1786 New Jersey copper 1/2p M20-N W4905 Wide Shield Drunken Die Cutter PCGS VF30

From the 08/18/23 Stacks ANA auction where this coin was lot #6014 and described as: “1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 20-N, W-4905. Rarity-4. Wide Shield, Drunken Die Cutter. VF-30 (PCGS).  Although outside of the Condition Census for this Maris number, this coin more than makes up for it with generally bold VF detail and plenty of eye appeal. An overlay of mottled olive patina is more extensive on the reverse, the obverse showing a swath of lighter autumn-brown through the center. The strike is nicely centered, both sides with fully denticulated borders and most design elements bold for the grade. The date and coulter are soft near the lower obverse border, yet discernible with patience even during in hand viewing. Scattered marks are noted, including several fine pin scratches in the field areas before and after the horse, central obverse a bit rough, reverse with light surface scale that will require magnification to discern. DS2.” While this M20-N is not quite as nice as the equally-graded PCGS VF30 in the EPU4 auction lot #3038, that example brought $2,040 to a dealer and will certainly be offered at a much higher price than this coin.  PCGS #498.30/26792652, with “Wide Shield” but no Maris variety listed on the label.  This coin realized $1,020 in that auction, and my asking price on my website and eBay is $1,499.