Lot 140
"1793" Smith Counterfeit. Fair-2. This is a 1794 large cent carefully engraved to appear as a 1793. The date and legends were skillfully altered and a Vine & Bars type edge device was added as well to make this cent appear to be something it is not. Then someone heavily burnished both sides, perhaps in an attempt to hide the alterations and improve the chances it would pass as a real 1793, perhaps even a new die variety. Glossy chocolate brown. These "Smith Counterfeits" are popular with collectors, and even the fabulous collection of R. E. (Ted) Naftzger, Jr., contained a few examples of this engraver's handiwork.
Estimated Value $100 - 200.
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| Realized $192 |
