Search: 1341

Auction 1213 | Lot 30019 » Large Cents

1793 1C Chain AMERICA MS64 Brown PCGS. CAC. S-2, B-2, High R.4. Our EAC Grade AU55. (PCGS# 1341)

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Jun 23, 2014

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Sold For: $396,562.50

Auction 1200 | Lot 2400 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA AU55 PCGS. S-2, B-3, R.4. Our EAC Grade VF35. (PCGS# 1341)

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Jan 10, 2014

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Sold For: $199,750.00

Auction 190 | Lot 5851 » Large Cents

1793 Chain AMERICA MS 65 Brown NGC. S-3, Low R.3. The "Leaning R" variety that has the letters of LIBERTY irregular in both size and position with the R large, high, and leaning to the right. Over the years we have handled quite a few S-3 cents, some of which were high grade (VF-XF), but none could come close to this magnificent piece. It is considered the second finest known, being excelled only by the example in the Garrett Collection. The striking details are very sharply defined on each side. Liberty's hair strands are individually articulated with delicate details in an area that is usually quite soft on most S-3 cents. As with most examples encountered, this piece has obvious signs of die clashing with the most conspicuous area being in front of Liberty's neck and face where much of several chain links can be discerned. The even brown patina is bright with mint luster, and there are no obvious or distracting blemishes on either side of this high grade Condition Census piece. A group of three darker spots of color can be seen on the lower obverse, near the rim and between 4 and 5 o'clock. Additionally, a tiny speck of light greenish-yellow color can barely be made out on the reverse below the chain and directly in line with the right side of the upright of the T in CENT. From the "Peerless" Collection of high grade type coins. An amazing, high grade example of this highly coveted classic American coin.
Ex: Joseph Zanoni; Thomas Cleneay Collection (S.H.&H. Chapman, 12/1890), lot 1794; J.F. Anger; Arba Borden; Allison Jackman (H. Chapman, 6/1918), lot 685; Hillyer Ryder 5/1945; Wayte Raymond, 1947; Dr. William H. Sheldon 4/19/1972; R.E. Naftzger, Jr. 3/1980; Stanley Kesselman; Auction '80 (Paramount), lot 554; Tesoro Numismatics (William A. Asprino, Charles O. Browne, and John P. Coppola). The obverse and reverse are illustrated in Early American Cents and Penny Whimsey. (PCGS# 1341)

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Aug 10, 1998

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Sold For: $189,750.00

Auction 1114 | Lot 1500 » Large Cents

1793 1C Chain, AMERICA, S-2, B-2, High R.4 AU55 PCGS. (PCGS# 1341)

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Aug 3, 2008

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Sold For: $149,500.00

Auction 394 | Lot 3013 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA AU58 PCGS. S-3, Low R.3. Die State I, without clash marks near profile. A glossy and exquisitely detailed chocolate-brown near-Mint example of this famous early Large Cent type. A few tiny marks are found on the obverse field, a moderate mark on the jaw is all that requires singular mention. The reverse is uncommonly smooth aside from a pinscratch near the chain beneath STATES. This mark, while noticeable, is largely subdued by subsequent natural toning.
Chain Cents were struck only briefly in 1793, replaced by the more available Wreath Cent type, presumably due to contemporary criticism of the chain device. The March 18, 1793 edition of Philadelphia's
The Mail, or Claypoole's Daily Advertiser stated the opinion, "The chain on the reverse is but a bad omen for liberty." Only five die pairs were struck of the Chain type. Among these, Sheldon-3 is identified principally by the location of the 3 in the date, which is right aligned with the tip of the bust, and the location of the R in LIBERTY, which was entered high and tilted to the right. The variety, while scarce in all grades, can be obtained with patience in well worn and corroded condition, sometimes attributable only by the R in LIBERTY since the date may be faint or absent altogether. Sharp examples that retain their mint gloss are extremely rare, and in demand from both early copper specialists and determined type set collectors.
From The Joshua and Ally Walsh Collection of United States Cents. (PCGS# 1341)

