Lot 132
1795 NC-4 R8+ (Unique) Jefferson Head. Thick Planchet. Apparently Overstruck on a 1795 NC-1. (Sheldon 80a, Breen 11a). Fair-2. Sharpness G6 but holed at the top of the head. The planchet is smooth and attractive, especially for a Jefferson Head cent. There are some light rim bruises on both sides, strongest one just right of Y in LIBERTY, and a dull dent on the dentils right of the date. Nice glossy medium brown and chocolate. The date, portrait, and LIBERTY are clear. The reverse is not quite as sharp, but most of the details remain visible, especially on the left side. The undertype (1795 NC-1 according to Bland, and I agree with his analysis) is most visible in the right obverse field (where STATE can be made out) and on the lower portion of the reverse (where the head, cap, and some hair details remain visible). The reverse of the undertype strike was clearly off center leaving strong dentils from K-11 to K-5 on the obverse. The obverse of the undertype strike appears to have been properly centered, but I can't be sure. The edge may have been lettered at one time, but fairly crude reeding has been added, and that in combination with wear has eliminated any obvious traces of lettering. The planchet is relatively thick, weight 191.2 grains. Second finest of only 2 known of the variety, and unique overstruck on a thick planchet. (Breen discusses this cent on page 265 of his book on early large cents, and he suggests the undertype may be a 1794 cent. Bland's assessment of the undertype as a 1795 NC-1 appears correct.) DWH #0106.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
Ex Homer K. Downing, 1952 ANA Sale, New Netherlands Coin Co. #38), lot 1716-Harold Bareford 9/12/85-Herman Halpern-Denis W. Loring 2/89.
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| Realized $25,300 |
