Description |
1788 COPPER New Jersey Copper, Running Fox before Legend MS65 Brown NGC. M. 77-dd, W-5535, R.2. 138.9 grains. Eric P. Newman's envelope notes that his piece is "From the Jackson [sic]-Green Collection." There are five different varieties of Running Fox coppers, and the last has three distinct die states, each with a separate census. For all the varieties combined, there are two Mint State coins and seven AU examples recorded. This and the other Mint State piece are each noted as "unverified" in the New Jersey State Coppers census. We are confident that this example from the Eric P. Newman Collection is the finest existing Running Fox copper. The Newman coin appeared in the 1918 Henry Chapman sale of the Allison W. Jackman Collection: {blockquote}"1788 Cent. Small head to horse. R as last. Uncirculated. Even, sharp brilliant impression. Light olive with some of the original red still showing. Very slight dent on edge, hardly showing. A wonderful specimen and the finest. I believe unique in this condition, rare in any and when found at all it is usually of a very dark color but here is a gem that will delight the most fastidious collector and be a joy forever to him. Plate. M. 77-dd."{/blockquote} Although little border detail is evident, the strike is nicely centered and bold, with the brushed mane of the horse fully detailed. A short die crack or defect extends in from the border through the letter C. Minor clash marks are noted on both sides of this Gem. The surfaces are smooth and glossy olive-brown, showing faint bluish overtones. Considerable faded mint red remains visible on both sides, primarily through the letters. The only mark of note is a trivial obverse rim bruise at 9 o'clock, and that feature enabled plate matching with the Jackman coin. This is an extraordinary Running Fox copper that is destined for an advanced specialized collection. Ex: Allison W. Jackman Collection (Henry Chapman, 6/1918), lot 172; "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $90.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $105,750.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |