We come now to yet another C4 Sale at yet another C4 Convention, the thirteenth held to date.  We have finally hit our teens, we must be growing up!  Perhaps, but we certainly are not growing out of our love of this hobby, or the camaraderie we find within it, within this Colonial Coin Collectors Club. 

 I suppose many mice have roared since the movie of similar name was first released, but surely C4 is one of them.  We are a small organization, yet we have produced an unbroken series of great Colonial Auctions, year in and year out, without drawing on the recourses of anybody with a famous American automobile company as their last name.  So it seems fitting to call our own special “roar”; the Voice of the People, or Voce Populi.

 And speaking of Voce Populi, this year’s Sale happens to offer an outstanding collection of Voce Populi Coppers for sale.  You probably saw that coming, didn’t you? But in truth it is a collection perfectly in keeping with the now long tradition that I cited above.  It is collections like this specialized important one of Voce Populi’s that make virtually every C4 Sale an instant classic, destined to be referenced by numismatists working in our field for generations to come.

 But of course there are additional great coins and great collections consigned to this sale. This year we return to old, familiar, and fond territory with another exceptional run of New Jersey Coppers for example, and an important run of Fugio Cents can also be found within the pages of this catalog. Virtually every series seems to have some stars in this year’s sale which is what we always hope we can say in one of these introductions.

 Voce Populi is a fitting theme for a C4 Auction for another important reason.  This one, like every one before it, offers a vast array of coins, of different types, of different quality, of different prices for different budgets. We don’t cherry pick member consignments to accept only the highest yield coins for C4 auctions.  Every year you can trust that a C4 Catalog will get printed with glossy photos of odd low value counter stamped coppers, and unusual die states of low grade otherwise unassuming varieties. But for that devotion to the fundamentals of our hobby, C4 Sales have also always been richly rewarded, with mind boggling and wonderful coins; great beauties, great rarities, and yes great collections. 

 We want to close by expressing our deep gratitude to C4 members like Francis McGrath who keep supporting this hobby, and this Club, by consigning their collections to this auction.  You are the ones who make this possible for all of us.

 2007 C-4 Sale

 1652  Oak Tree Shilling  Noe-6  R7-  VF30.   Glossy medium gray with darker gray and steel toning in protected areas.  No defects other than some microscopic roughness in protected areas and equally tiny contact marks scattered over the reverse, none visible without the aid of a strong glass.  Excellent eye appeal for the grade.  Late die state with heavy die clashing on the obverse severely blunting the oak tree.  The reverse shows several die cracks.  The legends are strong except for those portions off the typically undersize planchet.  Detail fully comparable to the Hain example which was in the same late die state.  Weight 80.4 grains.

1652  Pine Tree Shilling  Noe-16  R2  [PCGS Fine15] Fine12+ .   Small planchet type.  The obverse is weaker there on balance looking more like a VG, especially in the center where most of the pine tree is worn away, but the reverse is strong and grades a choice VF20.  Nicely centered on a smooth, defect-free planchet.  Glossy medium steel gray with lighter silvery gray toning covering the highpoints.  Weight listed as 66.1 grains on the PCGS label.

1652  Pine Tree Threepence  Noe-36  R4  F12.   Sharpness VF20 or better in many areas, but the surfaces are uneven and a bit rough – possibly sea salvage.  The date and denomination are complete and strong.  The reverse is nicely centered on the planchet while the obverse is off to the bottom and most of the legend on that side is gone, the oak tree being the only survivor other than a couple letters.  Dark gray with light silvery toning covering the highpoints, the contrast accenting the details and aiding the eye appeal.  Weight 14.2 grains.

1652  Pine Tree Shilling  Becker COPY of Noe-1  AU55.   Frosty light to medium silvery gray.  No defects, essentially as made.  Becker’s stamp shows clearly on the edge.  Weight 136.6 grains.

1659  Maryland Lord Baltimore Sixpence COPY  VF35.   Frosty light steel gray.  Essentially as made.  Has a grainy sandblast look, perhaps cast.  Is not marked with the word “COPY”, but the grainy texture tells the tale.  Weight 73.8 grains.

(1672-1675)  Saint Patrick Farthing  Breen-208  Griffee G1-2/0h  VF20.   Or perhaps 5 points sharper but with a patch of shallow corrosion and greenish verdigris at the top of the church at the rim right of Saint Patrick.  Otherwise the planchet is mostly smooth with only traces of minor roughness in a couple places.  Glossy chocolate brown with reddish olive toning in protected areas.  The splasher is large but not especially bright.  Nicely centered with sharp details.  Overall pleasing and clearly superior to the Griffee example.  Weight 81.2 grains.

(1672-1675)  Saint Patrick Farthing  Breen-208  Griffee G1-4/1c  F12.   Pleasing glossy chocolate brown with olive brown in protected areas.  The splasher is bright golden tan.  An old shallow scratch circles much of Patrick’s body and traces of minor roughness in a couple places but otherwise nice for the grade.  Finest of only 2 known.  Weight 79.4 grains.

(1672-1675)  Saint Patrick Farthing  Breen-211  Griffee G21-3/3a  VF20.   Glossy medium brown and chocolate.  The splasher is small and misplaced off to the upper left of the crown, and it toned a darker olive brown.  The only defect is a moderate planchet crack or void on the rim right of the church.  Late die state.  Comparable to the Griffee example, which was called finest of only 2 known when we sold his collection.  Weight 95.5 grains.

(1672-1675)  Saint Patrick Farthing  Breen-212  Griffee G31-5/3a  F12.   Actual sharpness reaches EF45 in places but evenly granular and probably dug.  Matte chocolate and darker steel brown.  No verdigris or marks.  No real evidence of wear either, and most of the details remain sharp.  Nicely struck except for the tops of both sides.  Probably the sharpest of only 6 known.  Weight 64.0 grains.

(1672-1675)  Saint Patrick Farthing  Breen-212  Griffee G31-6/4a  VF25.   Was tempted to grade this higher due to its superior surfaces. Choice glossy medium brown and chocolate with bright golden toning covering a large splasher.  A dull contact mark just left of the bottom of the crown is the only defect on an otherwise flawless example.  Great eye appeal for a Saint Patrick farthing.  Superior to the Griffee example, one of 7 known.  Weight 86.8 grains.

(1672-94)  London Elephant Token with Thin Planchet  Breen-187?  VF25.   Ten points sharper, especially on the elephant side, but the reverse is covered with a thin layer of dark scale on all but the highpoints.  This piece may be the rare thin planchet version Breen calls #187, but it may be something else.  It is possible this piece was made for collectors well after the originals were struck, possibly around the same time Condor tokens were produced, and something about its look steers a first reaction away from thinking it is original.  However, we can find no clear evidence to confirm this piece is not original.  It’s a gut thing but we urge caution.  Take a good look and decide for yourself.  In any case it is interesting and worthy of collecting regardless of your final determination about  it.  The obverse is glossy medium brown and chocolate with darker olive toning near the rims while the reverse is a slightly glossy dark olive with traces of verdigris in a few of the protected areas.  Weight 121.8 grains.

(1688)  Holt’s American Plantation Token  Newman 2-B (original)  Breen-77  EF40.   Sharpness near mint state but with spots of tin pest corrosion on both sides, some of the roughness significant enough to blot out details here and there but most of the details remain sharp.  Toned a medium even gray, with none of the original flash typically found on an uncirculated piece but with some gloss.  Weight 154.9 grains.

(1828)  Restrike of Holt’s American Plantation Token Newman 5-D Breen-78  EF45.   Mint state sharpness but the reverse is matte and granular, that side covered with fine roughness supplemented with a couple depressions where tin pest melted away some of the planchet.  No active corrosion remains.  The obverse is frosty light silvery gray with medium gray highpoints and lots of flashy mint luster remaining in protected areas.  It’s like two different coins.  Later die state with the usual die crack before the horse.  Weight 160.1 grains.

(1737)  Higley 3 Pence with Deer and Broadaxe  Becker COPY  VF20.   Close to as made, but the host coin graded VF20 or so.  Medium brown and tan with some darker olive toning on each side.  A spot of very fine verdigris at the front foot of the deer is the only notable defect, and faded signs of a past cleaning.  Becker’s stamp shows on the edge.  Weight 155.6 grains.

1776  Continental Dollar with CURENCY  Becker COPY of Newman 1-C  AU50.   Virtually as made.  Frosty bright silver with medium gray toning on the highpoints.  No defects.  Becker’s mark shows clearly on the edge.  A handsome piece if you can’t afford the real thing. Weight 361.6 grains.

1776  Continental Dollar with CURENCY  Copy of Newman 1-C in Lead  EF40.   Ten points sharper with a rim dent at ON and a dull rim nick right of the date.  Frosty dark steel gray.  Sharply detailed.  The word “COPY” is impressed on the edge.  Thick and rather heavy. Weight 559.1 grains.

1799  New York Associate Church Communion Token  Rulau NY-622, Breen-1172  Rarity-7  F15.   Glossy medium gray with lighter silvery gray highpoints.  There are a few dull contact marks, mostly rim nicks in this very soft pewter or similar base metal.  The legends are clear, at least comparable to the Rulau plate coin.  According to Vlack, this token is the earliest dated American communion token.  Oval-shaped, 23.0 x 17.5 millimeters.  Weight 81.6 grains.  A rare opportunity to acquire a very rare early American token.

1721-H  French Colonies 9 Deniers  Breen-261  [PCI  F12 corroded] F12.   Slightly sharper than but, yup, the planchet is corroded, strongest on the reverse where the surfaces are uneven, not so bad on the crown side.  Reddish chocolate and olive with lighter chocolate highpoints.  The date and H mintmark are easily readable but not strong, and most of the legend is clear.  Late die state with several die cracks on the crown side.

1739-O  French Colonies Sou Marque  Vlack-154e  R5  [PCGS EF45] EF45.   Glossy steel brown with frosty medium gray toning in protected areas.  No marks or other defects.  Very late die state with strong swelling covering the left side of the obverse and obvious die cracks on that side as well.  Otherwise the strike is excellent and the legends are bold.  Struck at the Riom mint in France.

1742-H  French Colonies Sou Marque  Vlack-360  R8  VF35.   A contemporary counterfeit, an imitation of pieces from the La Rochelle mint in France.  Choice glossy chocolate and steel brown.  Smooth and virtually flawless.  The date is clear and the legends are strong.  Weight 33.8 grains.

1751-BB  French Colonies Sou Marque  Vlack-369  R1  VF25.   Contemporary counterfeit of a Strasbourg mint issue.  Scattered shallow pitmarks on the “L” side, less rough elsewhere.  Overall reasonably smooth and attractive.  Glossy light chocolate brown.  The date is bold and the legends are complete except for the lower half of the BB mintmark, which is slightly off the planchet.  Weight 24.5 grains.

1762-A  French Colonies Sou Marque  Vlack-46  R4  [PCI VF20] VF30.   From the Paris mint and a first semester striking.  Grayish steel with frosty light silvery steel covering the protected areas.  A tiny planchet crack at the bottom of the obverse is the only defect.  The legends and date are complete and strong.  This looks better than the PCI-assigned VF20 grade.

1762-BB  French Colonies Sou Marque  Vlack-276  R1  AU53.   From the Strasbourg mint in France.  Frosty bright silver with slightly darker silvery gray toning on the highpoints.  Ample flash. No defects, only a hint of friction on the highpoints.  The date is bold but the BB mintmark is blunted, as are some of the letters of the legend due to the later die state.  Weight 28.5 grains.

