1795 Liberty Cap Cent. S-78. Rarity-1. Plain Edge. MS-62 BN (PCGS).Varying burgundy hues dominate the patina of this lovely Uncirculated example, accented by flashes of pinkish color in the protected areas and darker espresso shades at the borders. A circle of darker patina at the junction of the top two leaves on the reverse provides a convenient marker for tracing this piece through future cabinets. A shallow clip is seen at 3 oclock on the obverse, just trimming the denticles on either side but leaving the legend untouched. The focal elements are boldly defined despite a minor softness at the borders, and the surfaces are overall smooth for the assigned grade. Sheldon-78 is one of the 6 plain edge varieties of the 1795 Liberty cap, and it represents the only use of these obverse and reverse dies. The obverse is most readily identifiable by looking at the digit 5 in the date. The upper stroke of that digit is curved, barely touches the bottom of the bust, and is fully visible. The reverse is attributed to John Smith Gardner and was likely prepared in December 1795. It is Gardners copy of an earlier reverse used to strike 1795 cents, although Gardners work is easily distinguished because the denomination ONE CENT is centered within the wreath. The division of berries in the wreath -- four left and only three right -- is also diagnostic of this reverse. A handsome and well preserved example.
