1794 Liberty Cap Cent. S-24, B-8. Rarity-1. Head of 1794, Apple Cheek. MS-64+ BN (NGC). CMQ. An incredible example of both the type and variety, and a fairly recent newcomer to the modern U.S. numismatic market. The detail is outstanding from a sharply executed strike, Libertys cheek fully rounded and most of the individual hair strands crisply delineated. Only at the highest points of the hair behind the ear do we note minor softness of detail, although we further note that this feature is seen on virtually all known examples from these dies. The reverse is equally sharp throughout the design, and both sides are framed in borders of full, crisp denticulation. Bathed in warm medium brown patina with a tinge of pale rose, the surfaces are hard, frosty, and free of even the most trivial distractions. Breathtakingly beautiful, this expertly produced and remarkably well preserved near-Gem Mint State example comes highly recommended for inclusion in a world class type set or advanced early copper collection. Breen Die State V.<p>This varietys fame and desirability is enduring, supported by the "exceptionally rounded, full cheeks... by which collectors recognize it easily," in Dr. Sheldons words. Sheldon wrote that his "father used to call it the Apple Cheek variety," the name derived from engraver Robert Scots unusually deep cutting of Libertys cheek into the die. This colorful moniker has clung to it since the publication of <em>Early American Cents</em>. Even when well worn, the Apple Cheek is lovely, with sculptural relief and abundant personality. In high grade, as here, it is especially impressive.<p>Sheldon-24 is a plentiful variety in an absolute sense, which has contributed to its popularity since many numismatists over the years have been able to own an example. There are even a few Mint State coins known, although with only five such examples qualifying as such based on EAC grading standards, the Apple Cheek variety is clearly a significant numismatic rarity in Uncirculated condition. The finest known S-24 cent is the famous "Jackman coin," which now resides in a PCGS MS-67 RB holder and was sold in our March 2017 sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part V as lot 5095. CC#2 is the Eliasberg specimen which, with an EAC grade of MS-61, is just a shade finer than the CC#3 Garrett coin in PCGS MS-65 BN (EAC MS-60) that more recently sold as lot 2176 in our March 2018 Baltimore Auction. CC#4 and CC#5 are the Beckwith and Mougey specimens, respectively, also EAC MS-60, but not quite on par with the Garrett specimen in the eyes of most early copper specialists.<p>Based on the EAC grade of AU-55 assigned by the Heritage catalogers in 2018, the offered coin sits just outside of Condition Census for the variety. It numbers among the finest Apple Cheek cents extant, nonetheless, and clearly among the very finest certified by PCGS or NGC. Its desirability knows no bounds. PCGS# 35537. NGC ID: 223M. From Heritages FUN Signature Auction of January 2018, lot 4740. Discovered in Europe just prior to that auction.
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