1787 NJ 1/2P Trident Shield, Maris 64-t Small Planchet, BN MS(PCGS#767852)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auktionator

Stack's Bowers

Losnummer

1370

Erhaltungsgrad

XF40BN

Preis

1.020

Losbeschreibung

186.9 grains. The Small Planchet subtype of this variety is without question scarcer than the Large Planchet subtype, as seen in the previous lot. This piece is particularly notable for the chunkiness of its planchet, as its weight rivals some of the very heaviest New Jersey coppers we've encountered. A famous Maris 68-w is thought to be the heaviest New Jersey copper recorded, weighing 203.7 grains, a weight so aberrant that it seems to be some kind of mint error. A magnificently overstruck Maris-Garrett Maris 17-b, last sold in our 2019 E Pluribus Unum sale, weighs 189.9 grains owing to its oversized French sol undertype. A Maris 65-u, most recently in Syd Martin's collection, weighs in close to this one at 187.4 grains, but this is definitely rare air, in the top fraction of a percent among all known New Jersey coppers. In fact, this piece weighs significantly over the standard for a post-1795 large cent. Viewed from the edge, this piece actually resembles a piefort, and it's easily twice as thick as some New Jersey coppers. The attractive surfaces are two toned tan and dark olive brown, with the darker and lightly granular fields offering fine contrast with the well formed devices. The die state is early and the centers of both sides are fully detailed. Both sides are aligned a bit to the right, but the centering remains good. No major marks are seen, thin obverse scratch to 3 o'clock, edges pleasant and clean.<p>This is a nicer than usual Maris 64-t, especially among those struck on a Small Planchet, but the attraction for specialists will be its off-the-charts metrology. Pieces like this were attractive to Mr. August, and this would add a measure of depth to any advanced collection.