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1795 1C S-80 R5- "Jefferson Head" with Plain Edge, AU Detail, Environmental Damage, PCGS....
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Sold on Jan 8, 2026 for:
$43,920.00
Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder
Description
1795 S-80 Jefferson Head Cent, AU Details
Privately Produced Prototype
1795 1C S-80 R5- "Jefferson Head" with Plain Edge, AU Detail,
Environmental Damage, PCGS. A lightly worn example that was
recolored glossy chocolate brown and steel with hints of reddish
brown in some of the protected areas. Covered with fine to moderate
roughness but there is no verdigris, only contact marks. A rather
strong dent in the hair below BE, a rim dent under the 9, a small
dent on the bottom of the cap, and a couple more to the left of the
cap are the notable marks. The details of the "Jefferson Head"
portrait are sharp (although there is no resemblance to Jefferson).
These "cents" were struck outside the mint by John Harper, a saw
maker and coiner from New Jersey, as samples for the U.S. Mint to
demonstrate his ability as a coiner of copper cents. His proposal
for a contract to strike official copper coinage for the United
States was rejected in spite of these "samples" of his work, and
his dies were seized by the Mint Director. However the director did
offer Mr. Harper a position as Assistant Coiner. Harper rejected
the offer as he was already making more money than the salary
provided by the position at the mint. About 50 examples are known
today, and they circulated freely along side regular large cents
struck by the U.S. Mint. These "Jefferson Head Cents" were assigned
#80 by Dr. Sheldon in Early American Cents and Penny
Whimsy. They are listed in the "Redbook" and are routinely
collected with the regular U.S. Mint cents. Graded EF45 sharpness
net VG10 by Del Bland. This cataloger's EAC grade is net VG10+,
close to F12. One of the more sharply detailed examples of the
variety known today. The attribution and COL Ellsworth Collection
provenance are noted on the PCGS Gold Shield label
(35741.97/44238819).Ex John L. Roper, 2nd, Stack's 12/9/1983:448 (VF25, $4180)-Robinson S. "Robbie" Brown, Jr., Superior 9/30/1986:107 ($5500)-COL Steven K. Ellsworth.
The December 1983 Stack's sale of the John L. Roper, 2nd Collection was remembered for its sweeping coverage of early American coinage, but the copper portion stood out as a cornerstone of the offering. The large cent section began with a broad representation of 1793 issues-Chain, Wreath, and Liberty Cap varieties-described in outstanding condition, many of them plate coins in Crosby or the Red Book. These were followed by important 1794-1796 Liberty Caps and Draped Bust cents, including scarce die varieties and high-grade Condition Census representatives. Later early dates (1797-1807) included scarce overdates such as the 1800/1798, and sharp examples of the 1804, many carefully preserved and pedigreed to earlier landmark collections.
Half cents added further strength to the copper section, beginning with the 1793 and 1794 issues and extending through the difficult early 1800s pieces. Several rare middle- and late-date large cents were also included, with highlights like a Mint State 1823 and proof-only issues of the 1830s and 1840s. Together, these coppers underscored Roper's intention to build a cabinet that illustrated the full scope of America's early monetary history, balancing rarity, preservation, and completeness. His attention to copper coinage ensured the collection's long-lasting scholarly importance, making the Roper sale a reference point for students of large and half cents as well as for colonial and early federal series.
From The COL Steven Ellsworth Collection of U.S. Large Cents 1793-1796.
View all of [The COL Steven Ellsworth Collection of U.S. Large Cents 1793-1796 ]
Auction Info
2026 January 8 US Coins Signature Auction - FUN Special Sessions: Ellsworth & Jacobson #1389 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2026
8th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 42
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 2,777
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid per lot.
Rasmussen Special Edition Catalog
This hard bound volume contains the magnificent Wes Rasmussen Large Cent Collection, formed by a former President of the Early American Coppers society which was auctioned at the 2005 Florida United Numismatic Auction. Reserve your copy of this remarkable volume for just $75 today.
This hard bound volume contains the magnificent Wes Rasmussen Large Cent Collection, formed by a former President of the Early American Coppers society which was auctioned at the 2005 Florida United Numismatic Auction. Reserve your copy of this remarkable volume for just $75 today.
Rasmussen Signed Limited Edition Catalog
A hard bound limited library edition of the Wes Rasmussen Collection Catalog, signed by Wes Rasmussen, Mark Borckardt, Greg Rohan, and Denis Loring, is available while supplies last. Only 100 produced. Reserve your copy of this remarkable limited edition signed volume for just $150 today.
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