1797 1C S-140, BN MS(PCGS#35951)

1797 1C S-140, BN MS (PCGS#35951)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Breen Die State II. An impressive Choice AU Draped Bust cent, and a contender for Condition Census standing for the Sheldon-140 dies. Both sides are sharply struck and crisp, the borders with full denticulation, although it is somewhat uneven and broader at right obverse and reverse. (Similarly uneven denticulation is noted in the Breen large cent encyclopedia plate coin, p. 416.) Deep ebony brown patina reveals hints of steel and dark olive as the surfaces dip into a light. Close inspection with a loupe exhibits a trace of microroughness, reverse with some ancient build up at the letters in the word ONE, few trivial marks on the obverse that find greatest concentration along the lower left border. Free of sizeable blemishes, however, and with a hard and tight texture overall, this piece presents as impressively smooth during in-hand viewing. The Condition Census published in the 2000 Breen large cent encyclopedia includes coins with EAC grades of MS-65 to EF-40, the coin offered here qualifies based on remaining detail and is worthy of serious bidder consideration.