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Description

1794 S-64, B-50 Cent, VF35
The Missing Fraction Bar
Ex: Arthur Sargent Collection

1794 1C No Fraction Bar, S-64, B-50, Low R.5, VF35 PCGS. Ex: Sargent-Reinoehl-Boka. Breen Die State I. The perfect reverse before the crack developed at the D in UNITED. When he was making this die, the engraver forgot to include the fraction bar that divides 1 and 100 on the reverse. Known for that omission, the Missing Fraction Bar variety is famous among early cent collectors and carries a separate Guide Book listing. This die was a favorite of Dr. Sheldon, who wrote in Penny Whimsy: "This is a beautifully executed reverse, with excellent spacing throughout and fine engraving of the leaves. All the detail about the ribbon bow and fraction is perfect and symmetrical, except for the strange omission of the fraction bar." Some, including the cataloger, have suggested that perhaps the fraction bar was originally part of the die, then removed during repairs to the die. However, that doesn't make sense as die polishing sufficient to remove the entire fraction bar would have certainly obliterated other detail as well.

Although one of the rarer varieties in the 1794 series, a number of higher-grade examples are known. Del Bland grades the Boka specimen VF30, and it ranks 13th in his Condition Census. One finer example is part of the ANS Collection. Bill Noyes lists this example in the 14th spot, tied with two others. Al Boka commented: "This is a tough variety to track down in this nice condition and with such an enviable pedigree. Luckily, my longtime friend Bruce Reinoehl was willing to let me own it after a frustrating, many years, search for such a respectable example." An extremely attractive cent with greenish-brown and chestnut surfaces. This well-centered example has scattered, grade-consistent surface marks and a faint scratch just below Liberty's eye. Our EAC grade VF30. PCGS No Fraction Bar Population: 2 in 35, 9 finer. PCGS S-64 Population: 1 in 35, 7 finer (11/21).
Ex: Consigner with the initial "M" (c. 1910); Samuel H. Chapman; Arthur Sargent (S.H. Chapman, 6/1913), lot 451; "Clay;" Hazen B. Hinman (Paramount International Coin Corp., 4/1965), lot 142; unknown; New England Rare Coin Auctions, 3/1978), lot 581; John R. "Bob" Grellman, Jr. (7/22/1979); Dr. Bruce M. Reinoehl (3/22/2012); Jon Alan Boka Collection (Long Beach Signature, Heritage Auctions, 9/2016), lot 5349.
From The Arizona Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 223P, Variety PCGS# 35708, Base PCGS# 911374, Greysheet# 76788)

Weight: 13.48 grams

Metal: 100% Copper


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View Certification Details from PCGS

Auction Info

Auction Dates
January, 2022
12th-16th Wednesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 29
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,051

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.

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