1788 CT 1/2P Draped Bust Left, BN MS(PCGS#409)

1788 CT 1/2P Draped Bust Left, BN MS (PCGS#409)

August 2011 Chicago ANA World's Fair of Money Auction

Lot Description: 1788 Connecticut Copper. Miller 16.5-H, W-4625. URS-7. Draped Bust Facing Left. AU-50 (PCGS). 119.6 grains. A superb coin that is choice in every way for a Connecticut copper -- surfaces are glossy light mahogany brown, with what can be called minimal to nonexistent planchet flaws for a Draped Bust Left type. A beveling of the rim from the planchet cutter has weakened the detail of the reverse adjacent to 12 o'clock, while the rest of the coin is perfectly and strongly struck. Obverse appears lustrous but rough at first glance, but all of this texture is in the die, as it was very well worn, crumbling and displayed multiple clashmarks in the fields. The reverse is boldly lustrous and quite beautiful, hosting the multiple die cracks that arc like bolts of lightning across the coin. In addition to Ryder's ticket, accompanying this lot is a cut down Henry Chapman envelope noting the attribution "16.6-H* new variety of obv," perhaps indicating that this coin was the discovery piece for a die variety that has since been delisted as a duplicate of 16.5-H. A coin that is at once appealing for its beauty, its die state, and its historic nature for Connecticut copper connoisseurs.