1787 NJ 1/2P Maris 73-aa, Ghost Nova, BN MS(PCGS#763355)

November 2019 Baltimore Colonial Coins and Americana Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

6218

等级

XF45BN

价格

63,164

详细说明

Another Incredible 1787 Maris 73-aa Overstrike Struck on 1776 Machin’s Mills Halfpenny 1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 73-aa. Rarity-4. Plaited Mane. Overstruck on 1776 Machin’s Mills halfpenny, Vlack 6-76A. EF-45 (PCGS). 110.7 grains. Another stunning example that must be seen to be fully appreciated. The details of the undertype threaten to overwhelm the New Jersey designs, with the 1776 date of the counterfeit halfpenny only barely misaligned from where the 1787 date of the New Jersey should be. The obverse periphery reads ITAN A NIA, with few traces of the NOVA CAESAREA legend that should surround the handsomely rendered horsehead. The plow is bold, but as much of the slightly-flattened figure of Britannia is visible as anything from the New Jersey dies. On the reverse, the full outline of King George’s bust remains, stamped with a well-detailed shield and framed with peripheral legends reading GEORGLUR III REX. The centering is excellent, and the surface quality is flawless. Both sides are frosty chocolate brown with excellent gloss and thrilling visual appeal. Only a little area of scale at the horse’s throat requires mention; smaller specks at T (of BRITANNIA) and below the plow bar are hard to find. This is exactly the sort of coin that the New Jersey Assembly was complaining about in May 1790, when they railed against “the fraudulent practices of persons who have stamped Birmingham (i.e. counterfeit halfpence) and Connecticut coppers with the same impression as those of this state.” It’s hard to imagine the reaction of a contemporary New Jersey merchant, accustomed to finely made Maris 48-g or Maris 63-q coppers, being confronted with a mess such as this. Today, in their ridiculousness, we find charm. Though not listed in the SHI Condition Census, this example is clearly one of the five best specimens known from these dies. Provenance: From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers. PCGS# 763355and 521277. Click here for certification details from PCGS.