1793 Liberty Cap Cent. S-13. Rarity-4-. Fine Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS).An attractive example of this coveted date and issue, the surfaces show very faint microporosity under close scrutiny with the devices smooth with wear on the high points of the design. No rim marks or scratches of any consequence although a faint cluster of very light pin lines are seen down Libertys head but a strong loupe is needed to find them. One dull mark is noted on her chest which can serve to identify this specimen from an ancient nick or encounter. On the reverse the lettering and beading are complete and intact, and the surfaces match the obverse perfectly along with a couple of very small patches of verdigris located at ST(ATES) and around ON(E) and the wreath between. An impressive and highly desirable example of this issue that brought $23,000 in our March 2010 sale. The Philadelphia Mint opened in 1793 and while the bonds for coining silver and gold were being obtained, took to the task of coining all the copper that could be obtained into cents and half cents. Cent coinage began with the Chain style reverse, which met with disfavor from the public, so the new Wreath style was launched a few months later. A little better, but back to the drawing board. Finally the appealing Liberty Cap style was produced in late 1793, and these finally met with approval and coinage of this style continued until 1796 when the draped bust style was adopted.PCGS# 35489. NGC ID: 223L.Ex our (Stacks) sale of March 2010, lot 494.
