1794 Liberty Cap Cent. S-51. Rarity-5-. Head of 1794. EF Details--Cleaned (PCGS). Tan-brown surfaces overall with hints of brassy iridescence on the high points of the obverse. The border denticulation is complete on both sides, albeit with a touch of softness around part of the reverse periphery. The obverse, in particular, shows excellent centering which prompts us to suggest that the obverse die was mounted in the anvil position of the coinage press. A quick search through our auction archives reveals that another example was described as having "a brassy underglow." Can we infer from this that some or most examples of S-51 were struck on a alloy resembling brass? Perhaps spectrographic research in the future will provide an answer. In any event, this is a bold and desirable EF example of a scarce die pairing for the 1794 Liberty Cap cent issue. Scattered marks on both sides are noted, as are a few scattered toning spots on the obverse. From our Chicago ANA Auction of August 2011, lot 6235, where it was certified in a straight-graded PCGS EF-40 holder.
