In the world of numismatics, collectors often seek rare and valuable coins, and one such coin is the 1794 Liberty Cap large cent, especially the Sheldon 18b variety. Graded About Uncirculated 58+ by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this coin is not just a historical artifact; it is also a stunning example of early American coinage. With its distinctive features, this particular coin sold for a significant sum, reflecting both its rarity and beauty.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1794 Liberty Cap Large Cent |
| Variety | Sheldon 18b |
| Graded By | Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) |
| Grade | About Uncirculated 58+ (AU58+) |
| Surface Features | Olive-brown and golden-tan surfaces, smooth and glossy with cartwheel luster |
| Design | Head of 1793 (Liberty with a double chin), Blundered reverse die (inverted “N” in CENT) |
| Historical Significance | Features early American coinage with a blundered die and important design details |
| Sale Price (2024) | $102,000 (significantly lower than its 2016 sale price of $176,250) |
| Previous Sale Price | $176,250 (Heritage Auction, September 2016) |
| Other Key Associations | Part of Jon Alan Boka’s collection, previously part of Homer K. Downing collection |
| Auction House | Heritage Auctions |
| Collector’s Notes | Considered by some to deserve a Mint State grade due to its excellent condition |
What Makes the 1794 Liberty Cap Large Cent Special?
The 1794 Liberty Cap large cent is a unique coin in American history. It features a Head of 1793, with a Liberty design that includes a double chin. The coin is notable for its reverse die, which has a mistake—an inverted “N” in CENT, which was later corrected. This blundered die adds an extra layer of interest to the coin, making it a valuable find for collectors.
The coin’s surfaces are olive-brown and golden-tan, with a smooth, glossy finish that retains traces of cartwheel luster. This type of luster is a telltale sign of the coin’s original minting and contributes to its appeal as an example of early American coinage.
Collector Jon Alan Boka’s Sheldon 18b Coin
This specific coin, part of Jon Alan Boka’s collection, is widely recognized among collectors. It is a prime example of the Sheldon 18b variety, and its beauty and historical significance make it highly desirable. While the coin was initially sold for $176,250 during a Heritage auction in September 2016, it fetched a slightly lower price of $102,000 in a subsequent sale, which shows the fluctuating nature of the coin market.
This coin’s importance also lies in its quality and the detailed features that collectors value. The Sheldon 18b variety is closely linked to the Head of 1793, and many collectors believe that this particular coin should have been graded as Mint State rather than just About Uncirculated. This is a testament to the coin’s excellent condition and the fine preservation of its details.
The Significance of Early American Copper Coins
Early American copper coins, especially those from the late 18th century, hold immense historical value. These coins were minted during the infancy of the United States and offer a glimpse into the country’s early days. The 1794 large cent is particularly important as it marks the beginning of the nation’s coinage, with designs that reflect the early American ideals of liberty and independence.
As collectors continue to seek out these rare coins, the 1794 Liberty Cap large cent stands as a symbol of the country’s early monetary history. Its unique features, such as the blundered die, make it an interesting piece for numismatists to study and admire. The value of this coin, both in historical and monetary terms, cannot be overstated.
Other Coins in Boka’s Collection
Along with the 1794 Liberty Cap large cent, Jon Alan Boka’s collection also included other rare coins, such as the 1794, Head of 1793 S-20b cent, which was graded Very Fine 25 by PCGS. This coin sold for $36,000, showing the range of Boka’s collection in terms of price and rarity. Many of these coins were previously part of the Homer K. Downing collection, which adds an extra layer of intrigue for collectors familiar with this well-known collection.
In the case of the 1794 S-20b cent, it is also noted that the coin once had yellow India ink markings on the edge, filling in the “H” and final “D” of the word HUNDRED, though this marking is no longer visible on the current slab. These small details further highlight the history of the coin and the journey it has taken through various collections over the years.
The Role of Heritage Auctions
Heritage Auctions has played a significant role in the sale of Boka’s collection, with many of the coins being sold through their events. The auction house is known for handling high-profile coin sales, and their expertise in numismatics has made them a trusted venue for collectors looking to buy or sell rare coins.
For collectors interested in the 1794 Liberty Cap large cent or other early American coins, Heritage Auctions provides a platform to track these rare pieces and find opportunities to add them to their collections. With its global reach and reputation, the auction house continues to be an important player in the world of coin collecting.
Conclusion: Why the 1794 Liberty Cap Large Cent is a Collector’s Dream
The 1794 Liberty Cap large cent is not just a coin; it’s a piece of American history. With its unique features, such as the blundered reverse die, and its impeccable condition, this coin stands out in the world of numismatics. The fact that it was once part of Jon Alan Boka’s collection only adds to its appeal. Its sale price, while fluctuating, reflects its ongoing significance in the coin-collecting community.
For collectors, owning a piece of early American coinage, especially one with such a rich history, is a dream come true. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or a newcomer to the hobby, coins like the 1794 Liberty Cap large cent offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, all while holding great value in the present.
FAQs
1. What makes the 1794 Liberty Cap large cent special?
The 1794 Liberty Cap large cent is special due to its historical significance as one of the first coins minted by the United States. It features the Head of 1793 design, which is distinct for Liberty’s double chin, and a blundered reverse die where the “N” in “CENT” was inverted before being corrected. These unique features make it highly valuable among collectors.
2. Why is the coin graded as About Uncirculated 58+?
The coin is graded About Uncirculated 58+ because of its excellent condition. It has very few signs of wear, with smooth, glossy surfaces and traces of cartwheel luster. While some collectors believe it could have been graded Mint State, it still ranks high due to its preserved quality.
3. How much did this coin sell for?
The 1794 Liberty Cap large cent sold for $102,000 at a recent Heritage Auction. This is lower than its previous sale price of $176,250 in 2016, showing that coin values can fluctuate over time.
4. What is the significance of the blundered die on the reverse?
The blundered die is a key characteristic of the 1794 Liberty Cap large cent. The inverted “N” in CENT is a mistake that was corrected during the minting process. This error adds historical value to the coin, as it shows the early production issues that existed during the U.S. Mint’s early years.
5. What does the term “cartwheel luster” mean?
Cartwheel luster refers to the way light interacts with a coin’s surface, creating a spinning or wheel-like effect when the coin is tilted in light. This effect is a sign that the coin has not been heavily worn and retains some of its original shine from the minting process.