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Description

1796 S-85 Liberty Cap Cent, XF Details
Late Die State

1796 1C S-85 R5- Liberty Cap, XF Detail, Corrosion Removed, PCGS. Partly glossy chocolate brown and steel; a darker shade on the obverse and lighter one on the reverse. The highpoints are smooth but the rest of the planchet is covered with fine to moderate roughness, strongest on the obverse. Traces of shallow verdigris are scattered about the obverse. A thin, diagonal planchet fissure from the back of the head to the dentils above the end of the pole catches your eye, but there are additional marks including some light scratches on the forehead, above BER in LIBERTY, and at STATES OF. The reverse is much more attractive than the obverse but still far from perfect. LDS, Breen state II, with the left stem detached from the wreath due to excessive die polishing. Graded VF35 net VG10 and tied for CC#16 in the Noyes census, his photo #28758. Bland says VF30 net F15 and tied for CC#9. This cataloger's EAC grade is net F12+. The attribution and COL Ellsworth Collection provenance are noted on the PCGS Gold Shield label (35762.97/44293936).
Ex Chuck Furjanic-Dr. Robert J. Shalowitz-William R. T. Smith-Jack H. Beymer-Albert Ault-Jack H. Beymer-Robinson S. "Robbie" Brown, Jr., Superior 9/30/1986:112 ($467.50)-Robinson S. "Robbie" Brown, Jr., 1997 EAC Sale, Thomas D. Reynolds 4/19/1997:126 ($1500)-COL Steven K. Ellsworth.

The June 1987 Stack's sale of the Estate of Corrado Romano presented one of the most diverse offerings of U.S. coinage of its era, with early American copper standing as a focal point. Romano's cabinet featured important historical pieces, beginning with a 1792 Silver Center cent-an iconic rarity that underscored the seriousness of his pursuits. The 1793 large cents followed with both Chain AMERI and AMERICA types, complemented by a high-grade Wreath cent and Liberty Cap issues that demonstrated strong strikes and pleasing surfaces. The early Liberty Caps and Draped Bust cents of the mid-1790s were well represented, including desirable 1796 and 1797 varieties, while Condition Census-level examples appeared among later dates in the series. These coins showed Romano's eye for originality and preservation, qualities that were emphasized in Stack's cataloguing.

Half cents added depth to the copper offerings, beginning with 1793 and 1794 examples, including several scarce die marriages and overstrikes on Talbot, Allum & Lee undertypes. Later dates such as the 1802/0 further demonstrated Romano's breadth in the denomination. Across the copper series, pedigrees to earlier collections, unusual die states, and attractive color were recurring features, underscoring his role as both a collector and student of early U.S. copper. While the Romano sale was also renowned for its breadth in silver and gold, the early American coppers stood out as a carefully chosen foundation of the cabinet, reinforcing the enduring appeal of 18th-century cents and half cents in American numismatics.
From The COL Steven Ellsworth Collection of U.S. Large Cents 1793-1796.


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Auction Info

Auction Dates
January, 2026
8th Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 20
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