1794 Liberty Cap Cent. S-44, B-33. Rarity-1. Head of 1794, Short Bust. AU-55 (PCGS). CMQ.A charming example of this distinctive Sheldon number. Both sides are toned in warm autumn-brown with glints of light steel-olive in isolated areas. The strike is ideally centered and boldly executed, the denticulation complete around both sides and all design elements sharply rendered. A few small, well scattered marks and a touch of high point rub confirm a short stint in active circulation, although the former will require magnification to truly discern. Attractive in all regards. Breen Die State IV.<p>The 2000 reference <em>Walter Breens Encyclopedia of Early United States Cents: 1793-1814</em> asserts that 1794 cents of this die pairing were delivered May 9 through June 4 of that year. The Bland census included therein features coins with EAC grades of EF-45 through MS-60, all but one in EF or AU. The only certified example comparable to this one that we have offered in recent decades is the NGC AU-58 BN that realized $5,865 in our March 2011 Baltimore Auction, lot 266. That coin, however, had dark surfaces that are in keeping with this observation in the <em>Breen Encyclopedia</em>: "Many high-grade specimens of this variety have been recolored...no explanation has been offered." The present example in PCGS AU-55, however, is a notable exception with far more originality that the aforementioned NGC AU-58 BN. It is a premium example of the Sheldon-44 variety that is worthy of the strongest bids.PCGS# 35597. NGC ID: 223M.From the Richard August Collection.
