1787 New York Excelsior Copper. W-5785, Breen-980. Rarity-6. Heraldic Eagle Reverse. Eagle Facing Left, Arrows at Right. EF-45 (PCGS).
145.5 grains. 28.5 mm. 180 degree die rotation. A sharp and attractive example of this classic type. Nicely centered on both sides, with the head of the eagle and all but the lower serifs of a few letters of EXCELSIOR on the planchet. The Heraldic Eagle side shows denticles from 5 to 9 o'clock, and a full range of design elements centered on the planchet. The sharpness is excellent, and the visual appeal is nice, with golden brown surfaces and a hint of darker patina in the fields around the eagle. Some minor hairlines are seen, most noticeable in the field above the New York Arms, on either side of the tiny eagle facing left. No bad marks or flaws are seen, just some very trivial circumferential fissuring at the peripheral extremity of the Heraldic Eagle side and a single short scratch above the arrow talon. The detail, even at centers, is strong on both sides. Of the three die varieties of the Heraldic Eagle / New York Arms type of Excelsior copper, this is perhaps the most numerous, but the population is heavily imbalanced toward low grade and heavily flawed specimens. This example offers far better sharpness and visual appeal than usually encountered.
PCGS# 427.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Tony Terranova; Richard August and Roger Siboni collections.

Estimate: $22500