1793 1C Chain, S-3, BN MS(PCGS#35438)

June 2017 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

9224

等级

AU53BN

价格

541,398

详细说明

Lovely 1793 Sheldon-3 Chain Cent Off the Market for Decades 1793 Flowing Hair Cent. Chain Reverse. S-3. Rarity-3-. AMERICA, Without Periods. AU-53 (PCGS). Secure Holder. A significant condition rarity that ranks among the finest known for both the type and die variety. This is a well produced example, both sides nicely centered on the planchet with virtually all design elements sharply executed and clear. Only in the center of the obverse do we note appreciable softness of detail to the hair tresses behind Liberty's ear, the result of light wear that does little more than explain the AU-53 rating from PCGS. The surfaces are hard and tight with a satiny texture that is predominantly smooth to the unaided eye. Otherwise evenly toned in handsome deep brown, a few swirls of lighter sandy-tan patina are splashed over the upper right obverse. A small spot of deeper olive-copper color at the digit 1 in the date and a few faint reverse pin scratches from the base of the first letter T in STATES to the chain further identify this piece. Breen Die State III, with prominent clash marks from the chain motif before Liberty's profile and below the bust, along with roughness in the reverse field below the words UNITED STATES OF. The Flowing Hair, Chain Reverse is the first regular issue large cent struck in the fledgling United States Mint. It is also a one-year type as 1793-dated Wreath cents and Liberty Cap cents would soon follow, with the Liberty Cap design continuing on through 1796. Indeed, an article in the Boston Argus of March 26, 1793 noted, in part: "The chain on the reverse is but a bad omen for Liberty, and Liberty herself appears to be in a fright." Comments such as this no doubt brought about the demise of the design type after just 36,103 pieces -- $361.03 face value -- were produced. This is a lovely survivor from the Sheldon-3 die pairing, most survivors of which are well worn, if not also impaired. Surprisingly, there are two Mint State coins extant: the Cleneay specimen (NGC MS-66 BN) that appeared as lot 11180 in our August 2012 ANA Auction, and the fabulous Garrett-Pogue specimen (PCGS MS-65 RB) that recently sold as lot 3013 in our February 2016 offering of Part III of the Pogue Collection. The balance of the Condition Census is comprised of AU and Choice EF coins. Provenance: From the Collection of Robert Warner Wolfe, 1904-1973. PCGS# 1341. NGC ID: 223F.