1787 Machin's Mills (Atlee) Counterfeit Halfpenny / Connecticut Copper Muling. Vlack 13-87CT, Miller 101-G.2, W-7890. Rarity-7+. Fine Details--Scratch (PCGS).
134.0 grains. Dark brown fields surround design motifs and legends that are worn to a pleasing olive-brown hue. Surfaces are lightly granular but not disturbingly so. The planchet itself is a study in the colonial era minting process, with two small curved planchet clips most easily seen at the 2 o'clock and 6 o'clock on the reverse; there is also a pronounced planchet cutter lip between the 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions of the reverse. The dies are oriented at about 85 degrees, well beyond the usual 'coin turn orientation. A trio of deep marks across King George's head are most probably contemporary with this coin's circulation, as they have blended quite well with the overall patina of the surfaces; these hits gently bowed the planchet, creating a convex surface at the central reverse that accelerated wear to that area. Despite this impairment, the evenness of the surfaces and pleasing tone give this coin a decent overall appearance. We are delighted to be able to once again present this rarity for sale, one of just six specimens reported for the variety. The finest thought to exist is in an eastern collection, unseen by your cataloger and most students of the series. The second best was offered in our (Stack's) Ford IX sale of 2005 as lot 506, bringing $40,250. That piece was fairly smooth and pleasing despite some inherent planchet texture at central reverse; it was graded therein as 'About Very Fine' but would likely be accorded full VF status by most observers. The Ted Craige specimen, offered here again, is perhaps a bit less sharp than the Twin Leaf Collection specimen that realized $10,200 in our Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction; the latter was certified Fine Details--Environmental Damage by PCGS at the time of sale. Another piece is impounded among the Colonial Newsletter Foundation / Ned Barnsley coins at the ANS, but it grades just poor, while the sixth appeared in 2016. Depending upon how one views the damage on the present coin relative to the impairment of the Twin Leaf piece, the former ranks as either third or fourth finest known.
Ex Ted Craig Estate, via intermediary or intermediaries to Metropolitan Rare Coin Galleries (Steve Deeds), to consignor to the following on December 17, 1974; our (Stack's) sale of September 2006, lot 187. Collector envelopes with attribution and provenance notes included.