1740-BB  French Colonies ½ Sou Marque  Vlack-325  R1  [PCGS AU55] AU53.   Frosty medium steel gray with a touch of subdued “flash” remaining on the silvering.  No marks, but the surfaces show traces of extremely fine roughness.  The date and legends are uniformly strong.  Someday perhaps collectors will wake up to the fact that this denomination is many times rarer than Sou Marques and very difficult to locate in upper grades.  As such ½ Sou Marques are chronically undervalued in the market. A date and mint mark set of these in high grades would be extremely challenging to undertake. Struck at the Strasbourg mint in France.

1767  French Colonies Copper Sou with RF Counterstamp  Breen-701  EF40.   Quite glossy chocolate brown with medium brown highpoints.  There are faint traces of crud in some of the protected areas, but overall the eye appeal of this piece is really quite nice.  The counterstamp is strong and evenly impressed.  Weight 189.4 grains.

1767  French Colonies Copper Sou with RF Counterstamp  Breen-701  VF25.   Glossy medium brown.  No defects, quite nice for the grade.  The RF counterstamp is strong and from a punch of a slightly different style from the one above or below.  Weight 180.2 grains.

1767  French Colonies Copper Sou with RF Counterstamp  Breen-701  VF20.   Sharpness EF40 but lightly corroded with some shallow scrapes and a few sharp rim cuts as well.  Toned a mix of olive, chocolate, and medium brown tones.  The RF counterstamp is strong.  Weight 178.3 grains.

1767  French Colonies Copper Sou with RF Counterstamp  Breen-701  F18.   Glossy medium brown with chocolate toning in protected areas.  Smooth and attractive for the grade.  The only defect is a thin planchet crack at the edge through the first 7 in the date weakening the last 3 digits.  Weight 178.6 grains.

1723  Rosa Americana Twopence  Breen-92  MS60.   Variety with a stop following REX but no stop after the date.  The obverse is a uniform frosty golden tan and the reverse is glossy olive brown with frosty golden tan in protected areas. The hard gloss of its patina dulls slightly where frosty golden tan on the reverse. The obverse is uniformly glossy, only slightly less so than on the reverse.  No planchet flaws or contact marks.  The only defects are a small area of microscopic roughness over RI in AMERICANA and another near the dentils just past the date.  Sharply struck.  The Ford Sale was a highly deceptional representation of Rosa Americanas because it contained such a high concentration of unusually choice examples. The current example is well above average in overall eye appeal.  Weight 228.2 grains. Ex John J. Ford IX Stack’s 5/2005 Lot 3151 Ticket not included. 

1723  Rosa Americana Twopence  Breen-92  EF45.   Variety with a stop following the X in REX but not the 3 in the date.  Choice glossy chocolate and steel.  Very nice for the grade, a few tiny nicks in the field left of the crowned rose the only notable marks.  Some might call this coin AU.  Weight 236.6 grains.

1722  Rosa Americana Halfpence  Breen-133  VF25.   Second prototype with D : G : REX in the obverse legend, a rare type according to Breen.  Slightly sharper with minor roughness under a rather glossy dark chocolate brown patina.  A small chip out of the rim over the back of the head is the only notable mark.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  Weight 71.0 grains.

1722 Wood’s Hibernia Halfpenny with Harp Left  Breen-144  PCGS graded MS63BN MS62.   Frosty light to medium brown with darker steel brown toning on the highpoints and a few traces of faded mint red remaining in protected areas.  No marks, just a half dozen microscopic specks of greenish verdigris sprinkled about both sides, none visible without a good glass.  Nicely struck except for minor weakness on the seated figure.  Some might detect what they feel could be traces of cabinet friction on this coin which is the only reason why I knocked a point off the PCGS grade.  The same could likely be said for half of the Colonials assigned a mint state grade by grading services. Excellent eye appeal.

1723  Wood’s Hibernia Halfpenny  Breen-155  PCGS graded MS63BN.   Variety with a large 3 in the date and no stop before the H.  Lustrous medium steel brown with frosty lighter steel brown toning covering the protected areas.  No defects and the eye appeal is excellent.  The central part of the reverse is a bit softly struck, but everything else is sharp.  Very nice for the grade.

1723  Wood’s Hibernia Halfpenny  Breen-157 with Double Dot after Date  AU50.  Variety with a small 3 that is doubled and no stop before the H.  Lustrous chocolate brown with frosty lighter brown toning in protected areas and trace violet hues picked up by the gloss.  No marks or other defects.  The doubled dot following the date is obvious, as is the doubling on the upper half of the 3.  A neat variety with good eye appeal.  Weight 106.4 grains.

1724  Wood’s Hibernia Halfpenny  Breen-166  F15.  Variety with stop after the 4.  Choice glossy medium brown and chocolate.  The only mark is a light rim bruise over the O in GEORGIUS.  Essentially ideal for this grade.  Weight 100.4 grains.

1723  Wood’s Hibernia Farthing  Breen-170  [NGC MS63BN] MS63.  Second prototype with DEI GRATIA widely spaced.  Frosty chocolate brown with satiny luster covering the fields and protected areas.  There are a few small splashes of slightly darker chocolate brown toning on the reverse but no contact marks or corrosion.  The dentils are weakly impressed at K-9 on both sides thanks to an incipient planchet clip.  Otherwise this piece is well struck. A nice coin.

1723  Wood’s Hibernia Farthing  Breen-172 with Contemporary Silver Wash  EF45.   Frosty silvery gray steel with darker steel highpoints.  Has the look of a billon or untarnished 1943 steel cent planchet, and very, very (very) unusual as such.  Nary a hint of brown to be seen here, and no marks or other defects.  A choice example that could easily be called AU50.  This is a coin with a story to tell that unfortunately we may never hear.  Weight 52.3 grains.

1766  Pitt Halfpenny Token in Copper  Breen-251  AU53.   Essentially mint state sharpness but somewhat matte from even extremely fine granularity.  Trace evidence of having been lightly cleaned but now retoned a rather convincing frosty dark olive brown with steel brown highpoints.  Very sharply struck except just right of the eye and at the opposing area near the right end of the ship.  Excellent eye appeal in spite of the slightly flawed surfaces.  Weight 72.8 grains.

1766  Pitt Halfpenny in Copper  Breen-251  VF25.   Choice glossy medium chocolate brown.  The surfaces are smooth and flawless.  What else can you say about a problem free coin?  A premium example for the grade.  Weight 87.1 grains.

1773  Virginia Halfpenny  Breen-180  F15.   Type with a stop following GEORGIVS.  Sharpness VF25 but covered with faint granularity that’s mostly hidden under the slightly glossy dark chocolate brown patina.  The obverse shows a half dozen old pinscratches partly hidden in the patina plus a few more on the reverse.  No verdigris.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  Version with 7 harpstrings.  Weight 114.7 grains.

 A COLLECTION OF VOCE POPULI COPPERS

 M&G Auctions is honored to present the Francis McGrath Collection of Voce Populi Coppers, a remarkable collection in many ways but first and foremost because of the remarkable man who assembled it.  It is hard to imagine any member of C4 conjuring  up an image of an Irish America gentleman (that term both loosely AND very affectionately here applied) without Francis coming immediately to mind.  He has long filled that role in our circles, but his own circle naturally extended to the Emerald Isle where Francis has spent many a night and day.  So it is no wonder then that his love of coins has a distinctly Irish bent, and he was as likely to seek a new coin of Irish origin on either side of the pond – wherever his travels might take him. 

 Therefore it is really comes as no great surprise to discover that Francis McGrath, in his many varied travels, has assembled one of the most complete collections of Voce Populi Coppers ever  to be auctioned.  In fact this sale represents a historic all time first, for it will be very first time that an identified example of the decidedly rare Nelson 16 Halfpenny will ever cross the auction block.  The Francis McGrath Collection of Voce Populi Coppers in fact contains all know varieties of Voce Populi Halfpennies with the possible exception of Nelson 5, otherwise known as the actual 1700 variety. However not all modern collectors accept Nelson 5 as a real variety.  Years ago it was removed from “The Red Book” as a type coin; the authenticity of some supposed examples has been questioned, and some would say that it was actually only a die state of Nelson 6 all along anyway. 

 On that basis then one could claim that Francis McGrath’s collection is THE most complete set of Voce Populi Halfpence ever auctioned – a very neat accomplishment all would have to admit.   But since Francis does lack the exceedingly rare Voce Populi Small Letters Farthing, we will not push the claim any further than that.  You will find many great and lovely Voce Populi Coppers within this very specialized collection, including a Nelson Plate Coin, and though perhaps not each of them would be deemed “great”, Francis McGrath received great pleasure from buying and owning each of them, and now perhaps you will have a chance to share in that great pleasure yourself.

Voce Populi Coppers not part of the Francis McGrath Collection will be offered also in the following grouping, but they of course will not be cataloged with his provenance. 

