1787 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, Laughing Head, M. 6.2-M, W-2825, R.4, XF40 NGC. Die alignment: 210?. The scarcer of the two Laughing Head varieties, so called because of the facial expression on the fairly crude obverse figure (Eric P. Newman referred to this on his original envelope as the "Simple Head," using Crosby's nomenclature). Generally problem-free and appealing. A tiny planchet cutter mark at 9 o'clock obverse is noted. Both sides are consistently struck, though the reverse is softer as always. This is the only use of the obverse die. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15249, realized $900. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1787 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, Horned Bust, M. 4-L, W-2810, R.1, AU50 NGC. Die alignment: 210?. Light golden-tan surfaces predominate on this Guide Book variety, with a couple of carbon spots noted on the obverse and a small patch of red on the reverse globe. The obverse is struck off-center, while the reverse is only slightly so. The distinctive die break that gives this variety its name is clearly visible on this example, extending between the figure's chin and the UC of AUCTORI. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15248, realized $780. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1787 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, Horned Bust, M. 4-L, W-2810, R.1, AU50 NGC. Die alignment: 210?. Light golden-tan surfaces predominate on this Guide Book variety, with a couple of carbon spots noted on the obverse and a small patch of red on the reverse globe. The obverse is struck off-center, while the reverse is only slightly so. The distinctive die break that gives this variety its name is clearly visible on this example, extending between the figure's chin and the UC of AUCTORI. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15248, realized $780. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1787 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, Muttonhead Variety, M. 1.2-C, W-2720, R.3, XF40 NGC. Die alignment: 210?. A very boldly struck example of this popular Guide Book variety, with a particularly distinct CONNEC (often found weak to the point of illegibility on these). The reverse is more softly struck, with some residual planchet roughness seen in the center, but still with firm devices, a clear date, and readable legends (though LIB is faint). There are a few old scratches on the obverse bust, but the surfaces are generally a smooth medium-brown. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15247, realized $2400. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1787 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, Muttonhead Variety, M. 1.2-C, W-2720, R.3, XF40 NGC. Die alignment: 210?. A very boldly struck example of this popular Guide Book variety, with a particularly distinct CONNEC (often found weak to the point of illegibility on these). The reverse is more softly struck, with some residual planchet roughness seen in the center, but still with firm devices, a clear date, and readable legends (though LIB is faint). There are a few old scratches on the obverse bust, but the surfaces are generally a smooth medium-brown. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15247, realized $2400. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1786 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, Draped Bust Left, M. 6-K, W-2690, R.5, VF35 NGC. Die alignment: 180?. Golden-tan coloring, mostly smooth fields, and a firm strike give the obverse strong eye appeal. The reverse is more unevenly struck, but is essentially problem-free. That this specimen belonged to early collector and author Dr. Thomas Hall makes it a special coin indeed. The 1786 Draped Bust Left type is considerably scarcer than the Mailed Bust Left of the same year. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Dr. Thomas Hall; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15246, realized $3120. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1786 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, ETLIB INDE, M. 2.1-A, W-2465, R.3 -- Tooled -- NGC Details. XF. Die alignment: 330?. Strong detail and an even dark brown patina catch the eye, while a dramatic planchet split transverses much of the obverse. The fields have been smoothed a bit, but this remains an attractive example. While not an especially scarce die variety, the Miller 2.1-A is rare when seen as a distinct type, here defined by its transposed reverse legend. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15245, realized $720. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1786 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, ETLIB INDE, M. 2.1-A, W-2465, R.3 -- Tooled -- NGC Details. XF. Die alignment: 330?. Strong detail and an even dark brown patina catch the eye, while a dramatic planchet split transverses much of the obverse. The fields have been smoothed a bit, but this remains an attractive example. While not an especially scarce die variety, the Miller 2.1-A is rare when seen as a distinct type, here defined by its transposed reverse legend. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15245, realized $720. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1786 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, ETLIB INDE, M. 2.1-A, W-2465, R.3 -- Tooled -- NGC Details. XF. Die alignment: 330?. Strong detail and an even dark brown patina catch the eye, while a dramatic planchet split transverses much of the obverse. The fields have been smoothed a bit, but this remains an attractive example. While not an especially scarce die variety, the Miller 2.1-A is rare when seen as a distinct type, here defined by its transposed reverse legend. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15245, realized $720. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.
1785 CONNCT Connecticut Copper, African Head, M. 4.1-F.4, W-2355, R.1, XF40 NGC. Die alignment: 180?. A well above-average example of this popular variety, with a firmly struck bust and fully readable legends that are only a bit soft in the peripheries (they often come much weaker). The reverse is not quite as bold, but this is normal. Liberty and most of the legends are fairly distinct, while the date is weaker. The coin's color is a pleasing medium-brown and, save for a few flecks of green on both sides, the surfaces are hard. Listed on page 63 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15244, realized $1560. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.