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1794 1C Starred Reverse, S-48, B-38, High R.4, XF40 PCGS....
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Sold on Jan 15, 2025 for:
$288,000.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Description
1794 S-48 Cent, XF40
The Iconic Starred Reverse Cent
Long the Guide Book Plate Coin
1794 1C Starred Reverse, S-48, B-38, High R.4, XF40 PCGS.
This treasured cent variety that Henry Chapman discovered in 1877
is widely cherished and will serve as the focal point of any early
cent collection. Each of the 94 stars is clear and sharp although
the border dentils partly cover some of them. This example served
many years as the plate coin in the famous Red Book. The Starred
Reverse (no further identification is necessary) was the subject of
a 1986 study by former Early American Coppers historian Pete Smith
who published The Story of the Starred Reverse Cent where he
identified this piece as the "Red Book Plate Coin." The pleasing
chestnut and olive-brown surfaces have slight reddish-gold
overtones. Insignificant surface roughness and corrosion are
evident, primarily on the reverse. Scattered marks are consistent
with the grade, and the PCGS holder hides a few minor rim bruises.
A small planchet flaw extends between the T and E of STATES to the
top left leaf.Del Bland recorded this example as the seventh finest known, tied with the Naftzger duplicate that New Netherlands sold over 50 years ago. Enumerated in eighth place in the Noyes/Lusk early copper database, this piece is identified as Noyes photo number 31000. This example is the fifth finest certified 1794 Starred Reverse cent following the AU50 PCGS Husak Collection coin that we sold in 2008, the XF45 PCGS Garrett-High Desert coin, another XF45 PCGS coin, and an XF45 NGC example. The American Numismatic Society holds an example that rivals these certified pieces. Just six other examples are certified in grades better than Fine, alluding to the difficulty of this scarce variety. The total surviving population in all grades is still less than 100 coins.
Soon after the discovery, one nineteenth century suggestion that Smith attributes to Robert Coulton Davis, is the existence of planchets containing stars prior to striking. With our knowledge of minting procedures today, we can easily discount that theory. There have been other theories and ideas published over the years regarding the origin and purpose of the stars. Dr. William H. Sheldon suggested an idle hour at the Mint. Don Taxay called these pieces "at once an essai and a regular issue" in his Comprehensive Catalogue. R.W. Julian suggested the concept was intended to be an anti-counterfeiting scheme. In 1975, Breen suggested that the star punch was laying around and rediscovered in the Mint in 1794. In 1982, Dave Bowers suggested a scenario where a die in 1792 was punched with the stars, but not further completed, and had to wait until an issue of similar 29 mm. diameter was produced.
Perhaps it is best that the origin of the Starred Reverse remains a mystery. In 1979, John Adams wrote: "For one hundred years, the 'Starred Reverse' has been the premier variety of 1794. Its origins have caused hours of speculation. Its acquisition inspires collectors to frenzied effort. Its very being is contemplated with what Dr. Sheldon described as 'religious awe.'"
Ex: Empire Coin Company (10/1960 FPL); Dorothy I. Paschal (1978); Ray Chatham; Dr. Willard J. Carmel; Jack Beymer; Donald H. Petersen (Superior, 2/1992), lot 703; Peter Setian; Dr. Robert J. Bye (Stack's, 5/1997), lot 380; Adam Crum; Superior (9/1997), lot 37A; Superior (5/1999), lot 1464; Northeast Numismatics; American Numismatic Rarities (3/2005), lot 1125; Greg Hannigan (offered on eBay, 3/2019).
From The Rusty Thompson Uncommon Cents Collection.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 223P, Variety PCGS# 35705, Base PCGS# 1374, Greysheet# 76772)
Metal: 100% Copper
Weight: 13.48 grams
Weight: 0.48oz
Mintage: 918,521
View all of [The Rusty Thompson Uncommon Cents Collection ]
Auction Info
2025 January 14 - 19 FUN US Coins Signature® Auction #1380 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2025
14th-19th
Tuesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 66
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 741
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% 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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