1788 Connecticut Copper. Miller 16.3-N, W-4610. Rarity-2. Draped Bust Left--Overstruck on a 1787 Ryder 1-B Massachusetts Cent--AU-58 (PCGS).118.3 grains. A beautiful example of the rare and fascinating overstruck version of this variety, easily the most impressive we have seen. Just a few dozen of this type of overstrike are known, all 1788 Miller 16.3-N Connecticuts and all struck over the contemporary counterfeit 1787 Ryder 1-B Massachusetts cent, a variety attributed to Machins Mills. Only 11 non-overstruck examples are known of 1787 Ryder 1-B making it far more common as an undertype for these 1788 Connecticuts than in regular form. This is an outstanding specimen with light olive-brown surfaces that have a soft glow from virtually full glossy luster covering the entirety of the coin. No wear can be discerned and this piece looks fully Mint State to us. The presentation of the contemporary counterfeit 1787 Massachusetts cent undertype is wonderful. Almost the entirety of the Massachusetts cent design is present as darker brown toning that comes into full view at the right angle, with much of the Massachusetts legends visible as well and even some of the 1787 date at the upper left reverse of the Connecticut. Some raised undertype is present as well, notably the bow at the lower obverse and the left leg of the eagle, but it is predominantly this darker toning that shows off most of the host coins detail and does so in a way that doesnt obscure the exceptionally sharp Connecticut strike. The lustrous surfaces are impeccable with no notable marks or flaws, a trivial amount of dark buildup above the first C in CONNEC and corresponding reverse rim is noted solely for accuracy. Bold painted die variety in the left obverse field in the hand of William Wallace Hays adds to the history and character of this desirable piece.PCGS# 687240.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex William Wallace Hays; Charles Steigerwalts October 1903 Fixed Price List; Hillyer Ryder; F.C.C. Boyd; our (Stacks) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part IX, May 2005, lot 500; Anthony Terranova, August 2006.
