1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 38-b, W-5185. Rarity-6+. Outlined Shield, Small Head, PLUKIBUS. Fine Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS). 132.5 grains. 27.7 mm. Reverse aligned slightly left of proper coin turn. An overlooked rarity in the Maris series, unassuming to look at but vexing to find. Aside from the AU ODonnell coin, all known examples from these dies are worn, including the three VFs ranked second through fourth on the SHI Census, and the five Fines that round it out. This piece is probably next on the list. The surfaces are lightly granular, dark brown with lighter devices. The reverse is the smoother side. The centering is good on both sides, and a ghost of the date remains. A sharp rim nick over the star following UNUM is the only notable contact mark. <p><p>This piece is attractive for the grade and has represented these dies in three well-formed variety collections over the last 35 years. It compares well to the Dr. Gordon Shaw piece that brought $7,637.50 in our March 2017 sale. That piece, sold as an uncertified Fine-15, is ranked fifth on the SHI Census but is not dramatically finer than this piece overall. The ninth ranked piece, ex Maris-Garrett, was offered in our 2019 E Pluribus Unum sale. Both of those coins had their issues, in keeping with the caution offered by Siboni, Howes, and Ish: "it is almost impossible to acquire a nice-looking Maris 38-b in any grade." PCGS# 766310. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Harry Rescigno Collection; our (Bowers and Merenas) Saccone Collection sale, November 1989, lot 1603; our (Stacks) sale of The Peter Scherff Collection, March 2010, lot 2187, via Mike Ringo.
