Lot 2354
1797 S-120b R2 Gripped Edge. PCGS graded AU-53. Double Struck. Frosty steel and light chocolate brown with lighter steel brown and tan toning in protected areas on the obverse. Virtually flawless and the eye appeal of this cent is outstanding. The best identifying marks are a dull nick under the L in LIBERTY and a couple faint hairlines under the bust tip. MDS, Breen die state III, with crumbling along the profile from the chin to the throat and a fine die crack through the top of LIBERTY. The "Gripped Edge" feature is obvious, even in the slab which is designed to allow viewing of the edge of the coin. This cent was double struck with dramatic evidence of the first strike remaining on both sides. The initial impression was properly centered on the planchet, but the cent did not eject from the press and was struck a second time. The second impression is rotated about 20 degrees clockwise relative to the first, and it is slightly off center to K-8. Ample undertype from the first strike remains on both sides, including "97" on the bust tip and two fractions on the reverse. This is an important example of the Sheldon-120b "Gripped Edge" variety in its own right, and the dramatic mint error is a big bonus. Called AU50 choice and tied for CC#3 honors in the Noyes census, his photo #24234. Noyes has identified only one other example as "choice," and that piece is impounded in the American Numismatic Society museum leaving this as the only "choice" piece available to collectors. Bland also calls this cent AU50 but has it tied for CC#4 in his census. Our grade is EF45+, very close to AU50. The attribution and Husak provenance are noted on the PCGS label.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
Ex Coin Galleries 11/81:1358-C. Douglas Smith-Bert Cohen 3/84-G. Lee Kuntz, Superior 10/6/91:133-J. R. Frankenfield, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior 2/17/01:345-Walter Husak, Heritage 2/15/08:2122.
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