 1760  Voce Populi Farthing  Nelson-1  R5  VF25.   Variety with large letters on the obverse.  Sharpness EF40 with fine pinscratches on both sides and microscopic granularity covering the fields and protected areas.  Rather glossy medium brown with slightly darker steel brown toning in the fields.  Nicely struck, although the obverse is very slightly misaligned to K-10.  Weight 53.3 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-1  R6  EF40.   At least as sharp as the under graded Norweb example and clearly stronger than either the Taylor/Zelinka or Ford coins.  The true technical sharpness of the current coin is probably at least 5 points higher than the grade assigned, but there is light roughness in the fields and protected areas, strongest on the reverse but not a significant impediment to the overall nice appeal of both sides.  A few tiny specks of greenish verdigris in protected areas and a few very light rim bruises also, none of real significance.  Slightly glossy olive brown and chocolate with steel brown highpoints.  Not perfect but still a superior example of this extremely tough “naked eye” type variety, which is sometimes called the “Boyish Head” or “Youthful Bust”.  Perhaps the finest example of Nelson 1 that we recall seeing was lot #28 in M&G’s 1/95 Ludwig T. Smith Sale, a choice strong AU included in a nice run of Voce Populi Coppers. Weight 102.8 grains.  Ex Whytes auction 4/29/2000:375-Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-2  R3  EF40.  Not much real wear on this coin which always comes flatly struck, a good case could be made for grading it 10 points higher if not more.  It has a rather strong rim dent at the V in VOCE and a lighter one just left of the first P in POPULI.  Both rim dents also show on the reverse.  Otherwise this piece is outstanding with virtually perfect color and just faintly textured surfaces.  Frosty light to medium brown with traces of golden tan faded down from mint color in protected areas of the obverse.  The obverse is very slightly misaligned to the top.  Superior to the Norweb example if not for the rim bumps and much sharper than the Ford coin graded AU.  Comparable detail to Taylor/Zelinka.  Lot #107 from M&G’s 11/05 C4 Sale was Mint State with natural central roughness. See also the AU 50 example that was lot #36 in our 11/2000 C4 Sale. Weight 113.3 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-3  R3  VF25  “VOOE” variety.  Clipped Planchet.   An immediately appealing example despite a half dozen small, dull rim nicks, the stronger of these at the top of the obverse and over BE on the reverse, plus a pair of dull parallel scratches at the base of the harp.  Nice glossy medium brown and light chocolate.  Smooth surfaces, free of any trace of corrosion or verdigris.  The “VOOE” feature is strong.  Some useful census information on Nelson 3, though now likely outdated, was contained in our description of lot #251 of our 1995 John Griffee C4 Sale where we offered a Choice AU58 Nelson 3. Weight 106.8 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-4  R3  AU53.   A lovely example. Glossy medium brown with reddish brown toning in protected areas.  The obverse is choice with flawless surfaces and great eye appeal.  The reverse is almost as nice but is slightly misaligned to the top and there are a few tiny planchet voids scattered about, none significant though they provide an obvious contrast to the perfect obverse.  Toned lighter than typically seen with this variety, which gives it added appeal.  Lot #68 from M&G’s  11/2001 C4 that was graded MS63 by PCGS was among the finest of this variety we have ever encountered or heard of. Weight 92.1 grains.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-4  R3  VF20.   Pleasing chocolate brown toning with medium brown covering the devices.  Traces of very shallow darker olive verdigris show in protected areas of the reverse, mostly around the H.  Late die state.  Weight 121.6 grains.  Ex Colonial Trading Company-Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-4  R3  VF20.   Ten points sharper but covered in granularity and there are faint hairline scratches hidden under the patina on the portrait.  No verdigris or marks.  Still rather glossy though, with reddish chocolate brown with medium brown toning on the devices.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  Weight 98.8 grains.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-4  R3  F15.   Or slightly stronger, but the obverse is covered with even moderate porosity, the reverse smoother but not perfectly so.  No verdigris or notable marks.  Slightly glossy chocolate and darker steel brown with slightly lighter steel brown highpoints.  Clear date and easily readable legends.  Weight 99.3 grains.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-6  R5  VF35.   Date corrected from 1700.  Attractive somewhat glossy medium chocolate brown surfaces.  No defects other than the usual weakness of strike in the centers, especially on the reverse opposite the portrait with resulting localized natural roughness.  Good eye appeal for this scarcer issue.  An example of similar grade was offered by M&G as lot #254 in our 1995 John Griffee C4 Sale. Weight 109.9 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-7  R5+  EF40.  Nelson Plate Coin.   Choice glossy medium brown toning blending to light chocolate.  The surfaces are perfectly smooth, almost hard, and there are only a few trivial contact marks.  Heavily clashmarked on the reverse and die pantograph and polishing lines show clearly in the right obverse field.  There is precious little published CC information available on Voce Populi Coppers but it would be hard to believe that this coin would not be high in the condition census for the variety. Time and time again Voce Populi’s with a Nelson pedigree simply blow away most other examples of the same varieties in regard to quality.  This rare variety was lacking in Norweb and this example is finer than the Taylor/Zelinka coin that then was called “possibly the finest known”.  Ford had a generally pleasing example in a lower grade.   Plated in the Nelson book (plate V-12).  A beautiful and important piece.  Weight 109.3 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-8  R6+  VF25.   Slightly sharper with microscopic roughness under a mostly glossy dark olive and steel patina, the highpoints a slightly lighter shade of steel brown.  No marks or verdigris.  The obverse is nicely centered while the reverse is slightly misaligned to the top leaving the tops of ERNI off the planchet.  A perfectly acceptable example of an extremely rare variety.  See lot #42 in M&G’s  11/04 C4 Sale for another recently auctioned and correctly attributed example of Nelson 8, and lot #40 from our 11/2000 C4 Sale for an EF example.  The true rarity Nelson 8 is sometimes not fully appreciated due to problems with attribution.  A good deal of confusion exists distinguishing Nelson 8 (or Zelinka 3-C) from the more common Nelson 15 (or Zelinka 3-A) with which it shares a common obverse. Taylor, which contained the Zelinka collection of Voce Populi’s, has the two varieties correctly identified and plated, but the Norweb N.8 is actually a N.15 as were the recent Ford coins also.  The reverse dies are nearly identical.  A good indicator is the N of HIBERNIA, which is noticeably broader on N.8.  Also the bottom ornament on the harp differs.  On N.15 it is a basic circle, on the N.8 there is a small cluster.  The drapery on the shoulder of the outstretched arm differs as well.  On Nelson 8, as is the case here, the outline of that drapery forms a gentle crescent while on Nelson 15 it is closer to vertical lines. Weight 104.1 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-9  R3  AU58.   Extremely choice glossy medium chocolate brown.  Sharply struck and virtually flawless.  Superior eye appeal in every respect, and 5 points sharper than your typical Unc.  Weight 118.2 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-10  R5  AU50.   Choice glossy medium brown.  Virtually flawless, although inspection with a strong glass reveals a small spot of very shallow roughness hidden in the hair wreath below the C in VOCE plus a half dozen extremely tiny planchet voids scattered over the planchet.  You won’t care about any of that when you see this coin however, it is that nice for this variety. The planchet is egg-shaped, not perfectly round, but its quality is excellent.  The reverse is off center very slightly to K-3 while the obverse snuggles nicely onto the planchet.  Far superior to the Norweb and Taylor examples.  Smoother than the Ford coin, without its scratches, and at least as sharp.  One of the real stars of this offering. Weight a heavy 151.3 grains.  Ex Tom Rinaldo-Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-11  R4  VF20.  Doubled “P” below bust.   Slightly glossy chocolate brown, darker shades in protected areas and lighter on the highpoints.  There are traces of microscopic roughness in protected areas, including a faint dusting of fine dark verdigris that is difficult to detect, but no significant marks or planchet flaws.  Overall nice eye appeal for the grade.  Struck slightly off center to K-8 leaving the bottom of the doubled “P” and tops of BER slightly off the planchet, but everything else is complete and clear.  Weight 125.3 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-12  R3  EF40.  “P” before face.   Choice glossy medium brown blending to light olive brown in protected areas.  The surfaces are smooth and the only mark is a small planchet chip out of the rim right of the harp, as struck.  This planchet is slightly out of round as made, not that uncommon an occurrence with this series.  Sharply struck with excellent eye appeal, and ideal as a Type Coin.  Weight a hefty 158.0 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-13  R4  EF40.  Doubled “P” below bust.   Choice glossy chocolate brown with traces of lighter reddish brown toning in protected areas.  Smooth and virtually flawless with more than ample appeal.  Struck very slightly off center to the left on the obverse and to the lower right on the reverse.  For another superb example of this variety, superior to Ford’s and other notable examples, see lot # 33 from M&G’s 1/95 Smith Sale – a lovely AU. The current coin is a wonderful example of N.13 and another great Type Coin for this series.  Weight 143.8 grains.  Ex Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-14  R6  EF40.  “P” below bust.   Another extremely important Voce Populi rarity likely at or near the top of the Condition Census, that is graced by ample eye appeal. Very attractive glossy medium brown toning blending to light chocolate in protected areas.  Nicely centered on a virtually perfect planchet that is unusually smooth for a Nelson 14, with only very minimal texture to the surfaces.  Virtually a twin for wear with the EF Ford coin, which was there called “one of the finest seen”, except that this one is on a better planchet.  The Ford coin was also called superior to either Taylor coin or the Norweb specimen, which it goes to reason this coin is also. M&G’s 11/04 C4 Sale had an example with near mint detail as lot #51, included in a nice run of Voce Populi’s, but it was matte from fine granularity. A rare opportunity to acquire a rare coin in such a rare condition.  Weight 128.8 grains.  Ex New Netherlands Coin Co. 11/20/57-Norweb collection, lot 3421-Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-15  R4  AU50.   Very attractive glossy medium brown and light chocolate blending to lighter reddish brown in protected areas.  No defects, only very light friction on the highest points of the design with die finishing lines readily apparent in the fields..  The best identifying mark is a tiny planchet flake on the rim under the bust tip, as struck.  Struck very slightly off center to K-5.  This is the variety typically confused with Nelson 8, which was done in the cataloging of both the Norweb and Ford Collections.  Weight 112.9 grains.  Purchased in Ireland 2/03-Francis McGrath.

1760  Voce Populi Halfpenny  Nelson-16  R7  F18.  Rotated Reverse.   A major rarity and likely the finest of only 5 known.  Reflective dark olive in protected areas blending to lighter steel brown and chocolate on the devices and highpoints, some shallow waxy verdigris in protected areas, none active or at all distracting.  The head and opposing area in the center of the reverse are flatly struck, as usual, but everything else is well struck.  The date and legends are strong except for HIB, which are weakened by rather strong swelling in that area.  The reverse is rotated 80 degrees CCW from a perfect head-to-foot die orientation.  This would be a somewhat pleasing example of Voce Populi coinage if one were unaware of the rarity of this variety, but it makes a truly fabulous addition for any specialist of this series, knowing fully what it is.  Nelson 16 is a muling of the obverse of Nelson 5 with the reverse of Nelson 9, and it was lacking from Taylor, Norweb, Ford, and just about everywhere else.  The only know auction record for N.16 is in the Whytes Sale (a distinguished Irish auction firm) from which this was purchased. Based on information provided by our knowledgeable consignor drawing on information provided him by equally if not more knowledgeable Voce Populi specialist Stan Stephens, we offer you the following Condition Census data for Nelson 16.  Stan Stephens is reported to consider this coin the finest know example, finer than the one in a West Virginia Collection which was purchased off eBay, and finer than one now in a New England collection that was brought back from the British Isles by noted dealer James King.  In addition one other example is believed to have also been located on eBay, making for a total of 5 N.16’s believed extant.  A very fitting most important end to this outstanding run of Voce Populi coppers.  Weight 122.4 grains.  Ex Whytes 4/29/2000:380-Francis McGrath.

1779  Rhode Island Ship Medal  Breen-1139  EF40.   Variety without VLUGTENDE below ship.  Sharp details, perhaps sharper than this grade, but with some microscopic roughness across the planchet.  No marks or verdigris.  Hints of the VLUGTENDE remain visible from where it was removed.  Very deep golden brown with light golden brown in protected areas, especially on the ship side.  Weight 146.3 grains.

Lot of 5 Colonial Coppers.   Includes a 1723 Wood’s Hibernia Halfpenny in G6, an undated Massachusetts Cent in Basal State-1, a 1787 New Jersey M43-d in Fair-2, an interesting 1787 New Jersey M56-n struck on an undersize planchet weighing only 93.8 grains with a diameter of 27.0 mm in AG3, and a 1787 Nova Eborac with the figure seated left in AG3.  Some are slightly sharper with defects.  Lot of 5 coins.

Lot of 5 Colonial Coppers, all Basal State-1.   Includes one each New Jersey, Fugio, 1785 Nova Constellatio, Wood’s Hibernia Halfpenny, and 1773 Virginia Halfpenny.  All are wretched, most likely dug.  Good candidates for a worst-known type set of colonials.  Lot of 5 coins.

 COINAGE OF MACHINS MILLS

 1747  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 1-47A  R5  VG10.   A bit sharper but covered with fine to moderate porosity.  No verdigris or marks.  Reflective dark olive and steel with chocolate high points.  The date and legends are complete and clear. This variety is always in demand as a major type coin in the Machin’s series. It is the only Bust Left variety, because it is the only George II variety.  Weight 95.5 grains.

1771  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 2-71A  R4  VF25.   Lightly cleaned and retoned a slightly glossy dark steel brown, the obverse a shade or two lighter than the reverse.  It looks pretty darn natural now aside from a few faint traces of very muted copper red peeking through.  There is a dull contact mark on the shoulder of the portrait and traces of very fine roughness in the fields and protected areas, but overall this piece is fairly nice for a Machin’s of this grade, especially the reverse which is highly pleasing and smoother than either of the VF’s in our 11/08 Sale of the Albany Collection.  The lower third of the date is off the planchet, but everything else is complete and strong.  Weight 116.6 grains.

