1787 VT 1/2P Bust Right, RR-14, BN MS(PCGS#800831)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1184

Grade

AU50BN

Price

6,100

Lot Description

This is a scarce late die state example of RR-14 that is also significant for being overstruck on a Nova Constellatio copper. The undertype is bold in the centers, especially on the reverse, where the all-seeing eye and several of the surrounding rays are prominent. The texture is smooth and satiny overall, no flan flaws or significant marks, light crusty build up around many of the design elements that appears during close inspection with a loupe. Obverse well centered and bold apart from the usual high point softness, reverse slightly off center to 7 o'clock with the denticulation at lower left beyond the flan, border flush to the tops of the letters IN in INDE, seated figure obscured at center due to the undertype. Nice and glossy with handsome, original color in a blend of autumn-orange and olive-brown. <p>While not rare in an absolute sense, RR-14 is scarce in its late die state, as well as when overstruck on a Nova Constellatio copper. The reverse die was also used in the RR-12 and RR-32 pairings. The fact that most RR-14s show little to none of the reverse break above the seated figure's head confirms this is the first of the three varieties produced. Here, the border break is as advanced as on most RR-12s, suggesting that this coin was one of the last struck from the RR-14 pairing. Both Carlotto (1993) and Bowers (2018) note the scarcity of this variety when overstruck on Nova Constellatio coppers. While there are technically finer RR-14s extant, including Ford I:37 and 38, the present example offers a winning combination of overstrike, late die state, pleasing surfaces, and strong visual appeal that is sure to attract spirited bidding from specialists.<p>