1794 1C Bent Lock, S-22, BN MS(PCGS#35531)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2003

Grade

MS63BN

Price

20,740

Lot Description

Heck DS6, Breen Die State VII. The pleasing patina of terracotta and chocolate brown shades offers golden undertones beneath a light source. Ideally centered on both sides with nearly full denticles at the obverse rim. Despite the advanced die state, impressive definition is evident throughout Liberty's hair. A historic piece that we first offered in our (Stack's) September 1954 sale of the Dupont Collection, noting that it is "worthy of a place in the most discriminating cabinet." There is a short mark on Liberty's cheek that serves as a convenient identifier for tracing this coin through future cabinets.<p>Sheldon-22 is the Bent Hair Lock, Mounded Reverse variety of the 1794 Liberty Cap cent. These names are derived from the downward bend of the sixth hair lock of Liberty's portrait and die swell on the reverse wreath, though the swelling is not always present in early die state states. As one of the nicest 1794 S-22 cents that we have handled in recent memory, we anticipate strong bidder competition for this premium quality example.