1797 1C Reverse of 1797, No Stems, BN MS(PCGS#1425)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2139

Grade

XF40BN

Price

7,200

Lot Description

Breen Die State IV. A noteworthy certified grade for this conditionally challenged Sheldon number, one of few for the 1797-dated issue with no stems to the wreath on the reverse. Both sides are warmly toned, the obverse in blended chestnut-brown and olive-copper, the reverse appearing lighter in rose-brown and olive-gold. Otherwise well struck and sharp for the grade, less than perfect centering on the obverse has left the obverse border denticulation thin at upper right, but to no great detriment. Hard and frosty in texture, yet with several notable marks in and around the central obverse, most notably on Liberty's cheek behind the mouth and chin.<p>The obverse die of Sheldon-131 was previously used to strike the S-129, S-130 and NC-8 varieties, and it is always seen with a large, prominent die break at the border behind Liberty's head in this pairing. The reverse die is one of two for the date with no stems at the base of the wreath; it was also used to strike the S-132 and S-133 varieties (the other reverse die appears in the S-143 and NC-8 pairings). Sheldon-131 is the most readily available of the 1797 Stemless Wreath varieties, but it is seldom offered any finer than the VF grade level. The Bland census for this variety is comprised of coins in the EAC VF30 to EF45 grade range. The Widmer Family specimen is an EAC VF30 and, as such, deserves to be included therein.