1798 1C S-185, BN MS(PCGS#36122)

1798 1C S-185, BN MS (PCGS#36122)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Breen Die State IV. Gently marbled chocolate and orange-brown patina blankets the hard, frosty surfaces of this lovely Draped Bust cent. Hints of faded mint color persist in the protected areas around some of the design elements enhancing the eye appeal. A few tiny marks on Liberty's portrait are noted, and there is some minor roughness in the planchet here and there at the borders on both sides, but these are trivial and of no concern during in-hand viewing. The design elements remain crisp from a sharply executed strike. This coin is tied for CC#1 in the Noyes census with EAC grades of AU50, net EF40, the latter appearing unduly harsh in our estimation. The 2000 Bland census tops out with the French specimen in EAC EF45, but this coin is not included therein; we suspect that if Del had seen it he would have regarded it as highly as Noyes did. A standout highlight of the Draped Bust cents in the Widmer Family Collection - which is saying a lot given how extensive this cabinet is for the early dates - this outstanding Sheldon-185 is just right for another world class early copper cabinet.