1795 1/2C No Pole, Plain Edge, BN MS(PCGS#1018)

1795 1/2C No Pole, Plain Edge, BN MS (PCGS#1018)

February 2026 Showcase Auction - The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Part II

Lot Description: Manley Die State 1.0. While most thin planchet examples from these dies were struck on cut down Talbot, Allum & Lee cents, this piece shows no evidence of an undertype. It is exceptionally well produced and sharp, coined from the early state of the 1795 C-6 dies which Manley describes as "scarce." The borders have universally bold and broad denticulation on both sides that frames equally crisp design elements. Minor softness within the denticulation below the date is noted solely for accuracy, and is overlooked in most viewing situations anyhow. The surfaces are hard and frosty in texture, warmly toned in olive-copper and medium brown. Microscopic roughness in the planchet is evident under close examination, as is some ancient surface build up around many of the design elements, especially those on the reverse, but the only readily evident blemish is a dull mark on Liberty's cheek. Cohen-6a is the most frequently encountered die marriage of the Liberty Cap half cent, Bill Eckberg (2019) further describing it as "probably the most common half cent of the 18th century." Of the 1,300 survivors that he accounts for, however, the vast majority are well worn in grades of EF and lower, many also with problems. Locating such a well produced and carefully preserved example as the sharp Dean Oakes Family specimen in PCGS AU-55 is becoming increasingly difficult in today's highly competitive numismatic market.