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1794 1C Head of 1794, S-21, B-5, R.3, MS64 Brown PCGS....
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Description
1794 S-21 Head of 1794 Cent, MS64 Brown
Penny Whimsy, Breen, and Noyes Plate Coin
The Second Finest Known
1794 1C Head of 1794, S-21, B-5, R.3, MS64 Brown PCGS. Ex:
Maris-Husak-Boka. Sharply detailed with exceptional mahogany and
light brown color, faded from original red luster. A slightly
darker splash of toning is visible beneath the 9, and additional
splashes of maroon are evident on each side, especially at the
center of the obverse. The full border details, especially on the
obverse, make this piece especially desirable.The 1794 cent is perhaps the most rich U.S. series in terms of collecting history. Its scholarship begins in 1869, when Dr. Edward Maris published a reference on the year that described 39 varieties. He described this variety as Maris 3, and he wrote, "[n]ot the slightest trace of any milling on this side of the coin, contrasts with the reverse, which is protected by a bold and serrated elevation around the edge." Subsequent die marriage attributions include Frossard 22, Doughty 21, Hays 5, and Chapman 5. Sheldon numbered this variety S-21, the first of the Head of 1794 varieties, and expounded on the weak dentils by noting, "Maris called this the Sans Milling, because the milling is rarely (if ever) seen complete on the obverse." An examination of surviving examples will show weak obverse border detail in most cases. In addition to this feature, the end of the pole is broad and flat relative to the nearby design elements. The reverse is easily differentiated by the "Doubled Berry at AM," where an extra berry is isolated in the field directly over the berry below AM in AMERICA. Also, heavy, extended dentils reach very close to the tops of the legend letters.
The present offering is an example of Die State IV of the S-21. The obverse is cracked from the rim to the upper serif of B, between IB, to the cap. Another crack begins at the top of the first crack to the top of L, curving down through IB and across the first crack, through the forecurl and forehead to the upper corner of the eyelid. A short crack is visible from the lower left corner of the cap to the rim, and from the center of this crack up to the left center of the cap. Faint clash marks can be seen in the right obverse field. The reverse has advanced die roughness through both branches of the wreath, with heavy clash marks inside the wreath.
While several hundred exist in all grades, this is the second finest 1794 S-21 cent according to Del Bland's Condition Census. Bill Noyes concurs with the grade and the census ranking. The obverse is illustrated in Penny Whimsy, and Sheldon states, "[o]n objective scrutiny only the Proskey-Hines piece seems to stand up to the rather rigorous criteria of MS-60." The obverse and reverse are also illustrated in Breen's Complete Encyclopedia and in Noyes (2006). While some large cents frequently trade hands, others remain in collections for long periods. This piece has been in just ten collections over the last 150 years. Given its elite status among the examples of this die marriage, the large cent specialist should not forego the opportunity for this coin's acquisition.
Ex: Dr. Edward Maris; David Proskey; Henry C. Hines; Dr. William H. Sheldon (4/19/1972); R.E. Naftzger, Jr. (Early American Coppers, 4/1989), lot 21; Dr. Allen Bennett; Walter J. Husak (Heritage Auctions, 2/2008), lot 2023; Paul Gerrie; Chris Victor-McCawley (FPL, 1/6/2012); Jon Alan Boka; The Jon Alan Boka Collection of 1794 Large Cents / Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 9/2016), lot 5306.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 223P, Variety PCGS# 35528, Base PCGS# 901374, GSID# 76745)
Metal: 100% Copper
Weight: 13.48 grams
Weight: 0.47549oz
Auction Info
2026 October 8 - 9 GACC US Coins Signature® Auction #1397 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
October, 2026
8th-9th
Thursday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 25
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 3,184
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.
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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