LOOSE CHANGE: MARCH 21, 2021

In part one, of this series the background and meaning of Connecticut Coppers were discussed. In part two, the contents of a general set were explained. Although there are more than three hundred varieties of Connecticut Coppers, it is explained in part two that an affordable set of just twelve coins is complete in a logical sense, by date and subtype. Here in part three, the focus is on the costs and availability of the coins themselves so that collectors may commence building their respective sets.

1787 MUTTONHEAD, MAILED BUST RIGHT

This has been termed Muttonhead since before 1875. It is generally believed that these were not minted in Connecticut and not at the Machin’s Mills facility near Newburgh, New York. During the 18th century, there were informal, underground mints in North America, which often made imitations and counterfeits. A particular clandestine mint in Massachusetts is often cited by historians and Muttonhead Connecticut Coppers could very well have been made there.

It is possible that Muttonhead Connecticut Coppers were partly satirical in nature. Did they poke fun at King George III and Britannia? It is also possible that the differences in design were effected for legal reasons, to later argue, if necessary, that these were legal imitations of Connecticut Coppers rather than counterfeits minted with criminal intent. There were instances of clandestine mints during the 1780s intentionally making very inexact imitations with the intention of evading laws against counterfeiting or preparing a defense in advance. Although the pertinent legal issues during the 1780s were extremely ambiguous, the Muttonhead pieces are now regarded as true coins.

To read the complete articles, see:
CONNECTICUT COPPERS, PART 1: BACKGROUND AND MEANING (https://www.greysheet.com/news/story/connecticut-coppers-part-1-background-and-meaning)
CONNECTICUT COPPERS, PART 2: Contents of a Logical & Affordable Set (https://www.greysheet.com/news/story/connecticut-coppers-part-2-contents-of-a-logical-affordable-set)
CONNECTICUT COPPERS, PART 3: Easily Assembling A Set (https://www.greysheet.com/news/story/connecticut-coppers-part-3-easily-assembling-a-set)

It started out as a hobby to get me through this past winter in off season, said Hughes, who owns Hughes Lawn and Garden Solutions. I like to hunt for rare coins, tell their story and admit I love all the attention I get with my posts. Mostly, I love the history of an old coin and imagine where it’s been. I feel like it’s a win-win for everyone.

And, when you think about it, coin collecting is not like building a fleet of antique automobiles. Ironically, it’s a less monetarily demanding hobby, and whatever is invested in coins will at least return its original face value. When a streak of luck lands, the original investment is increased a 1,000-fold or more.

His side hobby started in today’s general way of exploration – through YouTube consumption.

I saw this guy buying silver bullion, said Hughes.

He did a few searches and stumbled on J.M. Bullion, a U.S.-based online precious metal retailer. The bug gave him a little bite, and he went for broke and busted out $200 to buy three coins and a silver bar.

His side hobby started in today’s general way of exploration – through YouTube consumption.

I saw this guy buying silver bullion, said Hughes.

He did a few searches and stumbled on J.M. Bullion, a U.S.-based online precious metal retailer. The bug gave him a little bite, and he went for broke and busted out $200 to buy three coins and a silver bar.

To read the complete article, see:
Coin Collecting Connoisseur (https://www.mainstreet-nashville.com/communities/coin-collecting-connoisseur/article_33798cf2-84fd-11eb-b715-d7ffd9f1a0ea.html)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web