Among the finest of the fine, the rarest of the rare coins scheduled to cross the block at our D. Brent Pogue Collection Part III, held with Sotheby’s in February, is one of the finest 1793 half cents in existence, a marvelous example of the variety known as Cohen-3, one of four die combinations made in that year.
Not only is this a condition rarity, but it is further desirable as the 1793 half cent is among the most famous of United States design types. The Liberty Cap, Head Facing Left motif was made only in this year and accordingly, there has always been a strong demand for them. The appearance of a high grade example is always a notable occasion. An estimated 275 to 350 examples of the 1793 C-3 are thought to exist, most of which range from About Good to Very Good or Fine. Problem-free Very Fine coins are elusive and examples at the EF and AU levels are rare. Most of the higher-graded coins are very attractive. Gems as here are in the impossible category, or close to it!
As is true of most of the coins in the D. Brent Pogue Collection this 1793 allows the opportunity to “collect collectors,” as has been said. The specimen is outstanding in its own right, but the roster of past owners adds a quintessence making it even more desirable. The fortunate buyer can add his or her name to this illustrious list.
The listing dates back to over a century ago:
Charles Morris Collection; S. Hudson and Henry Chapman’s sale of the Collection of Coins and Medals of Mr. Charles Morris, April 1905, lot 857; Allison W. Jackman Collection; Allison W. Jackman Estate, October 1917; Henry Chapman’s sale of the Allison W. Jackman Collection, June 1918, lot 851; Virgil M. Brand Collection; Horace and Armin Brand, by descent, June 1926; Burdette G. Johnson, by consignment, August 1935; unknown collection, by sale, January 1942; unknown intermediary or intermediaries; Douglas W. Weaver to Hank Rodgers, by sale, January 1972; R. Tettenhorst Collection, by sale, March 1972; R. Tettenhorst to the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society, by gift; Missouri Cabinet Collection; Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers’ sale of the Missouri Cabinet Collection of U.S. Half Cents, January 2014, lot 4, via Larry Hanks and Richard Burdick; D. Brent Pogue.
