1793 1C Liberty Cap, BN MS(PCGS#1359)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2016

Grade

G4BN

Price

13,200

Lot Description

A suitable, if well circulated example of this challenging transitional issue from the first year of large cent coinage. Dark charcoal-copper surfaces are microgranular overall, a swirling scratch at central reverse also noted for accuracy, although it is not readily evident during in hand viewing. A blush of lighter rose color to Liberty's portrait helps to highlight the boldest design element, the word LIBERTY also crisp, and the date legible despite softness to the digit 1. Far less detail remains on the reverse, and besides portions of the wreath one will be hard pressed to pick out a few features on this side.<p>The Philadelphia Mint opened in 1793 and, while the bonds for coining silver and gold were being obtained, took to the task of coining all the copper that could be obtained into cents and half cents. Cent coinage began with the Chain style reverse, which met with disfavor from the public, so the new Wreath style was launched a few months later. Considerably better, but back to the drawing board. Finally the appealing Liberty Cap style was produced in late 1793, and these finally met with approval, and coinage of this style continued until 1796 when the Draped Bust motif was adopted. The first year 1793 Liberty Cap has long been popular with numismatists, and with appreciable detail remaining to the obverse this one will adequately represent the issue in many collections.