1785 Connecticut Copper. Miller 4.4-C, W-2375. Rarity-3. Bust Right. AU-50 (PCGS).

131.4 grains. A sharp, good-looking specimen with deep olive-brown surfaces that are impressively free of marks and have minimal planchet flaws in the context of this variety and date. Glossy, verging on lustrous on the right side of the coin while the left side is just barely microporous and slightly more matte in texture; this was most likely caused by the somewhat uneven strike that did not smooth out the surface in the same way on the left side of the coin. Still, the overall strike is quite good and nicely centered, and the surfaces have a pleasing and smooth complexion on the whole. Insignificant planchet flaws at the lower obverse rim and corresponding upper reverse rim affect none of the design. Certainly a candidate for inclusion in the lower end of the Condition Census. Slightly finer examples include the 1975 EAC Sale, Newman, and Lester Merkin 9/1974:243-B&M 9/1985:1385 coins. There are a few roughly on par such as the Oechsner-Partrick and Taylor examples. Obviously much nicer than the typical worn and heavily flawed example, and with its illustrious provenance, the offered piece is overall highly desirable.

PCGS# 685163.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from S.H. and H. Chapman's sale of the John G. Mills, Esq. Collection, April 1904, lot 223; Hillyer Ryder; F.C.C. Boyd; our (Stack's) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part IX, May 2005, lot 217; Anthony Terranova Collection, January 2012. Plated in Randy Clark's "The Identification and Classification of Connecticut Coppers 1785-1788," p. 167.