Lot 16
1794 C-9 R2 Liberty Cap, Head Right VG8. Thin Planchet with Lettered Edge. Sharpness slightly better but the planchet is covered with minor roughness. No verdigris, only some tiny rim nicks on the reverse, none notable. Slightly glossy dark olive and steel. The date and legends are complete and easily readable. EDS, Manley state 1.0, before the die crack from the dentils to the cap. The planchet is thin weighing only 79.1 grains (versus the 104.0 grain standard for 1794 half cents) and the edge is lettered. The lettering is clear although some of the letters hang off the planchet due its decreased thickness. This planchet is far closer in weight and thickness to those struck using the 84.0 grain standard authorized in January 1796. A very few examples are known similar to the piece offered here, and it has been suggested these were struck to test the Mint's ability to strike pieces with the reduced thickness and weight. No other varieties of 1794 half cents are known struck on planchets this light, although a few examples of 1795 C-1 and 1795 C-2a are known on similar lightweight planchets. It could be argued that the lightweight strikes deserve a different variety number (such as 1794 C-9b in this case) especially if you accept the theory that these were struck intentionally at the lighter weight. Weight 79.1 grains. Davy #94.9b.5.
Estimated Value $400-UP.
Ex Jonathan Kern (via Chris McCawley) 10/1/05.
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| Realized $1,495 |
