| Description |
1787 COPPER Vermont Copper, Mailed Bust Left Fine 12 NGC. RR-15, Bressett 9-I, W-2060, R.6. 103 grains. This is the eighth rarest Vermont variety with less than 20 surviving pieces known, but it is also the only Bust Left variety of 1787 Vermont coppers, so it has heightened demand from Guide Book collectors. Further adding to its importance is the massive die break through the date that obliterates all but the tops of the 8 and 7. The obverse die was used for 1786 RR-11, then for 1787 RR-15, and again for additional examples of the earlier dated RR-11. The actual year of mintage for these coins is unknown, and may have been 1786, 1787, or both. Tony Carlotto reports that the reverse was created with a 1786 hub punch, then the die was overdated by punching a 7 over the 6. If hub punches were actually used, the overdating process may have caused die stress that resulted in the massive die break. The steel-brown fields frame chestnut-brown devices, creating excellent eye appeal. A planchet void is noted at 12:30, and the surfaces appear microscopically rough, but there are no imperfections worth noting. Minor planchet fissures are noted on each side of this rarity. While the Newman example falls in the middle of the census, 11th out of 19 known, the surfaces are finer than most. For example, the Taylor coin that is ranked sixth finest known has planchet fissures that actually create a hole in the coin. Ex: Whipple Collection (Thomas L. Elder, 2/1921), lot 435; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $30,550.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
