1785 Connecticut Copper. Miller 3.3-F.3, W-2335. Rarity-4. Bust Right. EF-45 (PCGS). 155.3 grains. A remarkably bold and handsome example of this variety, exceptionally well struck on a rather broad and heavy planchet. Attractive two-tone surfaces with dark olive-brown fields and light golden-brown high points. The contrast allows the sharp detail to stand out even more dramatically. The surfaces appear just barely microporous under magnification, and there are a few very light, old scratches on the obverse, but the overall appearance is that of a smooth, slightly glossy, technically sound coin. Planchet flaws are minimal and mostly out of the way near the rims. Some small voids and raggedness on the rim at 10 to 11 oclock relative to the obverse appears to be a straight, end-of-strip planchet clip caused by the planchet cutter extending slightly over the edge of the copper strip when punching this blank.<p>The quality of the strike on this piece is truly remarkable. The Chapman brothers even went out of their way in the Mills catalog to describe it as a "strong impression," which Ryder copied onto his square collectors ticket for the coin. Every aspect of the design is fully brought up on each side, even at the often weak centers, date, and legends; and the centering is just about perfect. Perhaps not quite in the realm of the Condition Census for the variety as there exist several AU coins including examples sold in our recent sales of the Archangel, Twin Leaf, and Robert Martin collections. Nevertheless, this coin, with its impressive detail, excellent eye appeal, and fine old provenance back to one of the preeminent collections and sales of the early 20th century, is certainly on par with the finest in terms of desirability. PCGS# 685155. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from S.H. and H. Chapmans sale of the John G. Mills, Esq. Collection, April 1904, lot 224; Hillyer Ryder; F.C.C. Boyd; our (Stacks) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part IX, May 2005, lot 205; Anthony Terranova Collection, January 2012.
