1794 1C Flat Pole, S-21, BN MS(PCGS#35528)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2078

Grade

AU50BN

Price

13,200

Lot Description

Heck DS5, Breen Die State V. Attractive chestnut-brown patina with a hint of olive, and with minor splashes of maroon also evident on both sides. Only a few minute handling marks are noted, otherwise, this is a virtually blemish-free coin, and significantly so in an early date large cent that saw light circulation. Well centered in strike with glossy surfaces and complete obverse and reverse border denticulation, although that on the obverse is quite narrow. This is an important consideration for the variety, a die pairing that Dr. Edward Maris described in the 1800s as "Sans Milling" because the obverse usually has a weak and incomplete border. Today Sheldon-21 is generally called the "Flat Pole" variety, which refers to the end of the pole at 4:30, which is flat or club-shaped.<p>The 2000 Breen large cent encyclopedia estimates the mintage of this variety at 8,800 pieces and assigns it to the Mint's delivery of January 17, 1794. Of the 300 to 400 or so coins believed extant in all grades, few can rival the Widmer Family specimen in terms of either quality or eye appeal. It is a premium example worthy of strong bids.