Lot 146
1794 S-48 R5 Starred Reverse VG7. Sharpness at least F15 but lightly corroded with areas of shallow pitting, mostly on the obverse. No verdigris and only a few notable signs of contact, including a rim bruise under the 1 in the date and another left of the lowest curl plus one at the top of the reverse. Cleaned and retoned a slightly glossy medium reddish chocolate brown and steel. The date and legends are complete and easily readable. The dentils are clearly defined on both sides and all the tiny stars are present, although a few are hidden under dentils, as always. MDS, Breen state II late, with a subtle bulge at ON, CEN, and RI. Far from perfect but still decent for this famous "Redbook" variety, and having a complete rim on the reverse is a big plus. Obviously this is a difficult cent to grade due to the obvious defects, and it has been net graded anywhere from G6 to F15 by serious numismatists over the last 60 years. But as any serious student of large cents knows, nearly all examples of the famous "Starred Reverse" variety are net graded due to defects. Comes with a nice provenance. Estimated Value $15,000-UP
Ex Anderson Dupont sale, Stack's 9/1954:71-Dr. Charles L. Ruby, Superior 2/1974:377-Pine Tree Auction Co. (1975 EAC Sale) 2/1975:627-Joe Flynn & Son Rare Coins-Bowers & Ruddy 2/1976:1061-Ronn Faught-Bowers & Merena 6/1988:664-Superior 5/28/1989:180-J. R. Frankenfield, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior 2/17/2001:249.
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| Prix atteint $20,125 |
