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Description

1794 S-41 Head of 1794 Cent, AU53
Tied for the Second Finest Known
Noyes Plate Coin

1794 1C S-41 R3 Head of 1794 AU53 PCGS. Glossy dark olive brown and steel. Sharply struck and nicely centered with strong dentils around both sides. The surfaces are smooth and there are only minor contact marks. A small nick on the upper lip, a tiny chip in the center of the cheek, and a couple very light scratches left of the mouth are the notable defects. M-LDS, Breen state VII, Heck state 7, with strong die cracks on the reverse. Graded EF45 net EF40 and tied for CC#2 behind the ANS example in the Noyes census, his photo #21226. Bland says EF40 and tied for CC#2 behind the ANS coin. This cataloger's EAC grade is VF35+, close to EF40. This is the plate coin for the late state of the reverse die in the 1991 Noyes reference. The attribution and COL Ellsworth Collection provenance are noted on the PCGS Gold Shield label (35588.53/13457906).
Ex Dixie Land Collection-Geoffrey Charlton Adams 11/15/1906:915 ($15)-David U. Proskey-unknown-New Netherlands Coin Co. 9/26/1953:236 ($52.50)-Dorothy I. Paschal-Dr. William H. Sheldon-Dorothy I. Paschal 6/8/1977-R. E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr., 2/23/1992-Eric J. Streiner 4/1993-Dr. Thomas Turissini-Walter J. Husak, Heritage Auctions 2/15/2008:2043 ($25,300)-COL Steven K. Ellsworth.

The Dixie Land Collection, cataloged by Geoffrey Charlton Adams, was initially scheduled for November 13 and 14, 1906. However, Lyman Low also scheduled an auction on November 13, so Adams elected to change the dates of his sale to November 14 and 15, "in deference to Mr. Low." Adams noted that, as the cataloger, he represented Kentucky, adding that the auctioneer, Daniel R. Kennedy, represented South Carolina, and that the collector was "a gentleman of Dixie Land." Plated copies of the catalog are rarely encountered. The first plate featured silver and gold rarities with a few colonials. The second plate was dominated by early copper.

Following extensive runs of U.S. gold and silver coins, large cents were a major strength, beginning with 1793 Chain, Wreath, and Liberty Cap cents and extending through a broad selection of early dates. Notable offerings included rare 1794 varieties described with reference to Maris and Hays, as well as a choice group of Liberty Caps of 1795-1796 and Draped Busts of the later 1790s. Many pieces were highlighted for their superior preservation and completeness, testifying to the collector's long dedication. Adams emphasized that the collection contained coins secured from earlier great sales, ensuring continuity with the foremost pedigrees of the 19th century. With its balance of rarity and quality, the Dixie Land Collection was remembered as an important offering in American copper numismatics.
From The COL Steven Ellsworth Collection of U.S. Large Cents 1793-1796.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 223P, Variety PCGS# 35588, Base PCGS# 901374, Greysheet# 76765)

Weight: 13.48 grams

Metal: 100% Copper


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Auction Info

Auction Dates
January, 2026
8th Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 31
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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