| Description |
1785 COPPER Connecticut Copper, African Head VF Details, Damaged NGC. M. 4.2-F.6, W-2360, R.8. 131.2 grains. Legendary Connecticut coppers author Henry C. Miller knew of this variety when his reference was published in 1920, and he wrote: "Of this variety only one authentic specimen is known." However, he was unaware that the reverse was different from the reverse of the other African Head variety. It is almost certain that the present example, once in the collections of Dr. Thomas Hall and Virgil Brand, is the exact coin that Miller spoke of. As such, it is the discovery coin for the variety. Eric P. Newman published the revised reverse description in January 1972, following personal correspondence between Newman and Edward R. Barnsley, dated April 21, 1966. Newman's own coin, and the piece that we offered as part of the W. Philip Keller Collection in October 2010, are two of the three known examples of this extremely rare variety. None of the other famous collections offered in recent times have included an example of Miller 4.2-F.6. Furthermore, neither obverse nor reverse appears anywhere else in the Connecticut series. This coin combines steel-brown and olive patina with smooth and glossy surfaces, although both sides show multiple dents that cause surface bulges on the obverse, and depressions on the reverse. Minor corrosion specks appear near the chin on the obverse. The finest known Keller specimen was graded VF30 NGC, and this similarly detailed coin, the second finest known, is called VF Details, Damaged by NGC. The third piece grades VF20 PCGS. Here is an extremely important opportunity for the advanced Connecticut specialist. Ex: Dr. Thomas Hall; Virgil Brand; Brand Estate (sold for $1.25 on May 16, 1935); B.G. Johnson (sold for $10.00); Eric P. Newman; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $70,500.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
