1787 CT 1/2P CONNECT, Miller 15-S, BN MS(PCGS#685109)

August 2023 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

8269

Grade

AU55+

Price

10,200

Lot Description

Outstanding 1787 Miller 15-S Rarity The Fatal Break 1787 Connecticut Copper. Miller 15-S, W-2915. Rarity-5+. Mailed Bust Left, CONNECT, INDL. AU-55+ (PCGS). 149.7 grains. A fantastic example of this scarce variety that tends to come in not only low grade, but also frequently with heavily flawed planchets. We will let Robert Martin describe this one, from his notes: "…The 15-S I hinted about is now in hand. It is (unfortunately) in an NGC slab graded AU-55. I honestly believe it is a full UNC, with just a tough [sic] of flatness from the strike. Relatively well centered, just a few striations in the flan, which is mostly hard and glossy. Globe lines sharp, grapevines sharp; full facial characteristics on the reverse effigy; incredibly sharp cinquefoils. On the obverse the 'E' is a bit weak, but all other letters are sharply defined; full hairlines. Overall good, original color." The surfaces are indeed very pleasant, and rich, largely uniform chocolate brown. Flecked with minor flaws, often caked and dark, but of a vastly different character than the fissures seen on some others. What other collections held may put his coin into proper perspective. John Ford's was the Miller plate coin, but a comparatively dreadful VG, with "nearly black fields;" the Taylor coin was called "among the finest known" as an "overall VG-8" and later called "Fine" in the 2000 Perkins sale; the Twin Leaf coin was graded VF-20; Collection SLT had a badly fissured VG-10; Rothschild had no Obverse 15 varieties; this pairing was missing from Robert Martin's collection altogether. This is the latest die state described and plated by Clark, the plate being of this example. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex an unrecorded source, October 2007. To view supplemental information and all items from the Sydney F. Martin Collection, click here. PCGS# 685109. 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.