1771  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 2-71A  R4  VF20.   Glossy chocolate and medium brown.  Lighter toning than is typical for a Machins product.  No roughness or corrosion.  There is a shallow depression on the head left of the eye where there was not enough planchet material to fill the dies and the reverse is covered with tiny nicks.  Struck slightly off center to K-4.  The date and legends are complete and strong except for the tops of REX, which are slightly off the planchet.  Weight 120.4 grains.

1771  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 2-71A  R4  F12.   Dark olive with mostly fine porosity covering both sides.  The only notable mark is a tiny rim bruise under the second 7 in the date.  The bottom edge of the date is off the planchet but everything remains easily readable.  Weight 109.2 grains.

1771  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 3-71B  R5  VF20.   Reasonably reflective dark chocolate brown with lighter chocolate toning on the highpoints.  The surfaces are decent but do have microscopic roughness under the natural patina, strongest on the reverse where areas of shallow verdigris cover much of the area around NIA.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  Later die state with a small but strong cud break at K-11 on the reverse rim.  Weight 110.8 grains.

1774  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 7-74A  R6  VF25 but holed.   Variety with U in GEORGIVS.  Chocolate and olive brown.  The surfaces have fine porosity scattered fairly evenly about them, with a couple of small areas where porosity approaches moderate, but the color is quite nice.  An area of very fine carbon dust covers the E in REX extending into the field below.  A small but relatively crude hole near the rim at the left end of the bust is the obvious distraction.  Otherwise this would be a great example of a tough major type coin in the series.  It is extremely difficult to find this type in grades above this. Weight 116.0 grains.

1774  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 8-74A  R4  VF30.   Actually sharper but there is a “pinch” on the rim over REX, possibly a prestriking planchet flaw but distracting nonetheless.  No porosity or verdigris, but both sides have numerous very tiny nicks.  Otherwise the surfaces are an attractive glossy chocolate brown.  The date is strong and the legends are clear.  Weight 120.7 grains.

1774  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 8-74A  R4  VF20.  Attractive glossy chocolate brown, but both sides show myriad fine hairline scratches, all blended into the natural toning.  A choice, perfect example if not for the hairline scratches.  Weight 111.4 grains.  Ex Bowers & Merena 9/11/95:3218 (comes with the lot ticket).

1774  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 8-74A  R4  F18.   Actually probably VF20 but covered with fine granularity under a slightly glossy very dark steel patina.  No verdigris, the only marks being a couple fine hairline scratches on the reverse, the stronger of these extending from just below the N in BRITAN through the second 7 in the date.  The date is complete and strong and the legends are clear.  Weight 119.9 grains.  Ex McLaughlin & Robinson Auctions #4376, lot 34.

1775  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 4-75A  R4  VF25.  Glossy and quite appealing for a dark olive toned Machins. The surfaces have a smooth appearance despite minor granularity hidden under its patina.  No marks or other defects, and the eye appeal is good for a VF coin of this series. The date is clear and the legends are strong.  LDS with strong swelling on the reverse.  Weight 106.3 grains.

1775  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 4-75A  R4  VF20.   Virtually as strong as the preceding example, but with a dozen small spots of greenish verdigris scattered over the obverse, a dull scratch under the N in BRITAN, and a light rim bruise at K-1 on the reverse.  Otherwise the surfaces are reasonably smooth and they are reflective. A bit nicer than this description makes it sound.  Dark steel and olive brown toning.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  Weight 113.4 grains.

1775  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 4-75A  R4  VF25.   This is probably the strongest of the examples of this variety offered in this sale from a technical perspective, but it also has the most surface problems with fine hairline scratches covering both sides and traces of shallow black scale in protected areas of the obverse.  Slightly glossy medium brown and light olive in stark contrast to the dark scale previously mentioned.  Sharply struck and nicely centered.  E-MDS showing minor swelling on the reverse.  Weight 115.2 grains.

1776  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 6-76A  R4  F18.   Very lightly corroded, the roughness partially hidden under a slightly glossy patina of dark olives and steel toning.  No notable marks or other defects.  The bottom edge of the date is tight to the rim but it remains clear and the legends are complete.  Weight 112.0 grains.  Ex 1998 C-4 Sale, lot 408.

1776  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 6-76A  R4  F12.   Some details are actually stronger but the  obverse is covered with light to moderate porosity while the reverse advances into deeper corrosion.  No verdigris, and the only marks are some faint hairlines on the portrait.  Slightly glossy dark steel brown and olive with chocolate highpoints.  The date is complete and easily readable although not strong.  Weight 98.5 grains.  Ex 2004 C-4 Sale, lot 455.

1778  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 11-78A  R3  G5.   No defects, just well worn, with reverse detail very close to VG.  The surfaces are reasonably smooth although you can find microscopic roughness if you really want to.  Slightly glossy light chocolate brown with traces of darker olive in a few places.  The bottom half of the 8 in the date is worn away but the rest of the date is clear and most of the legends remain visible.  Weight 91.5 grains.

1778  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 12-78B  R3  EF45.  Clipped Planchet.   Glossy medium brown and chocolate with a splash of reddish chocolate toning at EORGI, and faint bluish hues in the copper in places.  There is a thin planchet striation meandering through the shield to the right at right and a bit of natural planchet roughness at the feet of the seated figure.  A curved planchet clip affects the dentils under the left edge of the bust and the opposing ones at the top of the reverse, there just kissing the top of Britannia’s head.  M-LDS with strong swelling at the feet of the seated figure.  A sharp, attractive example in spite of the minor flaws, which despite their presence are less intrusive than is frequently seen on other examples of this variety.  The obverse in particular is relatively free of them in comparison with what is typically seen. Our 11/2000 C4 Sale that included the noted Albany Collection of Machins Mills Coppers had two EF examples, lots 67 & 68, the strongest of which had numerous flaws while the second still exhibited more flaws on the obverse than the current coin and a comparable accumulation on the reverse. Concerning the CC for this variety, we noted in that sale: For a variety currently listed as common, strong examples are notably absent from the record and there is a dearth of plated examples.  Kessler had a VF+ (with IVS of GEORGIVS virtually missing).  It there was stated that the finest known is an EF.  It would seem that this coins merits consideration for inclusion in the Condition Census.  Weight 101.3 grains.

1784  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 14-84A  R6  VF20.   Vlack 14-84A is not a product of the Machins Mills mint.  What it has in common with those coins is its status as an American made Imitation British Halfpenny, and a Vlack series variety designation. The strike on this coin is actually fairly well balanced for one of these crude counterfeits, with all but Britannia’s head and arms fully struck.  Typical for this variety, it has very dark olive toning and  is coated with very fine granularity that’s partially obscured under its slightly glossy dark patina.  No marks or verdigris.  The date is strong and the legends are all clear. A major Type Coin in this series even though it only partially fits into it.  Weight 91.7 grains. 

1787  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 17-87B  R2  AU50.   Sharpness is technically near mint state but there is some prestriking planchet roughness behind the obverse head, some more at the opposing area off the feet of the seated figure, plus other tiny planchet flake voids scattered over the left half of the obverse.  All these defects are as struck, but they take a slight toll on the eye appeal of an otherwise very choice piece.  Highly attractive frosty medium to light brown toning with virginal gloss. The finest known of this variety is likely the Mint State Garrett coin and other high end examples are known including a near perfect for the grade EF40 offered in our 2000 C4 Sale.  Even with it’s flaws this is an exceptional coin. M-LDS with obvious swelling at several places.  Weight 111.8 grains.

1787  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 17-87B  R2  VG10.   Reflective very dark steel, nearly black.  There is extremely fine roughness hiding under the patina but no verdigris or significant marks.  The diameter of the planchet is too small for the dies, and although the strike is fairly well centered the tops of the legends are missing.  Fortunately the 87 in the date is clear and the 17 is weak but readable.  Late die state.  Weight 114.8 grains.

1787  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 19-87C  R2  EF40.   Crisp details with faint roughness under a patina of frosty chocolate brown splashed with some reddish chocolate and light olive on both sides.  The only mark is a tiny rim nick right of the bust tip.  Overall quite pleasing as it is always nice to see one of these pieces so sharply struck.  EDS.  Weight 122.0 grains.

1787  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 19-87C  R2  VF35.  A high grade example, but somewhat rough.  The surfaces are porous, the porosity a bit finer on the reverse.  This coin though, has no flaws and the detail is crisp and even on both sides.  Surfaces toned dark brown, with brick red undertones at places.  They are somewhat dull but not matte like. Weight 109.8 grains.  Ex 1998 C-4 Sale, lot 413 ticket included.

1787  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 21 II-87D  R4  VF20.   Dark olive brown with lighter chocolate toning on the devices.  The fields and protected areas are covered with microscopic porosity under the natural patina, and there are traces of fine dark verdigris dusted into some of the protected places.  Otherwise free of defects and the eye appeal remains decent.  MDS with obvious swelling over the bust tip at EX.  The date is bold and the legends are clear.  Weight 112.6 grains.

1788  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 23-88A  R2  VF30.   Somewhat frosty chocolate and olive brown.  No defects and little real wear, but the peripheral details are blunted due to the very late state of the dies.  In fact, the first 8 in the date is faint and the second one is gone, no longer part of the die.  A few very minor toned scratches can be found on both sides but only upon close examination. An attractive example and a great complement to a piece struck from the sharp early state of these dies.  Weight 116.6 grains.

1788  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 23-88A  R2  VF25.   Slightly stronger in places but many details are softened by heavy patches of microscopic porosity. Fields are matte like but high points are more reflective, seemingly from having been brushed up at one time.  No verdigris and the only mark is a tiny planchet fissure at the pole behind the head of the seated figure.  Mixed chocolate and darker olive brown.  The date is bold and the legends are strong.  Weight 105.7 grains.

1788  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 23-88A  R2  VF30.   Actually sharper than the assigned grade but this coin has rough surfaces with obverse porosity becoming deeper corrosion at points.  Dark steel brown with traces of lighter brown toning in protected areas.  Closer to matte than glossy due to the microscopic roughness, but still somewhat reflective.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  Fully struck EDS.  Weight 107.6 grains.

1788  Machin’s Mills  Vlack 23-88A  R2  VF20.  Filled Die Reading “II REX”.   Actually stronger  but covered with pervasive granularity.  No verdigris or marks.  The date is strong and the legends are clear.  Curiously, the “III” before REX is missing the third “I” due to a die clog that perfectly obliterated the letter.  There is absolutely no trace of tooling that could account for the error, and the remaining “II” is bold.  Dark olive and chocolate brown.  Weight 110.5 grains.

 CONNECTICUT COPPERS

 1785  Connecticut  M2-A.1  R5+  F12.  Roman Head.   Technically sharper but covered with moderate porosity, heavier at points, and there is a scuff of fine hairline scratches on the portrait.  No verdigris, notable planchet flaws, or additional contact marks.  Reflective chocolate and dark steel brown.  The date is tight to the rim but complete and clear, and the legends are strong.  Weight 132.6 grains.  Ex 2001 C-4 Sale, lot 86.

