1786 New Jersey copper, M15-L, W4820, Straight Plow Beam, R4. An incredible example from the Syd Martin collection, sold by Stacks on 08/23/22, where this coin was lot #8018 and described as: "Very Attractive Maris 15-L. 1786 New Jersey Copper. Maris 15-L, W-4820. Rarity-4. Straight Plow Beam, Leaning Head. VF-35 (PCGS). 145.4 grains. 28.1 mm. A lovely example, not quite Condition Census level for the die marriage but not far removed either. Choice glossy light brown surfaces are ideal and mostly problem free on both sides. A little softly struck atop the reverse and at the date from axial misalignment of the dies, but crisply defined elsewhere. The centering is good, with denticles framing the obverse from 7:00 to 2:00 and the entire bottom half of the reverse. Some old verdigris is present around the shield details, and to a lesser extent around some obverse design elements. A thin old horizontal scratch is seen on the snout. The similar Spiro-Oechsner coin, graded an identical VF-35 (PCGS) when offered in our November 2019 E Pluribus Unum sale, realized $5,280. The Norweb-Royse coin, graded EF-45 (PCGS) at the time of our 2012 Royse sale, is among the choicest seen, bringing $15,275 a decade ago. Partrick's, graded AU-55 (NGC), brought $6,600 last year. The Condition Census is populated entirely by coins graded AU and EF. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from our (American Numismatic Rarities') sale of the Glode M. Requa Collection, September 2006, lot 48; Mike Demling Collection, via Mike Wierzba." The coin realized $2040 in the auction, and in my catalog I noted "gorgeous and glossy." Really a nice example, much nicer than the Stacks photos suggested, so hopefully my coins do this coin better justice!
