1787 Vermont Copper. RR-12, Bressett 11-K, W-2110. Rarity-3+. Bust Right--Overstruck on a Nova Constellatio Copper--EF-45 (PCGS).

138.0 grains. This handsome coin is boldly struck over a Pointed Rays Nova Constellatio copper. Remnants of the undertype are particularly clear in the centers, where on the reverse the all-seeing eye is plainly evident. The strike is well centered on that side with nearly complete denticulation around the border and a full, crisp date. The diagnostic die break above the seated figure's head is clearly seen. The obverse is off center to 8 o'clock with no denticulation along the lower left border, but all letters in VERMON are clear of the periphery except the E, which is joined to the border by the often seen die break in a middle state. Satiny golden-copper surfaces are hard and tight with good gloss, and both sides are free of significant blemishes. Glints of warmer olive-gray are evident here and there around the peripheries. There appears to be some disagreement in numismatic circles over the availability of RR-12 in high grades with Carlotto (1993) observing: "Specimens with a decent surface are harder to obtain than some other R-3 or common varieties. A number of nice pieces are extant with damage of some sort or another. Trying to locate a high grade problem free coin is very difficult." Conversely, Heritage's January 2015 sale of the Partrick Collection alone brought four nice EF and AU examples to market, one of which is ex Cole:1167, and there are others, such as Garrett I:560, Hinkley:2342 and Ford I:33 and 34. Due to the relative availability of attractive examples, however, RR-12 enjoys strong demand from type collectors as well as series specialists, which can make superior quality coins such as this scarce on the market. The prevalence of Nova Constellatio overstrikes with bold undertypes among the large planchet specimens further enhances the appeal of this variety. Once of the nicest examples that we have offered in recent years, this coin is sure to see spirited bidding at auction.

PCGS# 800829.

From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Acquired from the Frisco Mint, February 13, 2017. Earlier ex McCawley-Grellman's C-4 Convention Sale of November 1987, lot 405; Donald Groves Partrick; Heritage's sale of the Donald Groves Partrick Collection, January 2015 FUN Signature Auction, lot 5762.