| Description |
1786 COPPER New Jersey Copper, Straight Plow Beam MS65 Brown NGC. M. 14-J, W-4810, R.1. 154.3 grains. The reverse die that Dr. Maris described as Reverse J is known as the Biennial reverse and was the subject of a detailed 1989 study by Michael Hodder. That single reverse was combined with 10 different obverse dies dated 1786 and 1787. The choice of the label Biennial is especially appropriate to the farm-oriented New Jersey coppers, as the word defines a plant that requires two growing seasons to complete its cycle. Slightly more than 2,000 New Jersey coppers survive from Reverse J, and more than half of those are 14-J coppers. A complete collection of the 10 Reverse J varieties is attainable, although Maris 36-J, rated as High R.6, may prove challenging. This offering of colonials from the Eric P. Newman collection includes six of the 10 J-reverse varieties. The colonial type collector will find the Maris 14-J to be an excellent candidate for the 1786-dated New Jersey coppers. This variety is rated R.1, and it is one of the most plentiful varieties in the series, with examples known in all grades including at least half a dozen Mint State pieces. The Condition Census records the Newman specimen and two others as Gems, and they are the finest known examples. A side-by-side comparison of all three examples might allow determination of the exact Condition Census order, although such a comparison may prove inconclusive. This mahogany-brown example has a sharp strike with bold details, and it is well-centered with the date and all inscriptions complete, showing partial border details. The surfaces are pristine with some waviness that remains from the planchet. Every detail of both dies, including central obverse die roughness, is illustrated on this coin. Ex: Virgil Brand; B.G. Johnson; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $25,850.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
