Lot 1395
SUPERB GEM 1793 SHELDON-9 CENT PCGS GRADED MS67. PCGS graded MS-67 Red and Brown. Without question, this is the Finest Known of the variety. A glance causes one to double-take in disbelief. What's this, a 1793 Wreath cent with significant original mint red in superb gem condition? How can such exist today? It is a numismatic miracle that such a coin has survived in such pristine, original, untouched condition. No collector should pass on the opportunity just to view this coin, even if one has no realistic hope of owning such a coin anytime soon, it is a numismatic work of art, worthy of the finest museum or collection.
According to the William Noyes census, this coin is the only example of the variety that is called MS-65 by EAC standards. There is one other MS-63 choice coin, and a small group that qualify as MS-60. As a type coin, the importance of this piece cannot be overestimated. Very few 1793 large cents survive in mint state condition, to find a superb gem is virtually impossible. Most collectors never had a chance to see, let alone own, such a coin. They were tied up in famous collections for decades, and haven't been offered publicly for many years. This particular coin was tucked away from the original Crosby Collection, to Pearl; Dr. William H. Sheldon, Roy E. Naftzger, Rarcoa to Jay Parrino ("The Mint") to our present consigner.
When examined with a glass the surfaces seem much too surreal, they are magnificent, without a blemish or flaw. Substantial mint red still resides near the devices, and the surfaces are free of annoying spots or other problems. A coin that must be seen to be believed. The strike too, is full and complete, with even the tiny hair strands separated exactly as engraved in the die. As to the die state, the obverse die shows clash marks from the reverse, with leaves from the wreath visible below Liberty's chin, while the reverse die is a fairly late die state with cracks through UNIT, the fraction, and RICA of AMERICA.
Wanted by variety, date and type collectors alike, this superb example from the first struggling months in 1793 of the operation of our Mint in Philadelphia will always be the cornerstone of a great collection.
Estimated Value $250,000-UP.
Crosby, Pearl:7; William H. Sheldon: 10; Roy E. Naftzger: 330; Rarcoa 8/82, lot 510; Jay Parrino to our present consignor.
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