1786 CT 1/2P Broad-Shouldered, M 2.2-D.2, BN MS(PCGS#686824)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

1321

等级

XF40BN

价格

254,244

详细说明

Finest Known 1786 2.2-D.2 "Noble Head" The Fantastic Hall-Brand-Newman Coin A Landmark Connecticut Type 1786 Connecticut Copper. Miller 2.2-D.2, W-2475. Rarity-6. Mailed Bust Right, Broad Shouldered or Noble Head. EF-40 (PCGS). 114.2 grains. Easily one of the most significant pieces in this incredible offering of 1785 and 1786 Connecticuts, this is the extraordinary finest known example of one of the most distinctive and beloved Connecticut copper types. The "Broad Shouldered" or "Noble Head" bust of the Miller 2.2 obverse has a wholly unique appearance when compared to other obverse dies of the series. The imposing stature and confident, upward facing expression of the effigy give this obverse a somewhat more dignified, indeed more "noble," appearance than any other Connecticut obverse, despite its presumably unofficial status. The reverse is distinctive as well, with a slender seated figure leaning far forward. A standalone die pair, neither the 2.2 obverse nor D.2 reverse are found in combination with any other dies. This superb coin, by far the finest of the 20 or so examples known, has lovely golden-tan surfaces with a few splashes of maroon on the obverse and a bit of attractive woodgrain undertones on the reverse. The technical grade is clearly in excess of the assigned grade, there is legitimate frosty luster and mint gloss on both sides, particularly the reverse, and hardly any discernible wear. The surfaces have a glow to them that you would not expect to see on an EF state copper. There are a handful of light scratches on the obverse that are visible at certain angles but nothing in the way of planchet flaws or roughness. Nicely centered on the obverse while the reverse is misaligned to 7 o'clock, an orientation seen on several examples. The centering affects INDE and the date but at least a portion of each letter is visible and the 786 of the date is clear. This piece is in a class of its own. The next best example is considered to be the 1975 EAC Sale (lot 33)-Taylor-Robert Martin coin which is graded PCGS VF-20. Beyond that are a few Fines while the majority of survivors are in the G-VG range, many with problems. Adding to its desirability and significance is its distinguished provenance that extends back to Dr. Hall; it displays Hall's painted attribution on the edge and includes his circular tag as well. There are few types within the Connecticut copper series that can match the Noble Head for rarity and distinctiveness. The Seated Figure Facing Right 1787 1.4-WW and "Bungtown" varieties are perhaps the only major types that are rarer. A wonderful Connecticut copper that combines a high level of rarity, condition, and significance. Additional information pertaining to this lot: Connecticut Coppers Welcome to the first installment in our offering of the incomparable Sydney F. Martin Collection of Connecticut Coppers. Syd's love of this series was well known and his collecting feats in this area are the stuff of legend. Like many great numismatists of the past who had an interest in colonial coins or early American coppers - Sylvester Sage Crosby, Dr. Thomas Hall, William Wallace Hays, and Hillyer Ryder to name a few - Syd was drawn to the Connecticut coppers in a profound way and pursued this set with extraordinary focus and determination, perhaps more than any other series. The appeal of the Connecticut copper coinage is multifaceted and difficult to fully capture, but their rich numismatic tradition, the series' extensive body of research, and the enthusiasm of its specialists are undeniable. The breadth and complexity of the series if pursued by die variety, beguiling to some, was no doubt part of what attracted Syd. This, combined with the fascinating history of the coinage - the colorful cast of characters involved in their production, the various minting locations, and the distinctive styles of the various types - surely added to the appeal and made the series uniquely suited to Syd's collecting mentality. For those collecting the Connecticut coppers of 1785-1788 by die variety, obtaining 200 different Miller numbers is a major achievement and considered an advanced collection. Amassing 300 different die varieties is for many serious specialists the ultimate milestone and a mark that has been eclipsed by just a small number of collectors. The largest Connecticut copper collections sold at auction include the 1975 EAC Sale (a composite of multiple collections) with 312 different varieties, the Taylor Collection sold in 1987 with 305 varieties, the Perkins Collection sold in 2000 with 302 varieties, and the Twin Leaf Collection sold in 2019, also with 302 varieties. Syd's frontline collection contains an astonishing 349 different die varieties, which out of total of 356 varieties currently known represents over 98% completion! This is an absolutely incredible feat, especially considering the amount of extremely rare to unique varieties that are needed to reach that total. The Syd Martin Collection is far and away the most complete ever formed and it's highly doubtful that this record can, or ever will be broken. The present sale features the 1785 and 1786 portion of the collection, including an incredible complete set of all 31 varieties of 1785, and 40 of 41 varieties for 1786, missing only the extremely rare Miller 5.15-S. Also included is an extremely rare 1786 "Bungtown" Connecticut, Miller 123-T ex Newman. The quality throughout is superb, with many pieces that are the clear finest known examples of their varieties and a majority that would be considered Condition Census. Many coins herein came from the personal collection of noted colonial dealer and collector Anthony Terranova, which Syd acquired privately in 2012. The outstanding condition and quality of the Terranova coins upgraded many examples already in Syd's collection and they form the backbone of the present remarkable offering, which is, needless to say, the finest and most significant collection of 1785 and 1786 Connecticuts ever presented. Several die varieties are appearing at auction here for the first time ever, such as the unique 1785 6.6-A.3, the unique 1786 4.1-H.2, and the only 1786 5.13-I in private hands. This will also be the first auction appearance of a correctly identified example of the exceedingly rare 1785 7.3-D. Numerous other important specimens are appearing here for the first time ever, or for the first time in many decades. Significant provenances abound including Dr. Hall Ink on Edge coins and specimens from the 1904 sale of the John G. Mills Collection and the 1920 sale of the Henry Miller Collection. Many have appeared as plate coins in important publications and reference works.We are thrilled to present the initial offering of Syd Martin's frontline collection of Connecticut coppers and hope that it is a celebration of his legendary accomplishment. Best of luck to the bidders in acquiring a piece of this monumental collection. Provenance: From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Dr. Thomas Hall; Virgil Brand, via B.G. Johnson (St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.); Heritage's sale of the Eric P. Newman Collection, May 2014, lot 30064. Plated in Randy Clark's "The Identification and Classification of Connecticut Coppers 1785-1788," pp. 221, 250, and 258. PCGS# 686824. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA. Click here to see Coins in Motion.[“Coins]