1793 1C Chain, S-2, BN MS(PCGS#35435)

The Huskey Collection

拍卖行

Stack's

批号

2003

等级

F15

价格

180,493

详细说明

1793 Sheldon-2. Rarity-4+. Chain AMERICA. Widest Date, No Periods. Fine-15 (PCGS). This obverse presents a bold LIBERTY, reasonably full facial features and a slightly less fully impressed date. The reverse offers a full legend, a very crisp chain enclosing the denomination and a high-bar fraction with characteristic numbers resembling '1oo.' The obverse shows three parallel striations at the eye, the reverse edge shows three inconspicuous bruises but the coin is a highly collectible example of this historical first type of the large cent type, so severely criticized by a public that had already forgotten the earlier Fugio coppers and the true symbolism of national unity that the chain symbolized. The 1793 Chain cent is one of the great classics of American numismatics. Released early in the year, the motif was not appreciated, and a widely quoted contemporary newspaper account stated that Miss Liberty on the obverse appeared to be "in a fright," and on the reverse the chain of 15 links was an "ill omen for Liberty." Actually, the chain was meant not to represent slavery or bondage, but to represent the 15 different states in the Union at that time, and their connection with each other, not much different than the interlocked rings used on the 1776 Continental dollar and 1787 Fugio coppers. The criticism was recognized at the Mint, and after a short coinage involving several die combinations, the Chain motif was abandoned in favor of the Wreath style. Today, Chain cents of all varieties are highly desired, representing as they do the first circulating coinage issued from the new Philadelphia Mint (the cornerstone of which was laid on July 31, 1792).