1787 NJ 1/2P Sprig Above Plow, Maris 63-r, BN MS(PCGS#767843)

1787 NJ 1/2P Sprig Above Plow, Maris 63-r, BN MS (PCGS#767843)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Losbeschreibung: 145.2 grains. A remarkably choice example of a very elusive variety. Choice and glossy chocolate brown, just a bit darker around devices. There's not a mark present on either side of any consequence, and most of those seen looks to have been there since before striking. We note only a very short scratch from the upper right point of the shield for lack of something more significant. The centering is good and the detail is equal to the grade. Typical die state, with the die chip visible beside the horse's chest and a bit of softness at the central reverse.<p>There are not very many high grade examples of this variety. There's a single nice AU, the plate coin in the 2013 Siboni, Howes, Ish book. The rest of the top seven is listed as EF+ (2), EF, VF+ (this coin), and VF (2). We sold the seventh ranked coin in the November 2019 E Pluribus Unum sale, a PCGS VF-30 that brought $1,800. More recently, we sold a lower quality duplicate from EPU graded PCGS VF-25 that brought $2,040. The only other Condition Census specimen to sell at auction in the 21st century is the second ranked Norweb-Partrick coin, an NGC AU-53 that brought $12,000 in 2021. The fifth ranked piece, one spot behind this one, is a former Dick August duplicate. Considering the rarity of this die marriage, and how elusive it is in high grade, it's a wonder it doesn't bring more in the marketplace.