1787 NJ 1/2P Large Plan, Plain Shield, BN MS(PCGS#509)

1787 NJ 1/2P Large Plan, Plain Shield, BN MS (PCGS#509)

November 2017 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

Lot Description: 1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 62-q, W-5350. Rarity-3. Large Planchet, Plain Shield. VF-20 (PCGS). 123.1 grains. Choice light brown surfaces display the usual circulation marks, as well as a long horizontal scratch across obverse that has blended with the patina, making it difficult to spot from arm's length. Well centered on the usual large flan, but with loss to some of the dentils, as the planchet was still too small to accommodate them all. The so-called "Hidden Initials" obverse for the remnants of Walter Mould's "WM" initials which were covered up by the trefoil sprig underneath horse's head, a connection to the unique Maris 62.5-r, which actually shows the initials uncensored. PCGS# 509. NGC ID: 25XG. Provenance: From the Syd Martin Collection. Purchased privately from American Heritage Minting (Billy Paul), September 20, 2000.