Loving the Unloved: A Perfect NJ Copper

Everyone knows that pealing paint needs immediate attention. We must act with urgency or else the wood will rot. Yet, we find the crumbling lattice of an old homestead charming in some mysterious way. Yes, our ambivalence towards decay is inescapable.
   We make art out of decay. A splintered bowl discovered in an antique mall is set on a coffee table. We admire it because it was heavily used. And, loved. The bowl is honest. The wear and tear reflects life as it really is. In this way the bowl is perfect.
   So too, this heavily corroded New Jersey copper is perfect. This is a piece that I keep going back to. It is a relic that is soothing in the same mysterious way that describes our reaction to the crumbling lattice or the battered bowl.

A beautiful NJ copper. A layer of green verdigris is caked on
the surface and has started to peal away like paint.
This NJ appears to be Maris 56-n with camel head.

   Yet, so many collectors tend to pass up coins like this. Convinced of their own connoisseurship, they poke fun at such pieces: "What a dog," they remark. They have been hoodwinked into believing that perfect means like-new or unscathed.
   Of course, their is no shame in having a few unscathed NJ coppers. But, do not shun the relics that were used, lost, maybe looked for, then found, and revered by those sensitive enough.
   Unfortunately, we do not know where this NJ copper came from. That would be the ultimate distinction: that is, to know (to be able to stand on) the plot of ground whereat it was fumbled so long ago.
   Nicer coppers -- with pristine surfaces -- can only pretend to claim this distinction. As such, there is usually a list of former collectors who owned them: namely, a progression of auction records with big names boldly set on glossy covers. Numismatic heroes. And so it goes, the connoisseurs gather 'round and pat themselves on the back, naming themselves among the greats. Its a contagion -- sort of like having one of Elvis' socks.
   Numismatic heroism, really? Why not wear a colorful tie instead?

For the coin collecting necromancer, the path is clear. During this holiday season, treat yourself to a real relic. Something that you will keep forever. Something raw to lay on the nightstand. And let the silly connoisseurs compete for full details: full horse eye, or sharp ear points, or complete singletree bar!