1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 44-d, W-5235. Rarity-4. Outlined Shield, Sleigh Runner. EF-40 (PCGS). 137.0 grains. 27.1 mm. With only two Sleigh Runner varieties to choose from (the very rare Maris 44-c and the scarce Maris 44-d), collectors who seek a nice example of this obverse die dont have much to choose from. Just two examples of Maris 44-c are known better than Fine, and Maris 44-d is also challenging in high grade. This example is glossy and attractive, with chocolate brown surfaces that are hard and almost entirely smooth. The obverse is ideally centered, with a full circumference of denticles, though those at the lower right are soft. The reverse is trivially aligned to the lower left and shows soft or short denticles there. The central devices are exceptionally sharp on both sides. A tiny mint clip is present above SA of CAESAREA, and some flecks of planchet fissuring are visible on the obverse, chiefly at left and bottom of that side. The eye appeal is really superb. This is Die State 2, with a die crack from above S and through the tops of ARE at the right obverse periphery.<p><p>This probably deserves a place in the Condition Census, and if not theres little daylight between this and the top six. The Maris-Garrett-Partrick coin, was graded EF-45 (NGC) when it sold in May 2021. Dittmers was the same grade when it was offered in May 2022, and our offering of the E Pluribus Unum Collection included a PCGS EF-45 that probably wasnt quite as nice as this one overall. The SHI Census is populated entirely by EF coins of one sort or other. PCGS# 766277. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Col. E.H.R. Green Collection; Col. E.H.R. Green Estate, by descent, June 8, 1936; St. Louis Coin and Stamp Company (Burdette G. Johnson and Eric P. Newman), by sale, April 1943; Eric P. Newman Collection; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society; Heritages sale of the Eric P. Newman Collection, May 2014, lot 30209.