Lot 183
1797 C-3c R7- Low Head with Gripped Edge. PCGS graded Good-6. The obverse is sharper while the reverse is weaker. Attractive glossy chocolate brown and steel. The surfaces are smooth and offer excellent eye appeal for the grade, especially on the obverse where the devices are stronger than the grade would suggest. The only notable marks are a couple light vertical hairline scratches from the dentils down through ER in LIBERTY to the top of the head where they disappear. These tiny scratches are old and blend into the natural toning so they do not provide a distraction. There are 8 "extra" grip marks around the edge in addition to the normal complement, and all are clear. The cause of the additional grip marks is unknown, but it could be from the same type of operator error that caused blundered edge lettering from the Castaing machine. MDS, Manley state 2.0. The die crack extending from the chin is clear but it fades into a dull wave before reaching the dentils to the right. Our grade is G6+, close to VG7. One of the finest known; tied for CC#3 honors in the Spurlock census To the best of our knowledge, this is the only certified and graded example of the extremely rare Gripped Edge variety. Although the 1796 No Pole might command a higher price, the 1797 Gripped Edge is the real key to completing a "Redbook" set of half cents. The attribution and Davy collection provenance are noted on the PCGS label. Weight 78.1 grains. Davy #97.3c.3.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
Ex Loyd Whiteneck 8/1973-Sam Ungar 11/29/82.
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| Realized $195,500 |
