1794 1C Ornate Head, S-28, BN MS(PCGS#35549)

1794 1C Ornate Head, S-28, BN MS (PCGS#35549)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Heck DS7, Breen Die State VI. An exceptional quality Liberty Cap cent irrespective of date or variety, this Choice AU would do equally well in a high grade type set or another advanced early copper collection. The surfaces have a hard, frosty texture and are warmly toned in a blend of deep golden-brown and medium olive-copper. Centering is quite good even though the border denticulation is thin or soft in some areas, and the detail is bold to sharp for all design elements. Both sides retain their smooth, virtually blemish-free appearance even under close scrutiny with a loupe, further confirming the superior level of preservation for this Sheldon-28 cent.<p>The 2000 reference <em>Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of Early United States Cents: 1793-1814</em> asserts that 1794 cents of this die pairing were delivered March 5 through 7, probably to the extent of 15,000 pieces. Virtually all were subjected to extensive circulation, as expected for an issue from the 1790s United States Mint. The 2000 Bland census features coins with EAC grades of AU-50 through MS-60, most in AU. The finest certified example we have handled in recent years is the Bland AU-55 coin, ex John P. Lyman, which appeared in our (American Numismatic Rarities') January 2005 Kennywood Collection sale as PCGS MS-63 BN. The present example in PCGS AU-55 is also a significant example from these dies, and it is worthy of strong bids.