1787 US Colonial New Jersey Copper Maris 31-L Fine

1787 US Colonial New Jersey Copper Coin, Maris variety 31-L, a better variety, FINE condition

The coin has razor sharp horse hair mane yet there is weakness, unevenness: the NOVA part of the obverse legend is very distinct yet the other words in the legend are weaker.  The date is weak, as struck.

The reverse has well-defined shield lines and most of the reverse legend is destinct.  This coin was struck on a defective planchet, as the reverse has a few dips in the flan on the right side of the shield.  Perhaps this coin was overstruck on a lighter weight, less expensive copper coin.

New Jersey was famous for buying copper coins bringing low prices and using these bargains as undertypes to make their Jersey coppers.  The undertype or host could be one of eight or nine different Colonial coppers then circulating.  Perhaps the buyer of this coin can do some research with a good light and good eyes to see what the undertype is.

Listed on page 66 of the 2010 Redbook showing Fine at $220.  Bowers' Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins, page 180, shows a Fine at $200.

Bowers also notes "Usually with multiple die cracks on the obverse."

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