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Jan 7, 2006

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Sold For: $138,000.00

Auction 1166 | Lot 3017 » Large Cents

1793 1C Chain, AMERICA, AU53 PCGS Secure. S-2, B-2, High R.4. Our EAC Grade XF45. (PCGS# 1341)

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Jan 8, 2012

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Sold For: $120,750.00

Auction 1143 | Lot 3022 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA AU55 PCGS. CAC. S-3, B-4, Low R.3. (PCGS# 1341)

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Aug 15, 2010

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Sold For: $109,250.00

Auction 416 | Lot 121 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA AU53 PCGS. S-3, R.3. The Chain cents were the first coins struck by the United States in the new Mint building in Philadelphia. The first coins in the series were the Chain AMERI pieces, followed by those with AMERICA spelled in full. Five die varieties are known, cataloged as Sheldon-1 through 4 plus Sheldon's NC-1. All of these coins, amounting to a total production of 36,103 pieces, were coined in late February and early March. In March 1795, Mint Director Elias Boudinot reported to Congress: "It was also a considerable time before an engraver could be engaged, during which, the chief coiner was obliged to make the dies himself, and yet the dies are subject to frequent failure by breaking." As Henry Voigt was the chief coiner early in 1793, it is he who made the dies for these coins. The reverse, consisting of a 15 link chain to represent the 15 states, was meant to signify the strength of the nation, yet it was interpreted by many or most to represent slavery.

Among the five known varieties of Chain cents, the Sheldon-3 die variety is easily the commonest variety. Walter Breen suggested that the mintage of this single variety may have been half of the entire Chain cent production, although the actual quantity was probably a bit less. This example is a late die state with clash marks visible before Liberty's face and neck and roughening in the fields below UNITED STATES.

Both sides of this piece have lovely medium brown color with hints of olive and tan. The surfaces are smooth and attractive with few defects, although a light hairline scratch is noted in the right obverse field. EAC 35.
From The Troy Wiseman Collection. (PCGS# 1341)

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Sep 16, 2006

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Sold For: $86,250.00

Auction 1151 | Lot 5417 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF45 PCGS. S-3, B-4, Low R.3. (PCGS# 1341)

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Jan 9, 2011

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Sold For: $77,625.00

Auction 382 | Lot 10088 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA AU55 PCGS. S-3, Low R.3. Die State III. More commonly known as the "Leaning R" variety, but also attributable by the straight line on the lowest part of the bust of Liberty. This later die state is characterized by die clash marks in front of Liberty's lips and the heavy clash marks below the truncation--both of which are from the reverse chain. This is an amazingly well preserved Chain cent that shows strong definition on the obverse as well as the reverse (which is invariably sharp when compared to the obverse). The coin displays even brown patina over each side with little or no variation in hue. The most prevalent defects (get out the magnifier) that account for the lower net grade are: a shallow diagonal scratch across Liberty's hair that is undoubtedly as old as the coin itself as it is the same color as the remainder of the coin, a short diagonal scratch in the lower right obverse field out from the truncation of the bust and of more recent vintage, and a tiny planchet void in the exergual area above the 7 in the date. An outstanding Chain cent and undoubtedly one of the finest known of the variety.
From The Melrose Bay Collection. (PCGS# 1341)

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Jul 30, 2005

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Sold For: $74,750.00

Auction 442 | Lot 23 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA AU53 PCGS. (PCGS# 1341)

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Grade AU53

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Jul 13, 2007

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Sold For: $69,000.00

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Auction 346 | Lot 5119 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA AU55 PCGS. S-2, High R.4. This magnificently detailed Chain Cent has smooth walnut-brown surfaces. Wear is generally limited to the hair southwest of Liberty's ear. A trivial rim ding before 9 o'clock on the reverse is mentioned primarily to help identify future auction appearances of this impressive example.

Although Chain Cents were produced for only a few months in the year 1793, heavily circulated (and frequently corroded) pieces are always available for a price. However, bold examples with choice surfaces are very rare, and their appearance at auction is an event that gathers the specialists.