1785  Connecticut  M2-A.4  R6- VF30.  Roman Head.   Five points sharper with a dozen thin but clearly visible small cuts on the portrait and a half dozen more on the seated figure.  Otherwise the surfaces are smooth and very attractive with only a few minor contact marks scattered over both sides.  Choice glossy light to medium brown.  No hint of corrosion or verdigris.  Struck very slightly off center to K-7, but everything remains on the planchet and the date is strong.  Excellent detail for a Roman Head Connecticut, and if you see past the cuts this has great eye appeal.  Weight 140.7 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M2-A.4  R6- F12.  Roman Head.   Glossy dark chocolate brown with lighter chocolate brown toning in protected areas of the reverse.  There are a couple thin rim nicks over the O in AUCTORI and N in INDE, faint hairline scratches here and there on both sides, and traces of microscopic roughness in a few places.  No verdigris, and the only planchet flaw is a shallow void in the field left of the I in INDE.  Struck slightly off center to K-1.5.  The date is complete and bold and the legends are clear except for those parts affected by the off-center strike.  Fully comparable to the best Perkins example.  Weight 140.3 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M3.1-A.3  R4  VF35.   Slightly glossy chocolate brown with medium brown toning covering the devices.  Surfaces only slightly grainy, presenting good eye appeal except for a couple planchet flaws, including a void at the O in AUCTORI through to the N in INDE plus a void on the lower bust.  The date is strong and the legends are clear except for those places affected by the planchet flaws.  An appealing coin.  Weight 135.6 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M3.1-A.3  R4  G5.  The surfaces of this coin are covered with uniform porosity mellowed somewhat by wear, and there is a rim dent at the bottom of the obverse.  Still reflective, with dark steel brown and chocolate toning.  The date is virtually gone and this piece would have nothing going for it except that it appears the reverse legend starts out reading ET LIB rather than INDE ET.  The illusion has to come from the fine roughness and low grade, but the ET over the foot of the seated figure is rather convincing.  Take a look.  Weight 132.5 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M3.2-L  R4+  VF30.   The obverse is smooth and offers excellent eye appeal, but there is some light corrosion on the reverse with traces of shallow waxy greenish verdigris in parts of the protected areas on that side, and inside some pits.  Glossy chocolate and olive brown with medium brown toning covering the devices.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  Weight 144.9 grains.  Ex 2005 C-4 Sale, lot 117.

1785  Connecticut  M3.2-L  R4+  F12.   Reflective olive and dark chocolate brown with lighter brown toning covering the devices.  Basically smooth with minor roughness showing under magnification, but overall this piece is quite nice for the grade.  No significant defects.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  Weight 129.1 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M3.3-F.3  R4  EF40.   Generally reflective olive and chocolate brown surfaces, glossier on the reverse than on the obverse where there is a wide swath of granular roughness diagonal over the upper half.  The reverse is smoother but there is a thin planchet void slanting down the portrait, a deeper one on the chair of the seated figure, and a smaller one at her knee.  No verdigris or contact marks, The date and legends are complete and bold.  Weight 139.5 grains.  Ex Coin Galleries 2/16/2000:1740.

1785  Connecticut  M3.4-F.1  R3  F12.   Mostly glossy chocolate brown with medium brown toning on the highpoints.  The surfaces are mostly smooth and free of marks, but there are some faint hairline scratches on the portrait and a dull, light scratch on the seated figure, plus a couple minor rim nicks on both sides.  The date and legends are complete.  The attribution is neatly marked into the left obverse field using ivory ink.  Pleasing for the grade.  Weight 140.8 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M3.5-B  R5+  F15.   Glossy dark chocolate brown with light brown toning on the highpoints.  The only defects are a shallow planchet void in the hair left of the top of the ear and a very old vertical scratch down through the tip of the nose that’s well hidden in the patina.  Otherwise the eye appeal is excellent for the grade.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  Weight 133.9 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M3.5-B  R5+  F18.   Actual sharpness is that of a strong VF but both sides are moderately corroded.  There are traces of waxy greenish verdigris in a few of the protected areas also.  No marks or planchet defects. Very dark olive.  The 5 in the date is weak but the other digits and legends are all clear.  Weight 128.9 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M4.3-D  R6-  VF25+.   Attractive medium brown and chocolate.  Nicely struck (given the failing obverse die) on a relatively nice planchet.  The only flaws are a shallow fissure at the top of the N’s in CONNEC and another on the shield, plus a few stray trace striations mostly on the obverse.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  Late die state.  A premium example, far nicer than the Ford and Perkins coins among others.  Weight 132.3 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M4.4-C  R3  VG10.   Glossy medium brown with darker olive brown toning in protected areas.  The surfaces are smooth and attractive, the only notable flaw a minor planchet crack at CO through to the rim right of the date.  The base of the date fades into the rim below but the legends are easily readable.  Aside from that one natural flaw, this coin is about as nice as one could ask for for this grade. Weight 145.0 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M4.4-C  R3  VG8.   Attractive nicely reflective medium brown.  A few fine striations in the legend before the portrait, but overall again, about as nice as one could ask for the grade.  The base of the date is fading away but the upper half is clear and the legends are easily readable.  Weight 130.3 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M4.4-D  R7  F15.   Sharper at points but mostly covered with fine porosity.  No verdigris, and the only marks are a few planchet voids at the N’s in CONNEC and a couple smaller ones on the neck and shoulder.  Somewhat reflective with dark brown fields and lighter brown toning covering the devices.  The two-tone look accents the details despite the porosity and enhances it’s overall eye appeal, which is certainly acceptable, especially for a rarity, in spite of the minor imperfections.  The date is not readable but the legends are mostly clear and strong with only a couple letters weak.  Although the Perkins catalog identified only 4 examples at the time, Robert Martin’s detailed post Perkins Sale notes indicated 8 specimens known to him. This coin has detail fully comparable to the Perkins coin, but unlike Perkins it does not have a large counter stamp in the center of the obverse. Miller 4.4-D was lacking from the sale of the extensive Ford Collection, and we have yet to offer one.  At least two examples, including Taylor’s, are clearly nicer than this coin but a CC for this variety is unavailable to us.  A decent example of a rarity destined to fill a significant hole in a major CT collection. Weight 135.8 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M6.2-F.1  R3  VF30.   Very slightly sharper but dark with microscopic roughness under a rather glossy dark steel brown patina.  No verdigris, and the only contact marks are a couple faint hairline scratches hidden in the patina on both sides.  A thin planchet fissure in the breast of the seated figure is the only planchet flaw.  The date and legends are complete and bold.  Weight 139.0 grains.  Ex Hillyer Ryder-Bowers & Merena 3/28/90:1073-Bob Lomprey-2006 C-4 Sale, lot 93.

1785  Connecticut  M6.3-G.1  R3  EF40.   Choice glossy chocolate brown, slightly lighter on the highpoints and darker in protected areas.  No notable defects.  The obverse is well centered while the reverse is misaligned to K-2 leaving the upper half of ET LIB off the planchet.  Late die state.  This coin was misattributed as a Miller 6.3-G.2 in the Ford Catalog.  Weight 131.7 grains.  Ex John J. Ford, Stack’s 5/10/05:229.

1785  Connecticut  M6.4-I  R2  VF25.   Sharper in places but rough at points, with a dusting of shallow greenish verdigris in the center of the reverse.  Somewhat reflective reddish chocolate and olive brown with medium brown toning on the devices.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  Weight 138.4 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M6.4-I  R2  F15.   Slightly stronger on the obverse.  Smooth and reflective to the naked eye, other than a few minor striations, more prominent on the obverse but nowhere obtrusive.  Faintly granular under the rather dark chocolate and steel brown patina.  Date and legends are strong.  Weight 138.5 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M7.1-D  R4+  G4.   Head left type.  A bit sharper in places but covered with light to moderate corrosion.  No marks or verdigris.  The central obverse details are gone thanks to heavy swelling, but at least half the legends are clear.  The date is gone, however.  Reflective glossy dark olive and steel brown.  Weight 122.4 grains.

1785  Connecticut  M8-D  R5+  F18.   Head left type.  Lightly cleaned and now retoned glossy chocolate and steel brown with traces of golden tan on both sides.  The planchet is problem free other than a few thin, shallow parallel planchet fissures on the portrait.  Otherwise the surfaces are smooth and pleasing.  The all important full date that establishes this major type is clear and only a few letters of the legend are weak.  Overall comparable to the Perkins example, with the obverse slightly stronger and the reverse slightly weaker than that coin.  Weight 129.2 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.2-L  R5  VF20.   Or even sharper details but with some major problems, like being  covered with dull digs, several dozen on both sides, plus a few dull rim nicks that cause some bending in the planchet.  Rather matte dark olive, the reverse displaying a bit of gloss.  No verdigris.  The date is strong.  Struck head-to-head.  Weight 97.7 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.3-N  R2  VF25.  Hercules Head.   Glossy olive and steel brown.  Mostly smooth and free of marks, but there is a small patch of shallow ruddy verdigris at EC in CONNEC and there are a few small planchet striation voids at the top of the head.  Excellent eye appeal in spite of the minor defects.  LDS with heavy swelling and clashmarks covering the reverse obliterating many of the details on that side.  Weight 129.0 grains.  Ex New England Rare Coin Auctions 7/23/76:28-Bob Lomprey, 2006 C-4 Sale, lot 130.

1786  Connecticut  M5.3-N  R2  VF20.  Hercules Head.   Somewhat reflective olive brown with lighter brown toning covering the devices, the two-tone appearance accenting the details.  The fields and protected areas are covered with very fine roughness while the highpoints are smoother.  No verdigris.  The only mark is a thin planchet void in the hair.  LDS with strong swelling covering the reverse and obliterating most of the details on that side.  Obvious die clashmarks also show on the reverse.  Weight 144.9 grains.  Ex Early American Numismatics 9/16/95:389.

1786  Connecticut  M5.3-N  R2  VF30.  Hercules Head.   Strong detail, but there is also a strong punchmark before the face that causes a slight bulge at the opposing area on the reverse.  The planchet is covered with fine granularity and the dark olive color suggests this piece may have been lost in soil for some time.  A small patch of corrosion sits on the double N of CONNEC.  Rather early die state, before the reverse sustained extensive damage from clashing and swelling.  The 86 in the date remains visible, as does most of the legend and seated figure.  Weight 136.6 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.4-G  R2  VF25.   Lovely but with problems in the form of some dull digs on both sides, mostly on the left side of the reverse around INDE, whereas on the obverse they blend in more with striations.  Otherwise the surfaces are smooth and attractive showing only a few planchet striations on the obverse.  Glossy chocolate and dark steel brown.  The date and legends are complete and bold.  Weight 139.5 grains.  Ex Coin Galleries 6/5/80:1432-1983 Mid-Winter ANA Sale (Steve Ivy Numismatic Auctions), lot 18.

