1788 Connecticut Copper. Miller 5-B.2, W-4440. Rarity-4+. Mailed Bust Right--Overstruck on Nova Constellatio Copper--EF-45+ (PCGS).
117.6 grains. A lovely coin, certainly among the most attractive examples out there of a 1788 Connecticut struck over a Nova Constellatio. Light olive-tan in color, the surfaces are perfectly choice with no distracting marks, flaws, or discoloration. Naturally glossy with an overall pleasing, original appearance. Well struck just slightly off center over a Crosby 5-E Nova Constellatio, bold undertype of the Nova's central motifs are visible on both sides, and the smaller border dentils of the host coin are seen neatly outlining the planchet where the Connecticut strike was off center. Despite the bold undertype, the Connecticut design presents exceptionally well and is not at all disfigured by the Nova Constellatio detail. There are a few higher grade examples known, the Taylor, Ford, and Newman coins among them, but this one is right up there. The story it tells is an important one: of underweight Nova Constellatios being imported into the New York area and valued relatively lower than Connecticuts, thereby making it profitable to take Novas and use them as planchets for a "Connecticut copper" struck extralegally at Machin's Mills. This piece makes a truly remarkable visual impression.
PCGS# 687254.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from Pine Tree Rare Coin Auction's 1975 EAC Sale, February 1975, lot 290 (original lot ticket included); our sale of the John "Jack" Royse Collection, November 2012 Baltimore Auction, lot 6053.

Estimate: $5000