A wonderful 1794 Sheldon-29 large cent, graded MS-65 BN by NGC is among the highlights of our upcoming October 79th Anniversary Sale, being held in conjunction with the PNG Invitational Convention in New York City.
This cent displays quite bold overall definition, with exquisite, hard satiny surfaces with dominant orange-brown patina. More direct angles also call forth vivid undertones of golden-brown iridescence that enhance the strong eye appeal. This coin was struck from a late state of this die marriage, with myriad fine cracks on the obverse and a bolder reverse crack from the border at the letter R in AMERICA. Even so, the definition is razor sharp throughout with all devices nicely rendered down to the most minor details.
This lovely Gem example of the Sheldon-29 variety is among the finest known; indeed, the Breen Condition Census reports coins graded MS-61 to EF-40, while the 2011 Copper Quotes by Robinson (CQR) lists the census as 60-60-55-55-50+-45. While listed as a Rarity-2 variety, in higher grade, this coin is clearly a scarcity. Certified as Mint State, it is quite rare, and although it is generally conceded that there’s a difference between EAC grading standards and those of third-party certification services, nonetheless the above information strongly affirms that high-grade pieces are extremely elusive.
If you are a collector of early U.S. federal coinage, then make sure you attend our 79th Anniversary Sale! With this lovely Gem large cent, the 1796 half dollar and other early type coins from the Collection of a New York Dentist and other important consignors, there will be coins of interest for everyone. To request a catalog please contact our auction services department. If you are interested in selling coins in one of our upcoming auctions, please contact one of our consignment directors. We are accepting consignments until September 8 for our Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo at the end of October.
