1788 Connecticut Copper. Miller 1-I, RR-39, W-4400. Rarity-5. Mailed Bust Right, Small Head, Vermont Reverse. VF Details--Graffiti (PCGS). Pleasing deep copper-rose patina with lighter autumn-brown engaging the higher elements of the design. The obverse shows more detail than the reverse, with a well outlined portrait, bold CONNEC, and legible AUCTORI, although the border is through all letters in the latter word. The reverse is quite a bit softer with no date, right border through ET LIB, but much of the seated figure is discernible and the word INDE is legible. Struck on a generally round planchet with a shallow straight clip at 10 oclock relative to the obverse. We note only minor roughness, more so in a few areas than elsewhere, and no significant marks.<p>The Ryder-39 variety is scarce and subject to intense demand from collectors of Vermont, Connecticut, and Machins Mills coppers. Also known as Miller 1-I, it is pursued by Connecticut collectors as the Small Head Red Book type. Though intensely prized by three distinct groups it is not excessively rare in an absolute sense. Tony Carlotto assigned a Rarity-5 rating in his 1998 reference and admits that it is " not as rare as most believe. A small group of people each owns multiple specimens, of which I am one of the guilty." The 2018 reference by Q. David Bowers suggests that 33 to 64 examples survive, which is consistent with Carlottos assessment from 20 years earlier. Even so, this limited supply falls far short of the demand, and coins are seldom offered publicly. The present example is a satisfying survivor that is sure to see significant interest and intense bidding. PCGS# 400. From the Harold Hauser Collection. Collector envelope with attribution notes included.
