The Old Coppers and their colonial cousins

With the shoulder injury, which is slowly (I think) getting better, it is still a pain to type like I used to do - that explains somewhat why I didn't post last week. That and there wasn't much to say last week without getting into one of the "verbal" exchanges that erupt on these journals every so often.

That being said, I did receive my VG Connecticut copper, my first colonial coin - or rather early American since it was minted after the Revolution but before Federal coinage. Pic will come after I get my shoulder back in order - but there is not much an average pic would probably show.

You may recall that I purchased this coin: a) sight unseen, and b) under no illusions of any beauty or grandeur. I was right to think that way. Now understand, I am not disappointed in the coin. I got exactly what I ordered - in fact, I think the description made the coin sound worse than it looks like in hand. However, I do think that VG Large Cents, like the Draped Bust ones I typically collect, are usually in better "condition".

Look up the history of the Connecticut coppers and you'll see how not only were they legal but not really legal tender but they were not made in the best of conditions. Bower's new Whitman Colonial and Early American book has been a blessing since it gets more specific than any other text I have regarding the colonial coins and their mintage.

This purchase is not without merit - a great history lesson that not many are aware of, an interesting copper specimen that has a rarity of R-5+ (something like 30 to 45 known). Makes me think of California gold though - just because it's "rare" in population doesn't make it valuable. I think I mentioned before though that value is not necessarily a dollar amount.

Well, this journal has begun to ramble too much so I will quit for now - another update should follow in a week.