the most common undertype, though other contemporary coppers (like Vermonts and Machins Mills halfpence) are also known. The subset that are struck over Maris 35-J coppers are special rarities with a distinctive and interesting place in the realm of New Jersey copper collecting. The two examples in E Pluribus Unum saw active bidding, selling for $28,800 and $19,200 in PCGS EF-40 and VF-35, respectively. Of course, any Maris 34-V is a rarity, and any nice one is especially desirable. The SHI Census includes an unverified AU, two coins graded VF+ (including the Picker-EPU coin), two in VF, and a "VF-." The following lot is one of the VFs, ranked fifth in the census. EPU:6089 was not listed but should probably be considered second finest known. This piece, never before sold at auction since being discovered "out of the woodwork" over a decade ago, probably deserves a spot in the top six as well. PCGS# 763330. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier "out of the woodwork" (according to Syds inventory); Mike Wierzba, August 2011.
