Case Study: Coins We Have Found for Collectors

Christopher Young of Christopher Young Coins specializes in the buying, selling, and trading of rare coins. With over 40 years of appraisal experience, Young has assisted coin collectors and investors in understanding the true value of their collections. As a member of the American Numismatic Association and Professional Numismatics Guild, Young adheres to ethical standards when evaluating coins. His expertise encompasses a keen eye for quality and historical importance, reflected in a curated inventory featuring diverse and valuable coins, including rare U.S. colonial coins and modern collectibles.

Coins We Have Found for Collectors

Numismatics, the art of coin collecting, seamlessly blends history, art, and finance, captivating enthusiasts globally. Holding tangible pieces of the past, each coin narrates a tale of its era, culture, and craftsmanship. 

Whether driven by an enthusiasm for rarities or an interest in currency evolution, collectors share an appreciation for the coin’s intricate details and historical significance. Coin collecting offers a tangible journey through time, connecting individuals with the past. 

Young is an expert in this field, and his rare finds for discerning collectors exhibit his passion and proficiency. The following are exceptional coins that Young has tracked down for his clients.

About Connecticut Copper Coins

Connecticut Copper coins have a rich minting history and are amongst the most complex colonial issues. To date, there have been over 355 die combinations used for minting them. At least 126 type varieties have been identified, with 26 distinct bust styles made by six different mints. Despite this variety, the Connecticut Coppers’ design remained consistent across issues.

The British halfpenny served as the model for all Connecticut Coppers. On the obverse, there was the bust of a man wearing a laurel wreath. The figure could either be facing right (as George III) or left (as George II) and was either draped in a toga or clad in mail armor.

The legend on the obverse was one of many Latin abbreviations for the phrase “By the authority of Connecticut.” On the reverse, there was a seated personification of Liberty that bore a striking resemblance to the British Britannia. The legend on the reverse was an abbreviated version of “Independence and Liberty.”

The following coins are from the collection of Henry Clay Miller (1844-1920), a numismatist and member of the British Numismatic Society, the American Numismatic Society, and the New York Numismatic Club. He is famous for his attribution guide of Colonial Connecticut copper coins, 1785-1788

Extremely Rare 1787 Connecticut Copper

Miller 33.46-Z.22. W-4030. Rarity-8. Draped Bust Left, INDE over IODE. VG-10 (PCGS). 130.4 grains.

extremely rare connecticut copper 1787 discovered by Chris Young Coins in Ithaca NY

Coin Description

The coin has a deep, mottled steel brown color with hints of deep violet on both sides. Its texture is slightly granular, particularly at the edges, but this does not detract from its quality and is hardly noticeable without close inspection. One natural void is present at the effigy’s shoulder, and a narrow and shallow fissure is located nearby, but these are the only imperfections on the coin’s surface. In terms of handling marks, there are only a few minor ones, including a faint superficial abrasion on the effigy’s head, which is only visible in good lighting. The coin is fairly well-centered, and its details are nicely preserved for the grade it has been assigned. 

This coin was discovered by Christopher Young in 2007.

Condition Census 1787 Connecticut Copper

Miller 33.38-Z.1, W-3925. Rarity-5+. Draped Bust Left, INDE/INDN. MS-62 BN (PCGS). 137.5 grains.

1787 Connecticut copper found by Christopher Young Coins.

Coin Description

This coin is a dark chocolate brown with variations in color in certain areas. There are deeper shades in some of the recesses of the coin and rosy orange accents on some of the high points. The surface is mostly smooth and glossy, but there is some roughness on the left reverse periphery. The coin was struck from late-state dies, which has resulted in prominent bulging through the central obverse. The die clashing occurred early on, which is typical for this variety. However, it is interesting to study due to its sharp prominence. The coin is nicely struck for its variety and state, and it is well-centered on both sides. This coin is a rare and valuable piece of history that has been well-cared for and preserved over time.

It was discovered by Christopher Young in 2006.

Mint State 1787 Connecticut Copper

Miller 33.38-Z.1, W-3925. Rarity-5+. Draped Bust Left, INDE/INDN. MS-62 BN (PCGS). 137.5 grains.

mint state connecticut copper from 1787 found by Christopher Young Coins in Ithaca NY

This is a truly remarkable coin! It has a beautiful chocolate-brown color that is complemented by real mint red traces around some of the letters on the front and back of the coin. The coin is extremely well preserved, with a glossy appearance and noticeable cartwheel frost around the edges. Although there are a few as-made flaws on the planchet, such as voids on the effigy and central reverse, there are no post-strike issues to speak of. Both sides of the coin also display numerous die cracks and flowlines that can be examined closely. With its impressive history, having been part of several important collections starting with Miller himself, this is undoubtedly one of the highest-grade examples of its kind and may even be the finest known.

It was discovered by Christopher Young in 2006.

Unique 1787 Connecticut Copper

Miller 33.49-Z.7, W-4045. Rarity-8+. Draped Bust Left. Good Details—Damage (PCGS). 151.4 grains.

unique Connecticut Copper coin from 1787 discovered by Christopher Young Coins in Ithaca, New York

Coin Description

The coin displays a deep tan color that beautifully contrasts with the raised designs. Upon closer examination, the motifs appear almost smooth, with only a slight hint of tiny pores, while the fields have a slightly granular texture but do not detract from the overall appearance. The left obverse of the coin shows the sharpest detail, with a clear definition of the left border of the effigy, from the top laurel leaf to the truncation, and full expression of all letters in AUCTORI and the surrounding embellishments. On the right side of the obverse, there are two large depressions and surrounding plateaus, and none of the rightmost legend is visible. This unique coin has puzzled experts who seek to understand its proper place in the corpus of the Connecticut coinage.

This coin was discovered by Christopher Young in 2003.

Looking to Expand or Sell Your Collection?

At Christopher Young Coins, numismatics takes center stage as we expertly facilitate buying and selling coins with integrity. Driven by meticulous research, transparent valuations, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Christopher Young Coins ensures a seamless experience for both buyers and sellers.

We offer coin and collectible services catering to diverse customers, such as coin collectors, individuals inheriting coin collections or other collectibles, and estate administration professionals.

Additionally, many seek our expertise for appraising their collections to uncover potential value. Our main goal is to provide a clear understanding of the worth of your items and help you maximize potential profits, especially if you decide to sell.

Get in touch with us to see how we can help you.