1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 36-J, W-5135. Rarity-6. Outlined Shield. Fine Details--Corrosion Removed (PCGS). 121.0 grains. 27.3 mm. Reverse aligned 45° counterclockwise from proper coin turn. A charming and distinctive rarity in the New Jersey series, whose crude die work and rarity has made it especially popular with collectors. Aside from the Ellsworth-Garrett Choice EF, the population of Maris 36-J is a rough lot, populated by the rough, the worn, and the dug-up. This example has sharpness to rival the best of a poor selection, with a pretty well realized horsehead, nearly complete date, and legends that are intact but for UNUM and the last couple letters of CAESAREA. The surfaces are attractive chocolate brown, fairly granular throughout but not terrible, though the southeast quadrant of the obverse is quite rough. The shield is better defined than seen on most examples. Neither side shows any particular damage or notable defect aside from the surfaces. The scant evidence of raised verdigris being diminished at the top of the shield is the defect singled out by PCGS; it is minor to the point of triviality in hand. Die State 2, before the upright of N of NOVA got touched up in the die.<p><p>This is not a variety that sells at auction in nice grade. Of the eight examples weve sold since the Ford About Good brought $6,900, the nicest two were the Craige specimen, ranked ninth in the SHI Census, and the Dr. Gordon Shaw coin (ex. Maris-Garrett-Resigno), listed in the SHI Census as tenth finest known. This one is ranked eighth. The E Pluribus Unum coin probably deserves a slot in the CC8-10 vicinity as well. PCGS# 767903. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from Heritages sale of September 2005, lot 339, via Tom Rinaldo.
