1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 5.7-G, W-2605. Rarity-8-. Mailed Bust Left. VF-25 (PCGS).

131.2 grains. An exciting appearance of arguably the finest of just three known specimens of this extraordinarily rare die pair. The 5.7-G variety was discovered by David Palmer in 2002 and was the first new 1786 Connecticut to be discovered since Miller's work was published in 1920. Previously, this obverse was known to have been paired with reverses H.1 and O.2. The reverse was known to have been mated with obverses 4.1, 5.3 (one of the rare Hercules Head varieties) and 5.4. A second example was found in 2010 and sold in our January 2011 Americana Sale and from there went to the Twin Leaf Collection. The present coin came to light in 2012. All three examples are in the same general grade range, but this coin seems to have the edge and would certainly be the highest graded at PCGS. The discovery coin has similar sharpness and surfaces but has an X scratch on the obverse. The second found was called F-15 when sold raw in 2011 and PCGS VG-10 in the Twin Leaf sale. This coin has decent dark brown surfaces with tan high points. Some minor surface roughness and light planchet flaws are noted, as well as a patch of reddish patina on the reverse. There are no serious marks and the overall appearance is quite pleasing. Fairly well centered and has solid VF sharpness except where weakly struck at the lower obverse and upper reverse. The die break on the neck that confirms the 5.7 attribution is clear. This is a major rarity and one of just three R-8 varieties among the 1786 Connecticuts. Offered here in the best condition available, this is a real prize for an advanced specialist.

PCGS# 686356.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Kevin Vinton; Jeff Rock, August 2012.