| Description |
1737 COPPER Higley Copper, VALVE ME AS YOU PLEASE VG8 NGC. Unknown to Crosby, Freidus 2-B.a, W-8225, R.8. 156.1 grains. This remarkably rare Higley copper shows weakness of strike in the center of the obverse, but the figure of the deer is still discernible. The strike on the reverse shows more localized weakness with the third or right crowned hammer indistinct. The left portion of the reverse is remarkably strong in detail, suggesting misalignment of the reverse die at the time of striking. The surfaces are deep gray-brown in the fields with lighter, almost tan-brown color over the design elements. Several crisscrossing scratches are seen on the reverse, along with a planchet depression at 1 o'clock covering the first P in COPPER. Diagnostics are provided by Eric P. Newman on a typed paper that accompanies the coin: {blockquote}"Obv. VALVE instead of VALUE Each antler points to a leg of A Period after PLEASE Same obverse shown in Crosby VIII #20 "Rev. Wide date with lower right hammer over 3 of date. Period between date and hand much nearer circular line than edge. Same reverse shown in Crosby VIII #19, 21, 22 and is in Brand-Smith collection #25."{/blockquote} There are four obverse design types. Type 1 has the legend THE VALVE OF THREE PENCE; type 2 has the legend VALVE ME AS YOU PLEASE; type 3 has the legend VALUE ME AS YOU PLEASE; and type 4 has the legend THE WHEELE GOES ROUND. There are three known obverse dies of type 1 and type 3, and a single known obverse die of type 2 and type 4. Freidus identified three known examples of the type 2 obverse, two examples with reverse B.a and one with reverse B.b. In the Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins, Q. David Bowers mentions that three examples of Freidus 2-B.a are known, although details of the second and third pieces are not recorded. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society; purchased from Mr. Camuti in March 1965 for $800. Census of Type 2 Higley Coppers 1. 2-B.a VG8. Eric P. Newman Collection. The present coin. 2. 2-B.a Fine, porous. Krugjohann Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 5/1976), lot 23; Roper Collection (Stack's, 12/1983), lot 150; anonymous collector. 3. 2-B.a. A piece mentioned in the Whitman Encyclopedia. 4. 2-B.b. Parmelee Collection (New York Coin and Stamp Co., 6/1890), lot 276; J.C. Mitchelson; Connecticut State Library.
Realized $76,375.00. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
