1786 NJ 1/2P Leaning Head, Maris 15-L, BN MS(PCGS#766283)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1283

Grade

AU53BN

Price

9,000

Lot Description

143.6 grains. A superb example of this variety, outpacing all other examples we've sold from this die marriage in the last 20 years. Frosty light golden brown surfaces retain good luster, especially on the reverse. The obverse shows a few subtly darker toning stripes, something similar to a woodgrain effect. Both sides are boldly detailed and well struck, the obverse aligned trivially to lower right but framed with denticles 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock, the reverse bettered centered and lacking denticles only at top. The horsehead is in high relief, and the shield shows full internal details. No significant marks or defects are noted, just some visible planchet texture at central obverse and a minuscule planchet flaw beneath I of PLURIBUS. The eye appeal is truly exceptional, and the overall look is that of a higher grade.<p>The SHI Census ranks this piece as seventh finest, both in 2013 and 2024. We've sold several other Condition Census pieces over the years, including the Maris-Garrett coin (CC1, listed as AU), PCGS EF-45 Norweb-Royce coin (listed as second best in 2013 and fourth in 2024, sold for $15,275 in our November 2012 sale), and the Ford coin (listed as AU, ranked as third in 2013 and second in 2024). We've never sold an example graded AU or better by PCGS, but in recent years we've sold the Taylor-Dr. Gordon Shaw coin, a PCGS EF-40 that is somehow ranked above this coin in both editions of the SHI Census, and three PCGS VF-35 coins. Two of those were from E Pluribus Unum (the Spiro-Oechsner coin for $5,280 in 2019 and another at $4,320 in 2023), while the third was from Syd Martin ($2,040 in 2022). The finely granular Ted Craige coin (from our January 2013 Americana sale) is of similar sharpness and is ranked eighth best in both iterations of the SHI Census. The Partrick coin (NGC AU-55) brought $6,600 in 2021 but is not ranked on either version of the census. In fact, no higher ranked example has been sold at public auction since the Ford coin sold in 2003.<p>