1796 Liberty Cap Cent. S-87. Rarity-3-. AU-53 (PCGS).Hard and tight surfaces are attractively toned in a blend of gray-brown and autumn orange. The strike is slightly off center to 2 oclock on the obverse with scant denticulation along the right border on that side, left border with particularly broad denticles. The reverse is better centered, although the upper right border is softly struck and devoid of denticulation. Both sides are universally bold throughout the design with only light high point rub and nothing but small, inconsequential handling marks. A faint spot in the right obverse field is a useful identifying feature. Breen Die State III. Graded EF-40 by EAC standards in Heritages January 2014 cataloging of the Adam Mervis Collection, and tied for seventh finest for the S-87 dies in the Bland census based on that rating. A conditionally scarce Liberty Cap cent irrespective of variety, this coin holds tremendous appeal for high grade type collectors and advanced early copper enthusiasts.From Heritages sale of the Adam Mervis Large Cent Collection, January 2014, lot 2542.