1786  Connecticut  M5.5-M  R3  F18.   There is some very fine roughness at the nose and neck on the portrait.  Otherwise the surfaces are only minimally granular and rather appealing.  No verdigris or significant marks.  Mostly glossy chocolate with reddish chocolate tones mixed in on the obverse.  The date is bold and the legends are strong.  LDS with strong swelling at the base of ORI.  Weight 121.7 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.7-H.1  R6-  VF25.   Nicely reflective olive and steel brown.  No corrosion or verdigris.  The only defects are a few planchet fissures on the reverse, mostly on the breast of the seated figure.  Otherwise the surfaces are smooth and appealing for the grade.  Late die state, date weak but present, and the reverse is crosswise rotated 80-85 degrees CW.  Weight 139.4 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.7-H.1  R6-  VG10.   A few details are stronger, even approaching VF20, but this coin is rough.  The only marks are a couple light scuffs on the highpoints plus there is a shallow planchet void right of the date.  The date though  is gone and the legends are weak but readable.  LDS with the reverse rotated 75 degrees CW.  Cud breaks show clearly over CO and NN.  Weight 148.9 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.7-H.1  R6-  G6.   Mostly glossy steel brown with darker olive toning in the fields and protected areas.  The obverse legends are complete and easily readable but the reverse is unevenly struck leaving the last 2 digits of the date and ET LIB weak or missing while INDE is strong.  Only a dull scratch at the back of the seated figure and a minor scrape at the base of the obverse are worthy of any mention.  Weight 132.0 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.8-H.2  R5+  VF25.   A coin that pushes technical grading past the breaking point.  Details of EF40 but covered with light to moderate corrosion, worse at points on the reverse where there is significant central pitting near the base.  There are a few specks of greenish verdigris on both sides but no contact marks or planchet flaws.  The date is weak due to the roughness but the legends are mostly sharp.  Dark steel brown and chocolate.  Weight 144.7 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.8-O.2  R5+  VF20.   Choice glossy chocolate and steel.  Smooth and virtually flawless.  A rim nick at the E in INDE and a couple tiny ones off the bust tip on the obverse are the only defects.  A premium example for the grade.  Weight 141.6 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.9-B.1  R5  VG8.   Unevenly struck, weak on the left and stronger on the right.  No contact marks or verdigris, but with porosity scattered across both sides, and there is a planchet void near the edge left of the bust and at the opposing area on the left edge of the reverse.  Dark chocolate and steel brown, somewhat dull in appearance though still reflective.  The 6 in the date is bold but the other digits are faint at best.  The legends on the right sides are strong while the ones on the left sides are quite faint.  Weight 155.2 grains.

1786  Connecticut  M5.11-R  R5+  VG8.   Glossy light chocolate brown with darker olive brown in protected areas.  No notable defects other than traces of very fine granularity in a few places, all well hidden under the glossy patina.  The top edge of the date is weakly visible while the legends are complete but dull.  An appealing low grade example of a tough variety. Weight 121.3 grains.  Ex 1997 C-4 Sale, lot 154.

1787  Connecticut  M1.1-A  R3  VG10.  Small Head.   Unfortunately the obverse is quite rough on this coin, the reverse less so.  No other damage.  The date is complete and clear, and the legends are easily readable.  The planchet has two clips that reach the top of the legend at RI and ON.  Chocolate and steel brown with darker chocolate in protected areas.  Weight 104.2 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M1.2-C  R3  F15.  Muttonhead Type.   Glossy dark steel and olive.  Covered with uniform extremely fine granularity below that gloss, but free of any other defects.  The date is strong.  The legends on the left sides are clear while the ones on the right are weak due to an uneven strike and excessive die lapping.  Early Late or Late Middle Die State.  Weight 118.1 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M6.1-M  R1  F15.  Laughing Head Type.   Fine roughness, worse on the reverse, under a rather glossy chocolate brown patina with lighter brown toning covering the devices.  Probably ground recovered. No verdigris or marks.  The date and legends are complete and clear except for the C in AUCTORI, which is obscured a bit by the roughness.  Weight 115.6 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M11.1-E  R2  VG7.   Mostly glossy chocolate brown with medium brown and tan toning covering the devices.  Surfaces pleasing for the grade, only a few light contact marks on both sides, including a dull scratch across the back of the neck to the E in CONNEC.  The date is weak but can be made out and the legends are relatively clear except where the tops are off the planchet.  Weight 136.5 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M11.2-K  R3  VF30.   Sharp details with scattered fine porosity on both sides.  No planchet flaws, just a few minor rim bruises of no significance.  Slightly glossy dark olive and steel with chocolate brown highpoints.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  Weight 140.3 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M11.2-K  R3  F12.   Glossy medium to light brown with darker olive toning covering the protected areas.  Smooth surfaces, nearly choice except for a couple small, shallow planchet striations on the obverse.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  Very nice for the grade.  Weight 146.0 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M12-Q  R3  F18.  Blundered Date 1787 over 1887.   Choice glossy medium to light brown toning.  Smooth surfaces also, free of any hint of corrosion or notable contact marks.  However, there are a couple of small planchet voids on the right edges of both sides and a few more tiny ones elsewhere on both sides.  The date is complete and bold and the blundered feature is obvious.  The legends are strong except for weakness at CONNEC thanks to die swelling in that area.  An attractive example of this popular die-cutter’s error variety.  Weight 110.4 grains.  Ex 1996 EAC Sale, lot 31.

1787  Connecticut  M12-Q  R3  VG7.  Blundered Date 1787 over 1887.   Reflective medium brown with olive toning in protected areas.  Basically smooth surfaces but there is a planchet chip out of the rim over the forehead and a vertical scratch left of the hand of the seated figure.  The date is easily readable, and traces of the undertype 8 are visible under the first 7 in the date.  Struck slightly off center to K-2.  Weight 108.6 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M13-D  R2  F15.   This coin was cleaned and is now retoning golden tan and steel brown.  A small nick in the field off the mouth a couple of digs at ON in CONNEC, and two more at the shoulder are the only significant marks on otherwise reasonably smooth surfaces.  The date is a bit weak but easily readable and the legends are virtually complete.  LDS.  Weight 142.8 grains.  Ex 1998 C-4 Sale, lot 126.

1787  Connecticut  M14-H  R3  F12.   Mostly glossy dark chocolate brown with lighter steel brown highpoints along with some muted copper red at some obverse central high points.  Only faintly granular and overall fairly pleasing for a lower grade coin. No marks or verdigris.  The date and legends are complete and clear.  LDS with obvious swelling at ET.  Weight 112.8 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M15-F  R3  EF40.   Attractive glossy chocolate brown delicately mottled with medium brown.  Smooth and virtually perfect except for mostly shallow planchet voids on both sides, strongest at NE in CONNEC and at the top of the E in ET.  Nicely centered.  The date and legends are bold except for a few letters slightly off the planchet and a couple more affected by the voids.  Lovely color and surfaces aside from the natural flaws. Weight 112.9 grains.  Ex Early American Numismatics 3/18/95:85.

1787  Connecticut  M16.2-NN.1  R5  VF20.  Attractive glossy medium brown.  Smooth except for some planchet striation voids slanting from the bust to the cheek and a pair of faint small spots of greenish verdigris at the knees of the seated figure.  The obverse is nicely centered on the planchet while the reverse is off a bit to K-7 leaving the date mostly off the planchet, only the upper parts of the 87 visible.  The legends are complete and strong.  Struck with the reverse rotated 150 degrees CW.  A very tough variety to find pleasing in this grade, and certainly near impossible above it.  The Perkins catalog noted one EF in the census followed by a number of VF’s.  Weight 141.9 grains.  Ex Bob Lomprey (and possibly also ex Dr. Hall-Brand)-2006 C-4 Sale, lot 203.

1787  Connecticut  M19-g.4  R3  VF25.   Glossy chocolate brown with lighter steel brown toning on the devices.  Smooth except for some trivial planchet striations at CTO in AUCTORI (and less significant ones on the reverse) and a small void in the center of the neck.  Later die state with an obvious bulge at the tops of the 787.  A pleasing coin. Weight 140.9 grains.  Ex Bowers & Merena 11/11/99:74.

1787  Connecticut  M20-a.2  R5  VF20.   Or slightly sharper but with fine porosity under a slightly glossy dark olive and chocolate patina.  There are a few specks of shallow greenish verdigris on the reverse but no significant marks.  The date is very slightly off the planchet but the remainder is strong and the legends are clear.  Weight 123.2 grains.  Ex Coin Galleries 2/27/85:1583.

1787  Connecticut  M24-g.5  R5+  VF20.   Overall the surfaces are smooth and offer good eye appeal but there is a dull gouge out of the rim over OR in AUCTORI and traces of very shallow crud or waxy verdigris in protected areas under the chin and behind the head.  Reflective chocolate brown with medium brown highpoints.  Softly struck along the right edge of the obverse.  The obverse is slightly off center to K-3 and the reverse is off a bit to K-7.5 leaving most of the date off the planchet.  In spite of the defects, this piece is at least equal to the better of the 2 Perkins examples, neither of which had a date.  A variety tough to find in upper grades.  Weight 128.1 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M25-m  R5  F15.   Lightly cleaned and retoned a convincing rather glossy mix of chocolate, olive, and medium brown.  Smooth surfaces marred only by a few minor planchet voids, including two parallel ones on the right side of the reverse.  The date is bold and the legends are strong except for the tops of AUCT and ET, which were struck off the planchet.  The obverse is off center a bit to K-7.5 and the reverse off a similar amount to K-12.  Essentially comparable to the better of the 2 Perkins examples. The CC for M.25-m is weak and this coin could be in the top dozen or so for this variety. At the least it is fair to say it would be difficult to find a substantial upgrade to this coin. Weight 130.1 grains.  Ex Bowers & Merena 3/15/01:2229.

1787  Connecticut  M29.1-p  R5  F18.   Glossy medium brown with traces of olive toning in protected areas.  Softly struck on the lower part of the bust and opposing area on the lower left of the reverse.  Where properly struck the details are of a solid VF.  The date is weak and partly off the planchet.  The legends are complete and strong except for INDE, which was quite weakly struck.  The attribution is carefully marked using ivory ink in the field before the portrait.  The reverse is rotated 135 degrees CW.  Weight 152.3 grains.  A pleasing example of a difficult variety.  Ex Bob Lomprey (reported from the Miller collection-Emporium Coin Co. 4/6/91) -2006 C-4 Sale, lot 242. w/o Ticket

1787  Connecticut  M30-hh.1  R2  F12.   VF sharpness perhaps, but with some corrosion and a mottled look. There is a small chip out of the rim off the bust tip.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  Dark olive with lighter brown highpoints which become muted coppery red at points.  Weight 104.5 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M31.1-r.4  R2  VG10.   Some detail of a Fine discounted due to extensive granularity.  There is a shallow planchet void off the bust tip.  Somewhat reflective dark olive and chocolate.  The last digit of the date remains visible but the rest are faint at best.  The legends are complete and easily readable although not strong.  The attribution is written in the left obverse field with ivory ink.  Weight 144.5 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M31.1-gg.1  R3  VF25.  ET LIR variety.   Lightly cleaned and retoned dark chocolate brown with darker steel brown highpoints.  No roughness or contact marks, but the bottom edge of the obverse and opposing upper portion of the reverse are softly struck.  The remainder of the details are bold, including the date.  The ET LIR feature is strong.  Overall above average in appearance. Weight 138.1 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M31.1-gg.1  R3  VF20.  ET LIR variety.   Actually technically probably sharper but completely matte from uniform very fine granularity.  Cleaned and retoned dark reddish steel and chocolate brown with traces of frosty lighter reddish steel in protected areas.  I take the report of prior cleaning on faith, it is not clearly evident. No marks or verdigris.  The base of the date is tight to the rim but everything else is strong.  The ET LIR feature is bold.  Weight 140.2 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M31.2-r.3  R1  VF20.  Upset Reverse.   There is very fine porosity on both sides of this coin but no significant marks aside from a couple of rim bruises.  Chocolate brown with some lighter and darker brown tones mixed in.  The base of the date is tight to the rim but everything is clear.  Struck head-to-head.  Weight 160.4 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M31.2-r.3  R1  VG8.  Upset Reverse.   Surfaces are uneven under a probably unnaturally glossy chocolate brown patina with medium brown toning covering the devices.  Appears to be a burial coin with subsequent corrosion having softened its details.  The only significant mark though is a shallow planchet void at the rim over TOR.  The date and legends are easily readable.  Struck with a head-to-head die orientation.  Weight 122.6 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M32.1-X.3  R4  VF25.   Perhaps sharper but there are a few fine hairline scratches in the field before the face, some stronger ones before the face of the seated figure, and a pair of pinpricks on either side of her head.  However glossy dark chocolate brown with medium brown toning covering the highpoints creates an attractive two-tone appearance.  The date and legends are complete and bold.  Appealing in spite of the marks.  Weight 129.2 grains.  Ex 1998 C-4 Sale, lot 145.

