1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 40-b, W-5200. Rarity-5+. Sprig Above Plow, Llama Head. Good Details--Scratch (PCGS). 111.6 grains. 28.6 mm. Reverse aligned 45° clockwise of proper coin turn. Whereas it seems likely the previous lot is the heaviest Llama Head known, this may be among the lightest. Attractive medium brown and steel overly finely granular surfaces, still fairly glossy and attractive. Light old scratches are present on both sides, heavier and more organized on a diagonal on the obverse, lighter and more widespread on the reverse. The centering is good, with a complete date and all legends on the planchet, though some are soft or indistinct. A natural pit is present at the reverse periphery left of 12:00. The die rotation is distinctive, though these range widely from proper coin turn to well right of coin turn. The example in Heritages April 2021 sale was almost identical to this one. Though no evidence of undertype is visible, it seems like theres a host coin under there somewhere. PCGS# 763335. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Sam Sherba, January 1998; Christopher B. Young Collection, October 2003.
