1787 NJ 1/2P Serpent Head, Maris 54-k, BN MS(PCGS#766278)

1787 NJ 1/2P Serpent Head, Maris 54-k, BN MS (PCGS#766278)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: 103.0 grains. A superb example of this famous variety. Smooth and glossy medium brown with exceptional surface quality. The centering is nearly ideal on both sides. Denticles surround the obverse from 10 o'clock to past 6 o'clock and are seen on the upper right and lower left reverse. The centers are strong, and the very distinctive Serpent Head device is splendidly detailed. The strike at NOVA is soft, as often seen, leaving some visible planchet texture in that area. No other serious flaws are noted, just some trivial marks and a planchet cutter gutter around much of the reverse. In the right light, careful scrutiny may find some very subtle hairlines, but they are not significant. The die state is typical, equivalent to SHI Die State 3, with arc cracks between A of NOVA and C of CAESAREA and past the plow tip to the date.<p>The surface quality and color of this piece really sets it apart, giving it nearly unparalleled visual appeal. It did not make the cut for the SHI Census, which includes five coins graded AU+ and two more AU coins, one of which is the splendid double strike from our November 2019 E Pluribus Unum sale. That coin, graded AU-55 (PCGS), and the other E Pluribus Unum specimen from the same sale that was graded AU-55+ (PCGS), are the only Serpent Head New Jerseys we've ever offered with a higher certified grade than this one. Those two coins sold for $6,600 and $7,800, respectively, six years ago.