1787  Connecticut  M32.2-X.2  R5  VF35.  Clipped Planchet.   Choice glossy medium brown with chocolate brown toning in protected areas.  A beautiful early copper, virtually perfect in every respect.  A very slight planchet clip above the back of the head reaches the base of the 787 in the date, but the rest is strong and the legends are bold.  LDS with a clear rim cud break along the top of the reverse. If only all Connecticut Coppers could have surfaces like these. Weight 139.5 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M32.5-aa  R4  VG10.  FNDE error.   Reflective chocolate and steel brown with traces of darker olive in protected areas.  There are planchet voids and/or strike through impressions along the edge before the portrait and before the feet of the seated figure, a striation on the skirt above the date, and an incomplete planchet cutter impression arcing across both sides.  The 1 in the date is missing but the other 3 digits are clear and the legends are strong except where affected by centering or planchet voids.  Weight 123.2 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M32.5-aa  R4  F12.  FNDE error.   There is a dull pinch on the edge smashing the tops of OR in AUCTORI and the opposing 1 in the date, otherwise the surfaces and eye appeal are decent showing only a few minor imperfections.  The rest of the date and legends are clear, including the FNDE feature.  Fairly glossy for the grade chocolate and steel brown.  Weight 137.3 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.1-Z.13  R5  VF25.   Slightly glossy medium brown with darker steel and olive toning in protected areas of the obverse.  The surfaces are relatively smooth but do show microscopic roughness under the attractive patina.  No marks or verdigris, and the eye appeal remains nice for the grade.  LDS with obvious die cracks and swelling on the obverse.  The reverse is rotated 70 degrees CW.  Nice coin. Weight 131.3 grains.  Ex NERCA 7/23/76:93 (lot ticket included)-1998 C-4 Sale, lot 155.

1787  Connecticut  M33.2-Z.5  R1  VF20.   Attractive glossy medium brown with darker chocolate toning in protected areas of the obverse.  Nicely centered on a smooth, defect-free planchet.  The date and legends are complete and bold.  Shows the attribution in ivory ink in the left obverse field and an ivory “D” in the right obverse field.  Weight 117.8 grains.  Ex Bowers & Merena 11/11/99:87.

1787  Connecticut  M33.2-Z.12  R1  VF20.   Slightly glossy dark olive brown.  No marks or verdigris, but there are hints of extremely fine granularity hidden under the natural patina.  The bottom edge of the date is tight to the edge but the date and legends are all bold.  Attractive for a coin with dark toning.  Weight 125.3 grains.  Ex 1995 C-4 Sale, lot 163.

1787  Connecticut  M33.6-KK  R2  VF35.  Triple Ribbon Ends.   Glossy steel with chocolate brown toning in protected areas.  Most likely retoned but still quite attractive.  The surfaces are smooth and the only mark is a tiny planchet crack at the edge under the portrait.  The date and legends are complete and bold and the tripled ribbon ends are obvious.  Weight 142.4 grains.  Ex Early American Numismatics 9/16/95:400.

1787  Connecticut  M33.7-r.2  R1  F12.   Slightly sharper with microscopic roughness covering the planchet.  No marks or verdigris.  The date and legends are strong.  Slightly glossy dark steel and olive brown with lighter steel brown toning on the devices.  Weight 125.7 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.9-s.2  R2  VF35.   Smooth and reflective obverse with steel brown and chocolate with darker chocolate and olive brown toning in protected areas.  No notable marks.  The reverse appears a tad rougher with some scattered patches of minor porosity, but some of the visual impression that the reverse is less smooth derives from the failing die state. Struck very slightly off center to K-1 but the date and legends remain on the planchet and are clear.  Weight 117.7 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.10-Z.8  R5  F15.   Detail of VF where properly struck up, but largely covered with microscopic porosity and there is an old, light pinscratch from the throat fading out at the U.  The planchet is not round and the strike is uneven showing obvious weakness at the bottom of the obverse, at CONNEC, and at the top of the reverse.  Slightly reflective medium brown and light chocolate with splashes of reddish chocolate on the obverse.  Relatively light toning helps this coin retain some eye appeal. The bottom of the date is off the planchet but the upper half is strong.  Weight 107.6 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.10-Z.8  R5  VG8.   Glossy mix of chocolate, steel brown, and olive.  Smooth and attractive for the grade, just worn.  The 1 in the date is gone but the 787 are easily readable and the legends are complete except for ET.  Weight 135.5 grains.  Ex 1995 C-4 Sale, lot 168.

1787  Connecticut  M33.13-Z.6  R5  VG8.   Reflective dark olive and steel with lighter steel brown highpoints and some traces of muted copper color – likely cleaned long ago having restored now to a natural look.  Fine texture on both sides, but there is no verdigris.  The only mark is a shallow planchet lamination at the top of the head on the obverse.  The date is easily readable and the legends are clear.  Weight 123.8 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.13-Z.7  R5  EF40.   Choice glossy light chocolate brown toning on problem free surfaces.  This is the Miller Sale coin, more recently offered in the Ford Sale.  Great eye appeal, especially for this tough variety.  The obverse is slightly misaligned to K-12 and the reverse is very slightly off to the bottom.  The date and legends are strong, although the bottom of the date and upper obverse legend are tight to the rim.  LDS.  Clearly better than the Perkins example, this was described for Michael Hodder as ”A superior example, one of the best seen by the cataloger”.  Weight 164.9 grains.  Ex Elder-Miller 5/29/1920:1957-unknown-John J. Ford, Stack’s 5/10/05:379.

1787  Connecticut  M33.15-r.1  R2  [PCGS VF35] VF35.   Rather glossy dark chocolate and olive brown with lighter chocolate highpoints.  Surfaces are smooth and attractive with just minimal trace roughness in places. The date and legends are complete and strong.

1787  Connecticut  M33.15-r.1  R2  F18.   Slightly sharper with a few patches of shallow corrosion and dark greenish verdigris on the obverse, and some fine toned pin scratches scattered on the obverse.  Mostly reflective glossy dark chocolate brown with lighter brown toning on the devices.  Struck very slightly off center to the top leaving the lower half of the date off the planchet, but everything else is strong.  Weight 133.5 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.15-r.1  R2  VF20.   Nice detail but covered with microscopic granularity, and there are faint hairline scratches hidden in the patina.  Reflective olive brown with steel brown highpoints.  The date and legends are strong, although a few letters are tight to the rim.  Weight 127.0 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.16-Z.15  R4  VF30.   Glossy dark olive brown with tan toning covering the highpoints.  Its flaws are a couple of faint planchet laminations before the portrait, a vertical void at the back of the seated figure, and a smooth planchet void across her legs.  Free of post striking problems. The date and legends are complete and bold.  Late die state with several die cracks on the obverse.  Weight 116.4 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.16-Z.15  R4  VF25.   Choice glossy medium, almost honey brown.  Great eye appeal with flawless surfaces.  The only mark is a small chip out of the rim under the second 7 in the date.  Struck slightly off center to K-7 leaving a few letters of the legend partially off the planchet.  Weight 116.8 grains.  Ex Bowers & Merena 11/11/99:99.

1787  Connecticut  M33.16-Z.15  R4  F12.   Actually sharper but covered with granular porosity, though there’s not much else in the way of real problems.  The planchet is a bit egg-shaped but the date and legends are on the planchet and are strong except for a couple weakly struck letters.  Dark steel brown with lighter steel brown toning covering the devices.  Somewhat dull except at high points. Decent for the grade.  Weight 116.7 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.17-r.1  R1  VF25.   Quite glossy dark chocolate and olive brown surfaces.  The only marks are a shallow scuff on the second C in CONNEC and a shallow splash of glue on the obverse bust and lower portion of the seated figure.  The glue would be easy to remove, but still attractive as it is.  Weight 120.6 grains.  Ex Pine Tree 9/5/85:72-1995 C-4 Sale, lot 175.

1787  Connecticut  M33.17-gg.2  R5  F25.  ET LIR variety.  Slightly under graded when we sold this coin in 2002.  Except for being softly struck on the bust tip and at the opposing area at the top of the reverse, this coin is a solid VF, but there is a small swipe of greenish verdigris at the obverse rim over the browlock.  Otherwise the surfaces are smooth, glossy, and free of any notable defects.  The date and legends are complete and clear, and the ET LIR feature is obvious.  Glossy medium steel brown with light reddish chocolate brown in protected areas.  Struck slightly off center to K-7.  Weight 125.2 grains.  Ex 2002 C-4 Sale, lot 306.

1787  Connecticut  M33.17-gg.2  R5  F15.  ET LIR variety.   Reflective medium brown and chocolate with olive brown toning in protected areas.  The surfaces look reasonably smooth though they do have fine granularity, mostly on the obverse.  A few minor rim bruises show on both sides and a shallow planchet cutter impression left an arc from K-11 to K-3 on the obverse near the rim.  The date and legends are clear and the ET LIR feature is bold.  Weight 138.4 grains.  Ex Superior 2/24/03:38.

1787  Connecticut  M33.19-Z.1  R4  F12.   Slightly sharper with fine granularity covering both sides and a couple shallow planchet striations on the obverse, including one in the center and another at the top of the head.  Reasonably reflective with medium brown and light chocolate toning.  Late die state, the obverse now mushy.  The date is easily readable, ET LIB is strong, but NDE is faint due to a weak strike in that area.  Weight 141.4 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.19-Z.2  R5  VF20.  Clearly shows the sharpness of a VF coin but with surface problems, concentrated on the reverse.  The obverse is nearly smooth, only a few small patches of shallow roughness and greenish verdigris but the reverse is consistently rough, a combination of roller striae and some corrosion.  No marks or planchet flaws other than the microscopic striations mixed in with the reverse roughness.  The 8 in the date is weak but readable while everything else is complete and strong.  Dark chocolate and olive brown with lighter chocolate brown toning covering the devices.  Weight 136.8 grains.  Ex 1998 C-4 Sale, lot 188.

