1786 New Jersey copper 1/2p M12-G W4790 R4 NO COULTER PCGS VG10 ex-Richard August

From the Stacks Bowers sale of the Richard August collection, sold on 11/10/25 as lot #1277 and described as: “1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 12-G, W-4790. Rarity-4. Date Under Plow, No Coulter, Shaggy Mane. VG-10 (PCGS).  132.5 grains. Medal turn. Even dark olive surfaces show the pleasing if granular gloss of a well-preserved grounder. Good contrast remains on both sides, and some earthen encrustation remains among the lettering on the reverse. The obverse is aligned to the right enough to show the die edge at lower left, along with a frame of denticles at the entire right side. The swelling at the base of the horsehead places this close to DS2, though the date is mostly complete; the SHI book notes "only about half the date is visible in DS2." The reverse is framed with denticles from 1 o'clock to 8 o'clock. Aside from the light granularity, the reverse is mark free and very pleasing. This is a very desirable example of an elusive and distinctive variety.  Provenance: From the Richard August Collection.”  I purchased the coin from this auction for $1,320, and this coin is darker, glossier, and a bit smoother than the Stacks photos suggest.  So if you like the photos, you will LOVE the coin!  PCGS certification# 767871.10/51283460 with “Maris 12-G, Shaggy Mane, Richard August Collection” listed on the PCGS label.