1787 CT 1/2P Small Head, ETLIB INDE, M 1.1-A, BN MS(PCGS#686401)

August 2023 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

8240

Grade

MS62BN

Price

7,800

Lot Description

Mint State 1787 Small Head Connecticut An Exceptional Specimen 1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 1.1-A, W-2700. Rarity-3. Mailed Bust Right, Small Head, ETLIB / INDE. MS-62 BN (PCGS). 119.6 grains. With this magnificent coin, we commence our offering of Syd Martin's extraordinary collection of 1787 Connecticut coppers, and it is a fitting beginning to what will be found in the lots to follow. Beautiful light steel brown over most of both sides gives this piece a very even appearance. Faded mint red still glows from within the recesses of the obverse letters, while the fields retain pleasant original luster. Prominent die lines through the fields show the finishing work of the die cutter, and the strike was well centered on the flan with just a trace of obverse misalignment toward 11 o'clock leaving only the points of the dentils in this area. The reverse is essentially perfectly centered, with complete dentils. Weak through the central details as often seen on this variety, but the peripheral details are all quite bold. Original rough planchet texture is seen to a minimal degree through the portrait, while more is retained in the central reverse, affecting much of the central detail of Liberty. Occasionally a better struck piece will appear in the market, but as for surface quality and overall preservation, few are seen of even similar character to this. The landmark Ford offerings included the Jenks Collection specimen as the first of two very nice ones, and it was labeled "The Finest Seen." This comfortably exceeds it in quality. The Oechsner-Partrick coin seems to be the finest among the few others offered in recent years with real luster, but it is either scratched or marred by a thin linear planchet flaw over about a third of the obverse, and considerable natural roughness all but eliminates the effigy's face. This is clearly a superior coin, no discussion required. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex the Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006. To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click here. PCGS# 686401. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.