Connecticut copper

Hello everybody! I really need some help. I recently acquired a Connecticut copper that the date is worn off of. I believe I know the variety but after looking at some charts I don't know which miller type it is. Is there somebody out there that knows a lot about colonials or is an expert in them that can help me out? I have tried to upload pics to this thread but I have trouble doing so. If there is anybody out there that can help I'd highly appreciate a response. Maybe I could email you the pics or another option is that I have a thread on treasurenet that has the pics. That thread name Is "sweet colonial copper". Thank you for looking

 

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I do not deal with early coppers very often and usually reject them without visible dates. Why would you buy one without a date? they can be quite expensive. Not many buy coins without a date visible this is why buffalo nickel collectors demand full dates

 

That is because I am a young collector (14) on a tight budget with no steady income. I bought it to expand my collection and learn. I can make out 178? But that is it. If I turn it one way it looks like a 1787 but if I turn it another it looks like 1786. After checking in the Red book at varieties it matches the 1786 draped bust variety. To even own a state copper is a joy for me.

 

I'm a real fan of copper colonials as well. I just sold my 1787 Connecticut recently. The good thing is that since they were produced more years than most and are more readily available at a cheaper price. If you are having trouble getting photos on this thread, you can always upload them to a photo site (imgur, tinypic, etc) and link them here.

BTW, here's two of my favorite state/colonial pieces that I own.

 

Wow beautiful colonials! Thanks for the tip!

 

That one was much nicer than the one I had. My Connecticut was pretty worn, but had a rarity of R6.

The legend on yours is clearly legible, which is good. Tough to make out the date, but I am thinking 1787.

 

That was my original thought but if you take a look at red book and mine it lists the 1786 draped bust like mine. The reason I agree with that is because the ribbon is closer to the last C and has two dots after the last C unlike the others I have seen

 

Actually the more I look at it the more it looks like the 1787. Next step is figuring out the miller. What is that and how do I go about determining it?

 

The miller is essentially the variety number of it, that identifies which die it came from. Unfortunately I am unsure of how to go about doing that. There is probably a book or some online reference that would help you identify which variety you have...

 

I only had a chance to glance at it, but I am about certain it is a 1787. There are a ton of 1787 varieties, I'll try to give it a shot when I get a little time. It can be a little complex, so be patient. There are a couple of other guys on treasurenet who are good at these, they may get back on your original post, give them a little time chances are some are working on it now.

 

Thank you once again cutler. I am satisfied knowing somebody is helping. I would do it if I knew how hahaha.

 

Is there a specific book or resource where one can see the varieties to try and compare?

 

The Whitman Encyclopedia of Colonial and Early American Coins by Q. David Bowers is probably one of the easier to use and obtain books.

 

Link?

 

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/coins/409082-sweet
I didn't even think of that! Thanks

 

The Miller number comes from Henry Miller's 'The State Coinage of Connecticut'. It's a tough book to find, even the reprints are not too common, but they show up on ebay or other numismatic auction sites every once in a while. I don't know of any specific website where this information is provided, but this one is a start:

http://www.coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/ColCoinIntros/CT-Copper.intro.html

I have a copy of Miller and will also try to figure out the variety, I love the process.

Btw, congrats on the coin, it's pretty decent for what it is, and disregard the previous poster's concern about dateless coins. These coins are generally not collected by date like most other American series. Serious collectors want varieties, and I am pretty sure your coin has enough detail left to determine the variety.

 

Thank you very much! l. cutler has an idea of the variety. He believes it is a Miller 20- a.2. I would like your opinion on it as well! Thanks again. I think I may be addicted to getting colonial coppers now haha

 

I will let you know what I think.

They are a wonderful series in general, and when you compare them price-wise to what early large cents go for in similar condition they are an absolute bargain... A similar 1794 large cent would probably cost 10 times what you paid for that Connecticut.

 

Do you know how to determine the value? I don't have a clue what it is worth.

 

I just looked in Miller and I believe it is a 20-a.2 as well. Take that with a grain of salt as I am just learning these, but I don't see anything else close.

I would guesstimate a value in the $30-$50 range on these, maybe a bit more. It's got nice detail. Again, take it with a grain of salt.