Five die varieties of 1793 Chain Cents exist, and four of these share a common reverse die, which has AMERICA on the left border instead of the abbreviation of Sheldon-1, AMERI. Among the four AMERICA reverses, Sheldon-2 is the rarest, aside from the non-collectible NC-1 variety. S-2 is promptly identified by its wide date, and LIBER is spaced much more closely than RTY. (PCGS# 1341)

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May 8, 2004

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Sold For: $69,000.00

Auction 1204 | Lot 5506 » Large Cents

1793 1C Chain, AMERICA XF40 PCGS. CAC. S-3, B-4, Low R.3. (PCGS# 1341)

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Grade XF40

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Apr 27, 2014

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Sold For: $64,625.00

Auction 1181 | Lot 5509 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF45 PCGS. S-2, B-2, High R.4. (PCGS# 1341)

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Grade XF45

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Jan 14, 2013

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Sold For: $64,625.00

Auction 1153 | Lot 3029 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF40 PCGS. S-3, B-4, Low R.3. (PCGS# 1341)

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Grade XF40

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Mar 20, 2011

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Sold For: $63,250.00

Auction 1160 | Lot 3043 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF45 PCGS. CAC. S-3, B-4, Low R.3. (PCGS# 1341)

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Grade XF45

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Oct 16, 2011

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Sold For: $60,375.00

Auction 1167 | Lot 3056 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF45 PCGS. S-3, B-4, Low R.3. (PCGS# 1341)

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Feb 5, 2012

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Sold For: $57,500.00

Auction 414 | Lot 5027 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF40 PCGS. S-2, B-2, High R.4. LIBERTY is widely spaced, characteristic of the elusive Sheldon-2 marriage. Although S-2 is not the first cent variety struck by the U.S. Mint (that honor belongs to the famous AMERI. variety, S-1) it is likely the second variety struck, since it shares the same obverse die as S-1. S-2 is also noteworthy as the scarcest collectible Chain cent marriage. NC-1 (three known) is obviously rarer, but the other three Chain cents appear more often, particularly S-3 with its misaligned R in LIBERTY. Although all 1793 cents are desirable, the Chain cent is significantly scarcer than its successor, the Wreath cent, which was also struck only that year. Liberty Cap cents from 1793 are rarest of all, although as a design type it is made affordable by the common S-78 1795.

This impressive example features lovely chocolate-brown patina. The obverse offers subtle mahogany streaks, and glimpses of lighter tan outline design elements. Detectable planchet flaws are limited to a pair of thin and unimportant striations in the lower right obverse field. There is no indication of corrosion or spotting. All legends are sharp, and the chain type, of course, is bold. Liberty's profile and eye are clear, and displays more than half of the original hair detail. The reverse is completely problem-free for the grade, and the obverse has only three mentionable marks: a horizontal pinscratch near the top of the bust; a light, straight, thin mark beneath the chin; and a small rim ding at 7 o'clock. Certainly, this handsome S-2 example would be a major contribution to a type set of early United States coinage. EAC 15. Population: 14 in 40, 37 finer (7/06). (PCGS# 1341)

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Aug 14, 2006

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Sold For: $54,625.00

Auction 1175 | Lot 3088 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF40 PCGS. S-3, B-4, Low R.3. (PCGS# 1341)

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Oct 21, 2012

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Sold For: $52,875.00

Auction 430 | Lot 2097 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF45 PCGS. S-3, B-4, Low R.3. The S-3 die marriage is clearly the most common of all five Chain cent varieties, the ideal candidate for date or type collectors. This is a splendid example with smooth olive and dark brown surfaces, the reverse with additional tan, providing a pleasing and desirable woodgrain appearance. The surfaces are exceptionally smooth with only a few tiny rim bruises on the obverse and a single reverse rim bump over OF. Clearly above average quality for this issue, especially when consideration is given to the large number of lower quality pieces that are scratched, corroded, or otherwise imperfect.

