This New Jersey copper just came in the mail today and I was wondering if anyone could help me with its Maris number and rarity. It is my understanding that the "No Plow Sprig" designation covers multiple varieties. Did I inadvertently cherry pick a good one or is it common? Based on auction prices I paid the "common" price for a certified VG. It's not the nicest looking coin I've ever seen but at least it has more history and character than other coins I could have spent the same money on, such as a common date certified Morgan or an MS70 piece of graded bullion...
Maris 48-g, Very Common (R-1) Here are some diagnostics: Obverse: Shorter, curved plow beam; wreath line under horse does not extend under mane; large left (viewer's perspective) ear, small right ear, positional diagnostics Reverse: Sharp, pronounced points on shield, left point to right base of R, right point to right side of bottom loop of S, shield is outlined Also note, the reverse develops a die crack that bisects the shield from the upper left point to the edge of the sheild approximately opposite the star. This is visible on your specimen as a worn area. It is most noticeable on the midsection of pale 5 (group of lines, from left to right). As to the condition of your piece, I think it is lovely. The planchet appears glossy and light brown in color. It looks like a large amount of the striations are planchet defects and it is free from any major rim bruises. To top it off, there is plenty of remaining detail. Excellent pickup, preferable to a common date Morgan or MS-70 bullion, any day! Jesse
Jesse, Thanks for sharing such good information. It amazes me how much variety there is in early American coins. The surfaces looked rough when I first saw the coin in hand and I was surprised NGC didn't detail it for corrosion. However, your statement regarding planchet defects makes sense, as I can understand that the planchets had a lot of issues to begin with. I wouldn't think that the New Jersey mint was staffed with a quality department...
