1787 NJ 1/2P Deer Head, Maris 34-J, BN MS(PCGS#763331)

August 2023 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3058

Grade

XF40BN

Price

2,640

Lot Description

Deer Head Struck Over Horned Bust 1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 34-J, W-5115. Rarity-3. Deer Head--Overstruck on a 1787 Miller 4-L Connecticut Copper. EF-40 (PCGS). 134.3 grains. A dramatic and interesting specimen of the popular Deer Head. Rich dark chocolate brown with hard, glossy surfaces. A really exceptional example, with bold denticles around most of the obverse and a broad, well struck reverse. Evidence of undertype is everywhere on this coin, but the shallow relief of the J reverse allows for essentially the entire obverse of the host to be seen: a 1787 Miller 4-L Connecticut. There's no sign of the Horned Bust characteristic, so this piece may actually be struck on a very early die state "hornless" example. The die state of the Maris 34-J is equivalent to SHI Die State 4, with a heavy cud at the date and swelling elsewhere. A couple scattered marks are seen, though they mostly blend in with the vestiges of the host. We note a thin scratch behind the horsehead but everything else is pretty minor. This is a great looking coin, not only particularly nice for a late die state Maris 34-J, but with an easy to identify and particularly bold host. Even if you already own a 34-J (maybe especially if you do), this would be a neat addition to any New Jersey cabinet. Provenance: From the E Pluribus Unum Collection. PCGS# 763331. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.