1787 NJ 1/2P Pony Head, Maris 38-Z, BN MS(PCGS#767827)

November 2019 Baltimore Colonial Coins and Americana Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

6105

Grade

XF45BN

Price

12,000

Lot Description

Condition Census 1787 Maris 38-Z 1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 38-Z. Rarity-5. Outlined Shield, Small Head. EF-45 (PCGS). 140.8 grains. Lovely smooth light brown with exceptional visual appeal. Nicely centered and well struck with no significant problems. A substantial curved clip is present above NOV of NOVA on the obverse, barely affecting the top of P of PLURIBUS on the reverse. A single crisp die clash from the plow is visible atop the shield, Die State 1. The reverse die is rotated perhaps 20 degrees counterclockwise from proper coin turn. This is a sneaky variety, one that perhaps looks common but is understood among specialists for its elusiveness in higher grades. The Maris-Garrett-Anton coin is the only Uncirculated. Siboni’s AU, with a long provenance that includes Parmelee, Boyd, and Ford, is the second finest. Three EFs follow before getting into Choice VF territory. The example from the Dr. Gordon Shaw Collection that we sold in March 2017, graded VF-30 (PCGS), brought $7,637.50, a testament to how desirable a choice Maris 38-Z can be. Reverse Z was only used in this marriage, and the present specimen offers a perfectly configured and well-struck example of Z’s distinctive shield. We could easily see a re-ranked SHI Condition Census placing this piece as third finest known. Provenance: From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers. PCGS# 767827and 506. Click here for certification details from PCGS.