1785 CT 1/2P Bust Right, Miller 1-E, BN MS(PCGS#685148)

1785 CT 1/2P Bust Right, Miller 1-E, BN MS (PCGS#685148)

November 2019 Baltimore Colonial Coins and Americana Auction

Lot Description: 1785 Connecticut Copper. Miller 1-E, W-2300. Rarity-4. Mailed Bust Right. EF-40 (PCGS). 102.8 grains. Struck about 10% off-center on a notably thin planchet, which at 102.8 grains is distinctly below the 113 grain low end of the weight range recorded by Randy Clark for this variety. Surfaces are a mottling of light and dark brown tones, due as much to the minor inherent flaws in the planchet as to the effects of the environment on the coin’s surfaces over the last 234 years. An ax-shaped natural planchet depression from I of INDE to seated figure’s right knee will prove useful for matching this to a previous auction appearance, if any, though Robert was unable to do so in his lifetime. The 1-E die combination is intriguing in its similarity to the reworking of dies in the Massachusetts silver series; obverse 1 is thought to be a reworking of obverse 6.3 of 1785, while the reverse is believed to be reverse G.2 reworked into G.1 reworked into E! Provenance: From the Robert M. Martin Collection. Purchased from Peter Boisvert on eBay, February 4, 2010. PCGS #316 and #685148. Click here for certification details from PCGS.