Rarity: Common

Variety nickname: Hercules Head 

Notes:
The obverse die of this variety was also used on:
1786 Miller 5.3-B.2
1786 Miller 5.3-G 

The reverse die of this variety was also used on:
1786 Miller 5.4-N 

Late states of the reverse show heavy die clashing (see below).

Images courtesy of Early American History Auctions

Recent appearances:
"Choice Extremely Fine-40" (illustrated above).  Ex - Early American History Auctions, Inc. Mail Bid Sale, December 7, 2002, Lot 929, illustrated, where it was described (in part) as follows: "...131.1 grains. Dark-brown, with lighter high points. Struck on a nice, defect-free planchet with surfaces that have a dry, almost matte, appearance. The surface texture is fine enough that we can't call it porous or corroded, but it's not smooth enough to call it glossy, either..." - EAHA 06/2004:879, grade reduced to "Choice Very Fine+ to Extremely Fine", $575.00 - Ron Guth

EF-40 or finer.  Ex – American Numismatic Rarities, LLC’s “The Classics Sale,” July 25, 2003 , Lot 29, "Miller 5.3-N, the Hercules Head, Rarity-2", illustrated, unsold

"Choice Very Fine or better" (illustrated below).  Ex - Early American History Auctions, Inc. Mail Bid Sale, April 19, 2003, Lot 1080, illustrated, where it was described (in part) as follows: "...150.7 grains. An outstanding example of this popular variety, with a degree of details seldom seen. Even the heavily clashed reverse is nicely detailed. The obverse has a dry look caused by some micro-porosity and the upper right side shows some spidery lamination flaws. The reverse is glossier, nearly perfect, and combines olive and brown colors in a pleasing blend..."

"Very Good-10" (illustrated above).  Ex - Early American History Auctions, Inc. Mail Bid Sale, April 20, 2002, Lot 925, where it was described (in part) as follows: "... 125.0 grains. Matte-like surface porosity, counterstamped with a "G" near the center of the reverse."