My 1787 New Jersey Cent, the story, and a long overdue thank you to CRO
airplanenut
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The story goes back to the very beginning of my collection. I started collecting some time in 3rd grade (1995 or so, I guess). I grew up in NJ, not far from Washington's headquarters in Morristown and many colonial estates that have remained largely untouched in the last few centuries. The oldest house in my town , built in the mid-1700s, was moved to my street before I was born, and I saw it every day going to and from school.
History was what first drew me to coin collecting, and I have always maintained a fascination with the colonial era, with my living so close to that history playing a large role in my interest. When I first started to collect, my main outlet was a small local shop, though I didn't have much money to spend. I distinctly remember him having 3 1787 NJ cents, each $75. I couldn't tell you the grade or overall quality, but I remember years where $75 was the target amount I wanted available so I could get an NJ cent.
Around 5th grade, my soccer coach spoke with my brother, 3 years my elder, about refereeing soccer games. They paid $25 each, and you could ref 3 games on any given Sunday. I did the math... $75! But I was a player, not a ref. A few years later, I started reffing along with my brother, but for whatever reason never got the colonial I had always wanted. I think as money became more available when I started working, my standards for quality similarly rose.
So the New Jersey cent remained elusive as I looked for a quality example that didn't break the bank. Soon after I met John Agre and Dave Wnuck of Coin Rarities Online (around 2005/6), I mentioned to them that I was interested in the coin, knowing it was up their alley. They didn't have any that fit the bill at the time, but pointed me to numerous other dealers who might help me out. I didn't find any then, but at subsequent shows, they did the same. And I was picky. Not only did the quality and price matter, but it had to be 1787, not 1786 or 1788. Since I was born in 1987, I had a connection to the '87, and without the ability to acquire multiple examples, the date was of utmost importance (and I did pass up numerous examples that were perfect except for the date). I never saw any concern on their part to get the sale, but rather for me to get the coin.
Fast forward a few years to the Baltimore show in June, 2009, when I ran into John during dealer setup. He pulled out what was, for me, a perfect example. The coin I had been hunting for years. It didn't take much time to realize that the opportunity I had awaited was here, and for all of their help, I was especially glad to have been able to give them the business they more than earned. It took me until yesterday to finally photograph the coin, but here it is. Enjoy. And thanks, John and Dave!
History was what first drew me to coin collecting, and I have always maintained a fascination with the colonial era, with my living so close to that history playing a large role in my interest. When I first started to collect, my main outlet was a small local shop, though I didn't have much money to spend. I distinctly remember him having 3 1787 NJ cents, each $75. I couldn't tell you the grade or overall quality, but I remember years where $75 was the target amount I wanted available so I could get an NJ cent.
Around 5th grade, my soccer coach spoke with my brother, 3 years my elder, about refereeing soccer games. They paid $25 each, and you could ref 3 games on any given Sunday. I did the math... $75! But I was a player, not a ref. A few years later, I started reffing along with my brother, but for whatever reason never got the colonial I had always wanted. I think as money became more available when I started working, my standards for quality similarly rose.
So the New Jersey cent remained elusive as I looked for a quality example that didn't break the bank. Soon after I met John Agre and Dave Wnuck of Coin Rarities Online (around 2005/6), I mentioned to them that I was interested in the coin, knowing it was up their alley. They didn't have any that fit the bill at the time, but pointed me to numerous other dealers who might help me out. I didn't find any then, but at subsequent shows, they did the same. And I was picky. Not only did the quality and price matter, but it had to be 1787, not 1786 or 1788. Since I was born in 1987, I had a connection to the '87, and without the ability to acquire multiple examples, the date was of utmost importance (and I did pass up numerous examples that were perfect except for the date). I never saw any concern on their part to get the sale, but rather for me to get the coin.
Fast forward a few years to the Baltimore show in June, 2009, when I ran into John during dealer setup. He pulled out what was, for me, a perfect example. The coin I had been hunting for years. It didn't take much time to realize that the opportunity I had awaited was here, and for all of their help, I was especially glad to have been able to give them the business they more than earned. It took me until yesterday to finally photograph the coin, but here it is. Enjoy. And thanks, John and Dave!
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Comments
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
<< <i>Excessively nice coin and great story! >>
On first glance, it would not seem like a difficult coin to find and buy. I am sure you showed great patience and restraint waiting for the right opportunity.
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I knew it would happen.
Why do I see a face in the upper part of the shield??
The New Jersey cents were minted in three locations, Elizabeth, Morristown and Rahway. The Morristown minter was Walter Mould.
I lived in Morris Plains, New Jersey in the mid 1970s. Since I wanted to have a coin that was minted in the area, I purchased this piece back in the 1980s. It has been attributed to Mould’s Morristown mint.
Given that you're a Jersey guy interested in Colonial history, just as an FYI, did you know that in 1776 Philadelphia was the second largest English speaking City in the world? (London was #1).
U.S. Type Set
I grew up in New Haven Ct and have a fugio with a similar story
Love the story and the coin!
Born in Ocean City myself.
And its a Morristown Mint piece to boot! (horseshoe-shaped U punch)
I grew up in Whippany, just down the road from Washington's Headquarters. Loved the history of the area.
That is a very handsome 1787 cent indeed.
Congratulations!
Great story too.