A special coin from the Heritage May 9 auction has an interesting story, and it wasn’t the most expensive, but it definitely grabbed attention. This coin is a 1794 Liberty Cap cent, which is one of the first large cents ever made. It was part of a collection by Jon Alan Boka and was graded Extremely Fine 45 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). It’s tied for being one of the best-known examples of its kind, according to people who study early American coins.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1794 Liberty Cap Cent |
| Grade | Extremely Fine 45 (PCGS) |
| Die Cracks | Two visible cracks on the front (obverse) |
| Planchet Laminations | Several, including one that looks like a die crack in the lower right field |
| Provenance | B. Max Mehl 1930 auction, Dr. William H. Sheldon, American Numismatic Society |
| Price at 2016 Auction | $11,750 |
| Price at May 9, 2024 Auction | $10,200 |
| Historical Significance | Tied for ninth-finest known by early American copper experts |
What Makes This Coin Special?
This 1794 Liberty Cap cent has some cool details. There are two cracks on the front (called “obverse” die cracks), and the coin has a few planchet laminations, which means there are some flaws or layers in the coin’s surface. One of these flaws even looks like a die crack on the lower right side of the coin’s front.
A Long History
The coin has a history that goes back almost 100 years. It was first sold in 1930 in an auction by B. Max Mehl, a famous coin dealer. Later, it was bought by Dr. William H. Sheldon, who was a well-known numismatist (coin expert) and the person who created the system that is still used to organize and number early American large cents.
However, there is an unusual part of the story. This coin was part of a collection at the American Numismatic Society (ANS), but Sheldon took the coin and other valuable pieces from the collection. He replaced them with other, less valuable coins. In 2011, the coin was returned to the ANS, and in 2012, it was deaccessioned (removed from the collection and sold).
Recent Auctions and Price History
This coin was sold at another Heritage auction back in September 2016, where it sold for $11,750. In the most recent auction, it was sold again for $10,200, which is a significant price for a coin that has such an interesting backstory and historical connections.
Conclusion
This rare 1794 Liberty Cap cent may not have been the most expensive coin in the auction, but its fascinating history, unique flaws, and connection to famous coin collectors make it a valuable piece for numismatists. It shows how much value can be placed on a coin with an interesting backstory and makes us think about how we treasure items from the past.
FAQs
1. What is a Liberty Cap Cent?
A Liberty Cap Cent is one of the first large copper coins produced by the United States in the late 18th century. The design shows the figure of Liberty wearing a cap, and these coins were minted from 1793 to 1796.
2. Why is this 1794 Liberty Cap Cent so special?
This particular 1794 Liberty Cap Cent is rare because of its condition and its unique history. It has die cracks and planchet laminations, which are imperfections that make it stand out. It also has a fascinating backstory involving famous coin collectors like Dr. William H. Sheldon.
3. What are die cracks and planchet laminations?
Die cracks are small cracks that form on the coin’s die during minting, leaving visible marks on the coin.
Planchet laminations are flaws in the metal of the coin, which can create cracks or layers that affect the appearance of the coin.
4. Who was Dr. William H. Sheldon, and why is he important to this coin’s history?
Dr. William H. Sheldon was a famous numismatist (coin expert) who created the Sheldon numbering system, which is still used today to catalog and identify early American coins, especially large cents. This coin was once part of his personal collection before it was stolen from the American Numismatic Society (ANS) by Sheldon.
5. How much did the 1794 Liberty Cap Cent sell for at auction?
The coin sold for $11,750 in a 2016 Heritage auction. In the 2024 auction, it fetched $10,200. The price reflects both its rarity and its intriguing history.