1796 Draped Bust Cent. S-119. Rarity-3. Reverse of 1797. MS-62 BN (PCGS). CAC.This is a handsome 1796 cent that features warm, even, orange-brown patina. The strike is expertly centered with full, uniform denticulation encircling both sides. The obverse is boldly defined throughout, the reverse a bit blunt over the leaves in the wreath, as typically seen in examples of this variety. Numerous tiny marks are evident over and around Libertys portrait, many of which appear to have been present in the planchet before striking. The reverse is smoother in overall appearance. Neither side reveals any singularly mentionable blemishes. A lovely example that would do equally well in a high grade type set or advanced collection of early copper varieties.Sheldon-119 is one of the most frequently encountered Draped Bust cents of any date in Mint State, due to the fact that it comprised a major portion of the Nichols Find. During the late 1850s David Nichols of Gallows Hill, Massachusetts began distributing an outstanding cache of approximately 1,000 Mint State 1796 and 1797 Draped Bust cents that included examples of the S-119, S-123 and S-135 die pairings. The coins were supposedly acquired directly from the Mint by Samuel Goodhue of Salem, Massachusetts. Goodhue passed the coins to his daughters, after which they went to Nichols, who dispersed the last examples in 1863. Fortunately for todays high grade type collectors and early copper enthusiasts, many of the Nichols Find cents were subsequently handled with great care and have remained in problem free Mint State. Almost certainly from this find, the coin offered here is premium quality for the assigned grade and is sure see spirited bidding.From Superiors Pre-Long Beach Elite Coin Auction of September 2008, lot 27.
