1796 Liberty Cap Cent. S-91. Rarity-3. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC.This is a truly magnificent 1796 Liberty Cap cent, exhibiting qualities irresistible to both the type collector and specialist. The patina boasts a blend of espresso and caramel hues, with areas of reddish bronze tones scattered throughout. A trivial suggestion of friction is apparent across the high points, though the surfaces otherwise flirt with Mint State preservation. Traces of the original planchet texture remain at the left obverse and reverse but actual handling marks are scarce under inspection. Liberty is sharply defined, showing intricate hair detail and profile features despite evidence of a late die state. Die defects are now prominent in the right obverse field and to the right of the 6 in the date, accompanied by swelling at the first half of STATES on the reverse. A beautiful piece with strong eye appeal and character to stimulate the advanced numismatist.<p>This significance of this piece has long been recognized, having passed through the hands of several significant collectors including Dr. William H. Sheldon who selected it to be illustrated in his <em>Early American Cents</em> (1949), which would later become <em>Penny Whimsy</em> (1958). We most recently handled this example as part of our (Stacks) offering of the incredible John Whitney Walter collection in May 1999. Featured in lot 1721 with a grade of "Choice About Uncirculated-55, if not slightly finer," we noted that "traces of original mint gloss can be seen in some of the protected areas on the obverse. Very sharp strike everywhere." Nearly 20 years later, we are delighted to be handling it once again alongside additional rarities from the John Whitney Walter Collection in our Philadelphia ANA Auction. From the Collection of Thaddeus A. Tatum III. Earlier ex Col. E.H.R. Green; B.G. Johnson as St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co., August 1942; James G. Macallister; J.C. Morgenthaus sale of January 1944, lot 420; George H. Clapp; the American Numismatic Society; Dr. William H. Sheldon; Dorothy Paschal; Superior Galleries sale of the Robinson S. Brown, Jr. Collection, September 1986, lot 119; Dr. Allen Bennett, April 1992; Eric Streiner; our (Stacks) sale of the John Whitney Walter Collection, May 1999, lot 1721; Heritages sale of the Walter Husak Collection, February 2008, lot 2092; Heritages sale of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part II, October 2014; lot 98028. This piece is illustrated in Dr. William H. Sheldons <em>Early American Cents </em>(1949)<em>. </em>
