1787 New Jersey Copper. Maris 54-k, W-5295. Rarity-3. No Sprig Above Plow, Serpent Head. AU-53 (PCGS).

119.7 grains. A handsome piece with deep charcoal-rose outlines to many of the devices. The surfaces are otherwise evenly toned in glossy golden-brown. Softness of strike is minor and confined to the left obverse and reverse borders, principally the letters OV in NOVA and PLU in PLURIBUS. The strike is drawn toward the lower right obverse and upper right reverse ever so slightly, but otherwise the impression is uniformly bold with the horse's head, plow and reverse shield particularly sharp. Overall smooth in hand, microgranularity and light pitting are really only discernible with the aid of a loupe. Although not included in the Condition Census enumerated therein, this piece is still listed on the bottom of page 419 in the 2013 book New Jersey State Coppers by Siboni, Howes and Ish as "Spiro 1955, lot 1562." Clearly among the finer survivors of this popular variety, easily attributable and named due to the distinct design of the horse's head.

PCGS# 518. NGC ID: 2B4W.

From Hans M.F. Schulman's sale of the Spiro Collection, March 1955, lot 1562; our (Stack's) sale of the Bareford Collection of New Jersey Coppers, May 1984, lot 181.