1786 VT 1/2P Baby Head, BN F12BN 认证号40016960, PCGS号548

From the Stacks Bowers sale on 11/04/16, where this coin was lot #5119 and described as: “1786 Vermont Copper. RR-9, Bressett 7-F, W-2040. Rarity-4. Baby Head. Fine-12 (PCGS). Lighter than typically seen in a Baby Head Vermont, both sides exhibit dominant reddish-brown patina with only marginally deeper gray-brown in isolated field areas. The central detail is also quite bold for the variety with much of the reverse seated figure outlined and the obverse portrait near fully outlined with a clear eye, nose and mouth. The date is also readily evident, although only the upper portions of the digits are on the flan. Significant lack of detail is largely confined to the left obverse and reverse borders. Microscopically rough with scattered planchet pits and concentrations of pin scratches at the left obverse border, in the right obverse field, and over the upper left reverse. One of the most popular Vermont varieties due to the distinct style of the obverse portrait, RR-9 is also one of the most challenging to find nice. While survivors are not particularly scarce in an absolute sense, most are heavily worn, dark and/or struck on significantly flawed planchets. Offering good central detail with minimal surface blemishes, this is an uncommonly appealing example for the grade that would be a respectable addition to any collection. Provenance: From the Carolina Colonial Coin Collection. Purchased from Heritage, November 1, 2002.” The coin realized $822.50 in that 2016 auction, and I purchased the coin from RUATWINCOIN on 01/06/25. PCGS certification #548.12/40016960. “Baby Head” is listed on the PCGS label, but the RR-9 variety attribution is not.

Ron Guth

The 1786 Vermont "Baby Head" is so-named because of the infantile bust on the obverse of the coin.  The head is rounded, the wreath atop the head looks like a cowlick, and the ribbon that ties the wreath is set so low that it appears as if it is tying up the baby's bib instead.  While the coin may have a juvenile look, this is one of the more sophisticated varieties of the Vermont series.  This was the ninth of the varieties identified by Hillyer Ryder (known as Ryder 9 today) and it is the only combination of the obverse and reverse dies.  The ultimate Ryder 9 is one with a defect-free, glossy tan planchet that also exhibits a full strike (as expressed in the symbols that appear on the shield on the reverse).  The best example known is the one in the Bennington Museum in Vermont.  Years ago, that coin was stolen from the museum but has since been recovered.  According to colonial coin expert, John Agre, who has viewed the coin in person, it is a stone-cold MS63 on a great planchet.  The PCGS CoinFacts Condition census starts at VF.  Any Ryder 9 in Extremely Fine or better is a condition rarity.