1794 Liberty Cap Cent. S-22. Rarity-1. Head of 1794. AU-53 (PCGS).This is a particularly choice example of an otherwise readily obtainable die pairing of the 1794 cent. Both sides exhibit an overall smooth, hard satin texture that is interrupted by only minor planchet pits (as made) along the obverse border from 2 to 10 oclock. The most significant are concentrated in the date area; although all four digits are at least partially discernible, the 1 is complete and the 79 nearly so. The strike is expertly centered and nicely executed with uniform denticulation around both sides and the overall detail is remarkably sharp. Warmly and evenly toned in medium copper-rose patina, it is difficult for us to imagine a more appealing example of the type, issue or die pairing at the assigned grade level.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 from the base of Libertys portrait on the obverse and die swell on the reverse at the upper right and lower half of the wreath. (Most adjectival nicknames were invented by Dr. Edward Maris in the late 19th century and added to by Dr. William H. Sheldon in 1949.) The latter feature is not always present, however, and such is the case with the present example, which is struck from an early state of the reverse die (Noyes Die State A). 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.
