1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 5.8-H.2, W-2625. Rarity-5. Mailed Bust Left. AU-58 (PCGS).

117.0 grains. A lovely and well pedigreed Connecticut copper that is among the finest known examples of the variety. Lustrous chocolate-brown surfaces are quite impressive and free from all but a few small planchet flaws on each side. Very well preserved with only microscopic abrasions and little to no wear. Called "Mint State or virtually so" in the Hessberg catalog. Well struck and just about perfectly centered. The remarkable strike, luster, and choice color converge to give this coin exemplary eye appeal. Dr. Hall's attribution is seen neatly painted on the edge. The one and only challenger to this coin for finest known honors that we are aware of is the Ford example. It was graded Choice About Uncirculated and realized $8,050. The Ford coin appears similarly sharp to the present piece but without any planchet flaws. An in hand comparison would be required to see which has the better luster and if that makes up for the minor planchet issues. Beyond these two, EF seems to be about as good as this variety gets, the Oeschner-Partrick, Crosby-Garrett, and Taylor coins being among these second order examples. An outstanding Connecticut with the added desirability of being a Hall ink on edge coin.

PCGS# 686360.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Dr. Thomas Hall Collection; our (Stack's) sale of the Edward Hessberg Collection, June 1991, lot 1363; Anthony Terranova Collection, January 2012. Reverse plated in Randy Clark's "The Identification and Classification of Connecticut Coppers 1785-1788," p. 264.