1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 2.2-D.2, W-2475. Rarity-6. Mailed Bust Right, Broad Shouldered or Noble Head. EF-40 (PCGS).

114.2 grains. Easily one of the most significant pieces in this incredible offering of 1785 and 1786 Connecticuts, this is the extraordinary finest known example of one of the most distinctive and beloved Connecticut copper types. The "Broad Shouldered" or "Noble Head" bust of the Miller 2.2 obverse has a wholly unique appearance when compared to other obverse dies of the series. The imposing stature and confident, upward facing expression of the effigy give this obverse a somewhat more dignified, indeed more "noble," appearance than any other Connecticut obverse, despite its presumably unofficial status. The reverse is distinctive as well, with a slender seated figure leaning far forward. A standalone die pair, neither the 2.2 obverse nor D.2 reverse are found in combination with any other dies. This superb coin, by far the finest of the 20 or so examples known, has lovely golden-tan surfaces with a few splashes of maroon on the obverse and a bit of attractive woodgrain undertones on the reverse. The technical grade is clearly in excess of the assigned grade, there is legitimate frosty luster and mint gloss on both sides, particularly the reverse, and hardly any discernible wear. The surfaces have a glow to them that you would not expect to see on an EF state copper. There are a handful of light scratches on the obverse that are visible at certain angles but nothing in the way of planchet flaws or roughness. Nicely centered on the obverse while the reverse is misaligned to 7 o'clock, an orientation seen on several examples. The centering affects INDE and the date but at least a portion of each letter is visible and the 786 of the date is clear. This piece is in a class of its own. The next best example is considered to be the 1975 EAC Sale (lot 33)-Taylor-Robert Martin coin which is graded PCGS VF-20. Beyond that are a few Fines while the majority of survivors are in the G-VG range, many with problems. Adding to its desirability and significance is its distinguished provenance that extends back to Dr. Hall; it displays Hall's painted attribution on the edge and includes his circular tag as well. There are few types within the Connecticut copper series that can match the Noble Head for rarity and distinctiveness. The Seated Figure Facing Right 1787 1.4-WW and "Bungtown" varieties are perhaps the only major types that are rarer. A wonderful Connecticut copper that combines a high level of rarity, condition, and significance.

PCGS# 686824.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Dr. Thomas Hall; Virgil Brand, via B.G. Johnson (St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.); Heritage's sale of the Eric P. Newman Collection, May 2014, lot 30064. Plated in Randy Clark's "The Identification and Classification of Connecticut Coppers 1785-1788," pp. 221, 250, and 258.