1787  Connecticut  M33.23-hh.2  R6  F18.   Mostly glossy medium to light brown.  Some faint roller striae are found at the left obverse and slightly more significant striations are found mostly in the center of the reverse, plus there are some very faint hairlines on both sides.  The date is weak due to the heavily worn reverse die, but it remains easily readable.  The legends are clear except for the usual weakness at RI in AUCTORI.  Weight 125.2 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.28-Z.11  R6--  VG8.  “Snipe Nose” variety.   A bit sharper on the reverse with a few very thin scratches on the portrait and fine granularity covering the fields and protected areas.  The obverse is weaker than the reverse due to the worn out obverse die, but everything remains readable and the date is strong.  The bisecting obverse die crack is obvious.  Reflective medium brown with chocolate toning in protected areas.  Weight 137.8 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.28-Z.16  R5  F15.  “Snipe Nose” variety.   One patch of significant corrosion is near the rim from right of the date to IB in LIB.  Otherwise the surfaces and eye appeal of this piece are excellent for the grade.  No verdigris or contact marks.  Glossy dark chocolate brown with light brown toning on the devices.  The date and legends are clear except for the aforementioned IB in LIB.  The “snipe nose” die crack is strong.  Weight 146.7 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.29-Z.7  R6  VF20.   Attractive glossy medium brown.  The planchet is not especially round, but it is smooth and attractive.  There are a few minor planchet striation voids at the top of the obverse, a bit more at the bottom of the reverse, but no corrosion or verdigris.  The only sign of contact is a small, dull rim nick at K-3 on the reverse.  LDS with myriad fine die cracks on the obverse.  The date is mostly gone thanks to planchet flaws and die failure in that area, but the legends are strong except for the U in AUCTORI, which was not struck up.  A very nice example of this rare variety.  Weight  125.2 grains.  Ex 2002 C-4 Sale, lot 165.

1787  Connecticut  M33.29-gg.1 (probably)  Obverse Brockage  F15.   An obverse brockage strike with both sides perfectly aligned with each other.  The attribution is probable based on the die state.  Slightly sharper but covered with uniform fine roughness.  Reasonably reflective dark steel with chocolate highpoints.  No marks or verdigris.  Folks, this is a great coin because… this is a great coin!  C’mon, it’s a full obverse Connecticut brockage!  We aren’t talking Imitation British Halfpennies here. How many Connecticut brockages have you had the chance to purchase lately?  Weight 119.6 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.31-gg.2  R5+  F15.  ET LIR variety.   Near VF detail with microscopic granularity under the slightly glossy dark olive and chocolate patina.  Some of the highpoints are a lighter shade of steel brown.  Shallow greenish verdigris remains in a few of the protected areas, mostly on the reverse.  There are a couple dull contact marks on the head, a faint scuff hidden in the natural patina in the center of the reverse, and a thin planchet void at the edge behind the head.  Struck slightly off center to K-5.  The date and legends are clear and the ET LIR feature is obvious.  Weight 138.3 grains.  Ex Superior 6/2000:20.

1787  Connecticut  M33.33-Z.3  R5  VG8.   Unfortunately gently bent at the left top, but  no other significant defects.  Rather glossy dark olive with faint roughness hidden under the glossy patina.  The date and RI in AUCTORI are gone but everything else is clear.  Weight 136.8 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.34-Z.11  R5  VG8.   Glossy deep honey brown with smooth attractive surfaces.  Just well worn.  The only mark of any consequence is a small rim bruise at the second C in CONNEC.  The date and legends are complete and easily readable.  Very choice for the grade.  Weight 134.1 grains.  Ex 1996 C-4 Sale, lot 243-1999 C-4 Sale, lot 168.

1787  Connecticut  M33.37-Z.9  R5  VF25.   Attractive glossy medium brown with traces of chocolate toning in protected areas.  It has a thin planchet striation in the field before the face and a dull, light scratch over the ear, along with a small scattering of minor striae on the reverse.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  A pleasing example.  Weight 130.1 grains.  Ex Bowers & Merena 3/11/04:146.

1787  Connecticut  M33.39-s.1  R4  VF25.   Actually a bit sharper but with fine granularity covering much of both sides.  There are microscopic specks of greenish verdigris in some tiny pitmarks of very little consequence.  A couple shallow scrape marks are also hidden in the toning on the lower part of the seated figure.  Glossy chocolate and steel brown, possibly lightly cleaned and retoned but retaining good eye appeal.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  Weight 136.1 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.39-s.1  R4  VG10.   Both sides coated with fine to moderate porosity.  Some waxy crud on the reverse but no verdigris.  A couple shallow scratches on the seated figure blend into the natural patina.  Still reflective but darkly toned olive brown and chocolate.  The date and legends are complete and easily readable.  Weight 120.8 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.43-hh.2  R5+  VF20.  ET LIR variety.  Rotated Reverse.   Attractive glossy chocolate and steel brown.  The only defect is a thin, short planchet void up from the chest of the seated figure.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  Struck with the reverse die rotated 160 degrees CCW.  Weight 120.9 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M33.44-W.3  R6  F15.   Glossy medium brown with chocolate toning in protected areas.  Faintly granular but that is more than offset by the attractive toning and gloss.  The same could be said actually for some very fine and faint toned hairlines near the center on both sides.  No verdigris, a very light rim bruise at IN in INDE is equally trivial.  The date is tight to the rim but remains strong and the legends are clear.  An attractive example.  Late die state.  Weight 121.3 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M34-ff  R5  VF30.  ET LIR variety.   Sharp detail but somewhat grainy surfaces, more so on the obverse.  The gloss of its dark olive brown patina is somewhat forgiving however.  Possibly lightly cleaned and retoned, this only apparent really when the reverse is held to light at certain angles – mostly it looks quite natural.  There are some extremely fine planchet striations on the upper half of the reverse, and a couple of these tiny voids contain microscopic specks of greenish verdigris.  The bottom of the date is off the planchet but everything else is complete and strong.  Weight 141.2 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M36-l.1  R5+  VF25.   Really a lovely coin cursed by three fine pinscratches, two on the obverse and one on the reverse.  These are located at the nostril through the C in AUCTORI, from the hair at the neck to the second C in CONNEC, and slanting across the bust of the seated figure.  Otherwise the surfaces and eye appeal of this old copper are outstanding for the grade.  Glossy medium brown with traces of chocolate brown toning in protected areas.  Struck slightly off center to K-5.  The date and legends are strong and complete except for ET, which is mostly off the planchet.  Weight 153.3 grains.  Ex 1998 C-4 Sale, lot 211.

1787  Connecticut  M37.1-cc.1  R4  VF25.  ET LIR variety.   Highly reflective medium brown with darker olive brown toning in protected areas.  Reasonably nice surfaces and eye appeal despite a dusting of fine porosity, a small rim nick under the 87 being the only notable mark.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  Weight 160.7 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M37.4-k.1  R3  F18.   Reasonably smooth despite some  uniform fine granularity.  The only mark is a short, thin planchet void on the cheek.  Relatively reflective dark olive brown and steel with lighter steel brown highpoints.  Struck a bit off center to K-5 leaving most of ET off the planchet.  Everything else is complete and strong.  Weight 135.2 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M37.5-e  R5  VF30.   An overall pleasing coin with pair of old faint but long hairline scratches on the obverse, including one from the earlobe to the U in AUCTORI.  Free of porosity and fairly glossy, this has some minor planchet striae and one notable striation one from the forehead to the ear.  Toned a medium slightly washed out chocolate brown.  The date is tight to the edge but is clear and the legends are bold.  Weight 136.1 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M37.8-LL  R5-  F12.   Some detail of a higher grade but there is a dull dent on the neck of the portrait and another at the opposing area on the bust of the seated figure (as if something pinched the coin).  No other problems really other than some natural minor planchet striations on an otherwise smooth, attractive planchet.  Glossy light chocolate brown.  The lower two-thirds of the date is off the planchet, as are the tops of some legend letters, but everything else is easily readable.  Struck slightly off center to K-2.  Weight 114.1 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M37.8-LL  R5-  VG8.  Off Center.   Struck fully 15% off center to K-11 leaving the date and much of the legend off the planchet, giving this coin a dramatic appearance.  Reflective dark chocolate brown with lighter steel brown highpoints, ever so slightly grainy but not in a bothersome way.  A few shallow planchet voids, the largest of these at the top of the reverse on the unstruck portion of the planchet.  No verdigris or notable signs of contact.  This coin just looks cool.  Weight 138.2 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M37.8-LL  R5-  VG8.   Delicately bent plus there are shallow digs scattered over both sides, including a relatively strong one at the globe behind the seated figure.  Glossy for the grade medium to light brown and chocolate.  The base of the date fades into the rim but it remains easily readable.  ET LIB is mostly gone thanks to being struck slightly off center to K-9.  Weight 140.6 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M37.9-e  R5+  VF20.   Sharpness actually close to EF but very dark and dull.  No verdigris or marks, just extensive micro porosity.  Matte dark olive, nearly black.  The date is tight to the rim but everything is easily readable.  Weight 126.5 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M37.11-ff.2  R5  VG10.   Smooth in a porous kind of way is how I can best put this.  It is so even that it is easy to forget that it wasn’t intended to be there all along. No verdigris, contact marks, or planchet defects.  Slightly glossy dark chocolate and olive brown.  Struck slightly off center to K-8.  The date is complete and strong.  The tops of parts of the legend are slightly off the planchet but what remains is easily readable in spite of being weak.  Weight 144.5 grains.  Ex 1998 C-4 Sale, lot 215.

1787  Connecticut  M37.13-HH  R5  F15.   Or perhaps slightly sharper but with uniform very fine roughness covering both sides.  No verdigris or planchet flaws.  There is one hidden short pinscratch across the bottom of the 87 in the date and that’s about it.  Fairly reflective golden and steel brown with darker steel brown toning in protected areas.  The date and legends are complete and strong.  Weight 109.3 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M38-l.2  R4  VF20.  AUCIORI variety.   Mostly glossy, pale brown almost tan at most high points with chocolate toning covering the fields and protected areas.  No marks, and minimal striations unworthy of mention.  Mere wisps of faint shallow corrosion at the waist and foot of the seated figure, leaving the surfaces slightly darker there.  The date and legends are complete and strong, and the AUCIORI feature is bold.  An attractive coin, of a variety that is difficult to find in this grade or better.  Weight 149.9 grains.  Ex 1998 C-4 Sale, lot 217.

1787  Connecticut  M39.2-ee  R5+  F15.  AUCTOBI and ET LIR variety.  Rotated Reverse.   Attractive glossy medium brown and chocolate.  The surfaces are smooth and the only marks are a few very small planchet voids at the back of the neck and a tiny rim bruise at the U in AUCTOBI.  The date is bold and the legends are complete except for weakness at the R in LIR.  The AUCTOBI feature is clear.  Struck with the reverse rotated 60 degrees CW.  Weight 149.4 grains.  Ex Mid-Continent Coins 9/10/75-Bob Lomprey-2006 C-4 Sale, lot 403.

1787  Connecticut  M41-ii  R4  VF25.  AUCTOPI and ETIIB variety.   A true technical grade would be at least ten points higher but this coin is covered with fine porosity that makes its presence known.  No verdigris or marks, and the color is actually a quite attractive light to medium brown with surfaces that remain reflective right through that porosity.  The bottom edge of the date is off the planchet, but the remainder is clear and the legends are complete.  The AUCTOPI feature is clear, the ETIIB feature readable but less obvious.  This coin would be a monster for this variety if it were smooth.  Weight 133.9 grains.

1787  Connecticut  M43.1-Y  R2  VF25.  CONNFC variety.   For the most part attractive  surfaces aside from a swipe of shallow corrosion at the rim over NFC and a couple more on the right side of the reverse.  The only other notable planchet defect is a shallow planchet void at the nose, as struck.  Otherwise the planchet is smooth.  Glossy medium brown with traces of darker chocolate in protected areas.  The date and legends are