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1796 1C S-91 R3 Liberty Cap AU53 NGC....
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Sold on Jan 8, 2026 for:
$10,065.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
Description
1796 S-91 Liberty Cap Cent, AU53
Intermediate Die State
1796 1C S-91 R3 Liberty Cap AU53 NGC. Rather glossy mottled
mix of chocolate, olive brown, and tan on the obverse; the reverse
is a more uniform steel brown and chocolate. No roughness or
verdigris, just light contact marks scattered over both sides. The
notable marks are a dull nick near the center of the cap, a dull
rim nick over the second S in STATES, and a pair of light scratches
in the wreath between the O in ONE and the first S in STATES. MDS,
Breen state IV, possibly later, with extensive die rust or spalling
on the front part of the face into the field and dull horizontal
waves in the fields on either side of the portrait. Graded VF30 net
VF20 and tied for CC#14 in the Noyes census, his photo #29988.
This cataloger's EAC grade is net VF30. The attribution and
COL Ellsworth Collection provenance are noted on the NGC label
(3387463-001).Ex Lillian S. Willins 4/1/1992-William C. Noyes-Wesley A. Rasmussen, Heritage Auctions (2005 FUN Convention Sale) 1/13/2005:3103 ($6900)-COL Steven K. Ellsworth.
The April 1923 S.H. Chapman sale of Dr. Henry W. Beckwith's Collection was entirely devoted to United States large cents and stands as one of the most important copper auctions of the early 20th century. Beckwith's guiding principle was to secure each type and variety in the finest possible preservation, with particular emphasis on coins retaining original red color. The catalog opened with 1793 Chain, Wreath, and Liberty Cap cents, each in exceptional condition and described as among the finest known. The 1794s were especially strong, including many uncirculated examples with sharp strikes and full borders, several illustrated in Chapman's own monograph on the year. Subsequent highlights included notable 1795 and 1796 varieties, the famous "LIHERTY" error cent, and multiple 1797-1799 issues, some traced back to celebrated provenances like Mickley, Earle, Winsor, and Jackman.
Later dates in the early series were equally remarkable, with Condition Census-level 1800/1798 and 1803 varieties, along with outstanding examples of the 1804, 1807 "Comet," and 1808 12-star cent. Chapman gave special notice to brilliant red survivors of 1809-1814, including the finest 1812 known, ex-Parmelee and Mills. The middle and late dates continued the high standard, with superb proofs and uncirculated pieces from the 1816-1857 era, including multiple 1820s-1830s proofs and a run of 1840s-1850s cents in original red. Nearly every coin was uncirculated, many the finest then known, making the Beckwith sale both a market event and a lasting scholarly reference. With seven photographic plates and Chapman's meticulous cataloguing, it remains one of the definitive early copper auctions in American numismatics.
From The COL Steven Ellsworth Collection of U.S. Large Cents 1793-1796.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 223V, Variety PCGS# 35780, Base PCGS# 1392, Greysheet# 77507)
Weight: 13.48 grams
Metal: 100% Copper
View all of [The COL Steven Ellsworth Collection of U.S. Large Cents 1793-1796 ]
Auction Info
2026 January 8 US Coins Signature Auction - FUN Special Sessions: Ellsworth & Jacobson #1389 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2026
8th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 30
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 365
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% 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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