Owner Comments:
Pictured above is an undated (circa 1737) Higley Copper, (sometimes known as a Granby Copper, because of its place of origin in the State of Connecticut), graded F15 by PCGS. It has been variously categorized as: Freidus 3.3-C, Crosby 25, Breen-242, and W-8280.The piece has a notable provenance, having been in the collections of Hillyer C. Ryder, Dr. Thomas Hall, F.C.C. Boyd, John J. Ford, Jr., and Sydney F. Martin. The Higleys hold the distinction of being the first domestic coppers coined in America.
According to the research of Daniel Freidus, the Higleys were the product of 15 different die pairings, involving 8 obverses and 5 reverses. They come in 2 general types - 1) those with 3 crowned hammers on the reverse, (mirroring the coat of arms of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, a London, England guild established in 1571); and 2) those with a broad axe on the reverse. There are 7 notable subtypes. Some specimens sport no date, and others the date 1737 or 1739.
The subject coin is 27.9 mm in diameter, weighs 137.5 grains, and has a plain edge. Although better than most, it does exhibit problems often seen on these pieces, such as a flawed planchet, and a prominent diagonal cut on the reverse, which could have been a test cut to verify the quality of the metal. The obverse features an iconic standing deer, and the Roman numeral III to identify the assigned denomination as a 3 pence. The coin is also known for its quaint symbols, subject to alternative interpretations, which include: a pentacle, moon, pointing hand, and a starburst.
The obverse of this variety reads: Value Me As You Please (spelled as Valve on some other varieties). This legend may have been formulated in response to complaints that the 3 pence valuation was excessive, taking into consideration its copper content, when compared to the commonly circulating British halfpence. Perhaps the pieces were intentionally overvalued to discourage their being melted for their copper content. The reverse verbiage reads: "J. (standing for 'I') Cut My Way Through". Other varieties boast "I Am Good Copper".
Many Higleys exhibit doubling, as might be expected from hammer struck coins. It is estimated that less than 80 Higleys exist in all varieties. There are between 4 - 6 of the Freidus 3.3-C. Some have speculated that the rarity of the coins is partially attributable to their contemporary use as a reliable gold alloy.
Higleys are popular, and command high prices, even if of very low quality. Many deceptive forgeries exist. John Bolen and others have produced copies in different metals. Alfred S. Robinson created a store card with a Higley obverse.
No deer appears on the obverse of the unique Higley that displays the words: "The Wheele Goes Round".
HISTORY - Most sources attribute the Higley Coppers to Samuel Higley (1687 - 1737), a medical doctor, and graduate of Yale college. Higley's connection to the minting of these coins is conjectural however, based wholly on circumstantial evidence. That evidence would include: 1) that Higley owned and operated local copper mines; 2) that he had substantial expertise as a blacksmith and metallurgist; and 3) that he was a pioneer in the production of steel, a skill essential to die fabrication.
Since the Higleys were likely coined in the years 1737 to 1739, and since Higley is known to have died at sea in May 1737, while transporting copper from his mines to England, it is likely that production was continued by his elder brother, John Higley, Jr. and/or his friends Reverend Timothy Woodbridge and William Cradock.