1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 37-X, W-5145. Rarity-6+. Goiter. VG-10 (PCGS). 143.8 grains. 29.1 mm. There are not many choice examples of Maris 37-X. Then again, there are not many specimens of Maris 37-X at all. This example has been offered just once, in our sale of September 2006, where it was noted as a "new discovery not on any previous census." <p><p>It was described there as "Fine, essentially Choice. Light golden brown surfaces are quite smooth on both sides, with only some minor, inherent planchet striae inhabiting the fields of both sides and a minor area of reddish deposit around the 17 of the date. The surfaces are quite superior for this rare variety. Struck a bit off-center toward the lower left on the obverse, bringing the die edge into view at the upper right.<p><p>"The reverse die state is later than we have encountered, later than even the failing reverse Henry Garrett specimen. On this coin, the sunken area around IBU has deepened; the shield has sunken into the die further, creating a broad, very high plateau on this coin that has worn away nearly completely. In fact, when this coin is laid down on its reverse, it rocks back and forth with the plateaued reverse as the fulcrum. As a very rare variety, this choice specimen is desirable both to the variety collector as well as the specialist pursuing Jerseys by die state."<p><p>This coin is used to illustrate Die State 3 on p. 330 of the Siboni-Howes-Ish book (though its ownership is misattributed). The piece atop the SHI Census is graded VF, though it may be technically finer. The rest of the census is populated by coins graded Fine: three F+, four F, and two F-. This piece doesnt appear on the list, but by virtue of its choice color and surface it is certainly nicer than several ranked higher. The Maris plate coin (ranked tenth but probably worthy of a higher spot on the list) was sold as a VF Details, Environmental Damage (PCGS) in our 2019 E Pluribus Unum sale, bringing $19,200. PCGS# 766285. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) sale of September 2006, lot 157.
