Lot 54
1795 C-6a/b R6 Plain Edge without Pole on Spoiled 1794 S-26 Large Cent G6. Struck on a 1794 Sheldon-26 Large Cent. Rather glossy medium brown with a small splash of darker reddish chocolate brown on the shoulder. No notable defects other than microscopic ticks and planchet chips scattered over both sides. Many of the details are consistent with a higher grade, but the strike is weak at the date and STATES due to the uneven nature of the host planchet. The date is weak but readable with some effort and STATES can be made out if you employ a bit of imagination on a couple letters. The remainder of the legends and devices are clear. Struck on a cut-down 1794 S-26 large cent with ONE and some of the wreath visible on the left side of the obverse. While convention says pieces struck on spoiled large cent planchets should weigh more (at least 100 grains) and are classified as the C-6b variant, this piece weighs only 83.4 grains (versus the 84.0 grain standard for the thin planchet half cents). The thickness is consistent with a normal thin half cent planchet, so it would be safe to assume the large cent was rolled down prior to cutting out the half cent planchet. (Breen says in his encyclopedia that normally this was not done. He says the rollers would have been saved for more important work, but he allowed some wiggle room for spoiled cents to be rolled on occasion.) This piece is mentioned in the Manley book, pages 62 & 63. It is the only known example confirmed to have been struck on a cut-down 1794 large cent. Weight 83.4 grains. Davy #95.6b.5.
Estimated Value $500-UP.
Ex 1997 EAC Sale, 4/19/97:55.
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| Realized $5,750 |
