1787 CT 1/2P INDE over INDN, M 33.38-Z.1, BN MS(PCGS#686342)

Spring 2019 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

8297

Grade

AU53BN

Price

1,800

Lot Description

1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 33.38-Z.1, W-3925. Rarity-5. Draped Bust Left, INDE over INDN. AU-53 (PCGS). 126.2 grains. Glossy and uniform chocolate brown with subtle flecks of dark steel. A few very trivial natural flaws are noted, though a couple of more serious ones at the reverse rim over ET need mention. Some light associated roughness may be seen on the obverse at this position as well. Struck from late state dies, with clash marks, numerous spidery cracks and heavy die flowlines in places. The reverse is mushy from sinking of the die, and associated distortion may be seen around Liberty. Scarce as a variety, but rare so fine. The associated "circled H" collector's tag indicates this was from a "Chapman Lot / Nov 94," but as there were no Chapman sales in that month, this must have been by direct sale. Painted attribution in white on the left obverse, as is typical of William Wallace Hays' "circled H" tag coins. The variety is given as "33-36 / Z-1" which corresponds to an entry in his copy of the Hall notebook, but the cost code and source are different (though this is clearly his tag style). The Rarity "4" is in the right field in white. Provenance: From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex S.H. and H. Chapman, November 1894 by direct sale; William Wallace Hays (circled H tag); unrecorded intermediaries; John J. Ford, Jr., Stack’s, Ford Part IX, May 2005:421. Click here for certification details from PCGS.