AKSHCONN
Connecticut 1786 Mailed Bust Left Hercules

Owner Comments:

Pictured above is a 1786 Connecticut Hercules Head mailed bust left copper graded XF 45 by PCGS, and classified as Miller 5.3N. This piece was produced at the state authorized Company For Coining Coppers Mint, then located on Water Street in New Haven, Connecticut. The dies, which feature a drastically recut obverse bust likeness of George iI, were fashioned by Abel Buell, who was a pioneer in simplifying the engraving process. He used hubs to punch in main design elements, after which letters, numerals, punctuation, borders, leaves and ornaments were added. The same obverse dies were used again in 1787 to create an even rarer variety. The quantity of copper used was intended to mimic the standard British halfpenny.
Close inspection of the reverse of the Hercules Head coin reveals it to be of a late die state. The impacting die had sunken, causing the field to rise and consume a portion of the seated effigy. The word "auctori", which normally appears as part of the obverse legends, has been boldly die clashed into the reverse.