1793 1C S-15 R6+ Liberty Cap VG8 PCGS. Partly glossy dark olive brown and steel with lighter steel brown toning on th...
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Description
1793 S-15 Liberty Cap Cent, VG8
The Third Finest Aristocrat
1793 1C S-15 R6+ Liberty Cap VG8 PCGS. Partly glossy dark
olive brown and steel with lighter steel brown toning on the
highpoints. The highpoints are smooth but a glass reveals extremely
fine roughness in the fields and protected areas. No verdigris,
only minor contact marks including a few rim nicks, the strongest
one at the T in LIBERTY. A group of tiny marks at the front of the
eye and a chip in the lower hair curls are the other marks worthy
of mention. Struck with the dies slightly misaligned; the obverse
off to K-5 and the reverse off to K-3. The date and legends are
strong except for the usual weakness inside the wreath thanks to
swelling in that area. The swelling is pronounced on this example.
Graded F12 net VG7 and tied for CC#3 in the Noyes census, his photo
#24164. Bland says VG8 and CC#3. Jim Neiswinter, in his 2013
reference titled The Aristocrat, graded this cent VG8 and
CC#3. This cataloger's EAC grade is net VG8. The finest in
both lists is a lightly corroded net F12 that resides in the ANS
Collection. Only 13 examples are known to us, and most are net
graded for significant defects. A nice example of this variety
called "The Aristocrat" of early cents by Dr. Sheldon in his 1958
reference Penny Whimsy. The attribution and COL Ellsworth
Collection provenance are noted on the PCGS Gold Shield label
(35462.08/15022374). The reverse of the holder is scuffed.Ex Copley Coin Co.-Jeff Bender, Stack's 6/17/1960:12 (VG10, $1400)-Dorothy E. Nelson-Toby & Dorothy E. (Nelson) Syzmanski (the "TAD" Collection), Stack's 2/4/1976:10 (VG10, $2300)-William R. T. Smith-Dr. Edward R. Bush 4/1979-G. Lee Kuntz, Superior 10/6/1991:18 ($13,750)-J. R. Frankenfield, Superior held in association with McCawley & Grellman Auctions 2/17/2001:206 ($41,400)-Wesley A. Rasmussen, Heritage Auctions (2005 FUN Convention Sale) 1/13/2005:3018 ($43,700)-COL Steven K. Ellsworth.
Stack's February 1976 public auction was anchored by the celebrated TAD Collection of United States Large Cents, an assemblage notable for both its depth and the extraordinary quality of preservation across the series. The sale opened with an impressive run of 1793 Chain, Wreath, and Liberty Cap cents, many with illustrious pedigrees tracing back to Parmelee, Earle, Jackman, and Beckwith, among others. Highlights included a Mint State 1793 Chain America cent described as one of the finest surviving examples, and a 1793 Wreath cent in superb condition with a pedigree spanning the Miller and Newcomb collections. Early Liberty Caps were equally remarkable, featuring rarities such as the 1793 S-13 Crosby 12-L in near-gem condition and the elusive Crosby 14-K, one of just ten known. Each coin reflected the collector's philosophy that U.S. numismatics began and ended with the large cent, and the presentation underscored the hypnotic appeal of copper coins preserved in near-pristine states.
Beyond the famous 1793 issues, the TAD Collection carried strength through the Classic Head, Draped Bust, and later early date large cents of 1794-1814, many ranking in the Condition Census or tied for finest known. Noteworthy pieces included beautifully struck 1794 cents such as the S-28 "Ornate Obverse" from the Downing sale, a Mint State 1795 Lettered Edge, and high-grade 1796 Liberty Caps and Draped Busts. These coins often bore pedigrees to landmark sales like Homer Downing, Landau, Dupont, and T.J. Clarke, situating the TAD Collection firmly within the great tradition of American copper. Stack's presentation, with detailed cataloguing by C. Douglas Smith, highlighted both rarity and condition in a manner rarely seen, ensuring the auction's reputation as a benchmark sale for early American copper collectors.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 223L, Variety PCGS# 35495, Base PCGS# 1359, Greysheet# 76735)
Weight: 13.48 grams
Metal: 100% Copper
Auction Info
2026 January 8 US Coins Signature Auction - FUN Special Sessions: Ellsworth & Jacobson #1389 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
December
19th
Friday
Auction Dates
January
8th
Thursday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
52 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 255
Auction Type
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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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