1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 26-S, W-4995. Rarity-5. Straight Plow Beam, Blundered 6. VF Details--Tooled (PCGS).
148.4 grains. 28.2 mm. A well-traveled example of a Maris number that essentially doesn't exist better than VF. Aside from an EF said to be in the Anton Collection, and the somewhat flawed Maris-Garrett coin, the rest of the SHI Census is composed of VF specimens, few of which are entirely wholesome. Golden tan with olive undertones and some brightness over finely granular surfaces. The devices are bold, and the strike is even and well-centered. The tooling described by PCGS is a substantial area atop the reverse where some surface corrosion was traumatically removed. A natural edge flaw affects the area beneath the date and the corresponding spot atop the reverse. Die State 1, with no failure at right side of obverse. Despite its flaws, this remains an extremely sharp and fairly attractive specimen of this important variety. This example hasn't sold at auction in 27 years.
PCGS# 767887.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Stack's (privately), October 1987; Mike Ringo to John Griffee, November 1987; McCawley and Grellman's sale of the John Griffee Collection, October 1995, lot 45; Ray Williams Collection; acquired April 2007.