1797 Draped Bust Cent. S-131. Rarity-2+. Reverse of 1797, Stemless Wreath. EF-45 (PCGS).，This is a bold and aesthetically pleasing 1797 cent from a conditionally challenging die pairing. Rich olive-copper patina is seen on the obverse, while the reverse exhibits more extensive medium brown highlights. The strike is nicely centered on both sides but, although the reverse features uniform denticulation around the border, the obverse is devoid of this feature from 2 to 4 oclock. All devices are sharp and there is appreciable gloss to the satiny surfaces. Several minor marks over and around the obverse portrait are noted, faint spots at the letters E and Y in LIBERTY, short vertical graze in the reverse field inside the letters ER in AMERICA. Breen Die State IV.<p>The obverse die of Sheldon-131 was previously used to strike the S-129, S-130 and NC-8 varieties, and it is always seen with a large, prominent die break at the border behind Libertys head in this pairing. The reverse die is one of two for the date with no stems at the base of the wreath; it was also used to strike the S-132 and S-133 varieties (the other reverse die appears in the S-143 and NC-8 pairings). Sheldon-131 is the most readily available of the 1797 Stemless Wreath varieties, but it is seldom offered any finer than the VF grade level. The Condition Census for this variety, based on EAC grading standards and as listed in the 2000 reference <em>Walter Breens Encyclopedia of Early United States Large Cents: 1793-1814</em>, includes coins in the VF-30 to EF-45 range. This is a certainly a significant piece that is sure to appeal to early copper variety enthusiasts.<br />，PCGS# 35981. NGC ID: 2243.，，Ex Bob Grellman; Doug Bird. Collector envelope with attribution and provenance notes included.