All of the Chain cents, the first coins minted at the new Philadelphia Mint, were coined between February 27 and March 12, 1793, with Walter Breen assigning dates of March 2 through March 8 for this variety. The S-3 die combination was responsible for nearly half of the entire Chain cent mintage, about 15,000 to 18,000 coins. This example is a late die state of the variety with heavy clash marks along Liberty's lips, chin, neck, and bust line. The reverse field is flowlined with a slight bulge below STATES. This is Die State III in Breen's classification, representing the latest known die state of this variety. Breen suggested that the clash marks, as seen on this example, were responsible for the "Liberty in chains epithet" sometimes given to the Chain cents. EAC 20. (PCGS# 1341)

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Feb 17, 2007

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Sold For: $51,750.00

Auction 414 | Lot 5028 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF40 PCGS. S-3, Low R.3. Close date with no periods on the obverse. Five die varieties were pressed into service during the production of 36,103 Chain cents in March 1793. The S-3 variety is easily the most plentiful today, and probably accounted for half of the original mintage, about 18,000 coins. The entire coinage utilized four obverse dies and two reverse dies. Attribution of these varieties is rather simple. Sheldon-1 has the abbreviated reverse with AMERI. instead of AMERICA. Sheldon-4 has periods following the date and LIBERTY. Sheldon-3 has a nearly straight bust line and the R of LIBERTY much larger than the adjacent E. RT of LIBERTY nearly touch on this variety. Sheldon-2 has a curved bust line, resembling a flattened S, and all the lettering is high above the head, closer to the border. Sheldon's NC-1 is the rarest of the Chain cent varieties with just two examples known. It also has a curved bust line with the letters in LIBERTY widely spaced and much closer to the top of Liberty's head. Of all varieties combined, approximately 1,000 Chain cents still exist, but most are in the lower circulated grades. Only about 50 to 75 examples survive in grades better than Very Fine.

This is a splendid specimen. Although the design elements, especially on the obverse, are lightly obscured by wear, the surfaces are remarkable. Both sides have medium olive-brown color that is slightly lighter on the devices. A few faint scratches are evident on each side, but these are so old that they are entirely toned over and nearly impossible to see. EAC 25. (PCGS# 1341)

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Grade XF40

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Aug 14, 2006

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Sold For: $51,750.00

Auction 1200 | Lot 2402 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF40 NGC. S-3, B-4, R.3. Our EAC Grade VF20. (PCGS# 1341)

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Jan 10, 2014

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Sold For: $49,937.50

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Auction 1143 | Lot 3021 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF40 PCGS Secure. S-3, B-4, Low R.3. (PCGS# 1341)

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Aug 15, 2010

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Sold For: $48,963.55

Auction 414 | Lot 5029 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF45 NGC. S-3, Low R.3. The Chain AMERI was the first coin struck at the new Philadelphia Mint building, and these were followed by the Chain AMERICA cents, including the present example. All of the Chain cents were coined during the first two weeks of March, with eight deliveries dated from March 1 through March 12, 1793 totaling 36,103 coins. It has been suggested by some that the first Chain cents may have been struck on February 22, to celebrate Washington's birthday, although we are not aware of any documentary evidence to support such an occurrence. It is believed that the Sheldon-3 Chain cents represented about half of the mintage for the entire design, some 15,000 to 18,000 coins.

The reverse design was meant to symbolize unity among the individual states of the young nation. Public opinion took a different view, suggesting that the chain was "a bad omen for Liberty." Mint Director David Rittenhouse soon ordered a change in the design, and the first Wreath cents were coined the following month.

This is an exceptionally attractive representative of this ever-popular first-year cent. The hair detail on Liberty's portrait is uncommonly sharp, this despite a little light wear, and the reverse chain is crisp. All other features are bold, and the planchet is problem-free save for some light porosity. The only singularly mentionable blemishes are a planchet void (as struck) in the right obverse field and a not overly conspicuous spot in the reverse field below the E in UNITED. The otherwise medium brown toning yields to crimson colored accents in a few isolated areas. Worthy of a strong bid. EAC 20.
From The Chief Paduke Collection. (PCGS# 1341)

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Aug 14, 2006

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Sold For: $48,875.00

Auction 1121 | Lot 3571 » Large Cents

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF40 PCGS. (PCGS# 1341)

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Grade XF40

Auction Ended

Jan 11, 2009

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Sold For: $47,437.50