1797 Cent

[JRF-migration]

This is a well worn 1797 large cent that was in some coins my grandparents had. The picture is not good. The actual coin is much darker and smoother than the picture.

 

Could you please grade?

 

Any thoughts on the left side of the rim? It looks like copper is escaping the die. Is that what they refer to as a flow?

[Coindude]

Not a bad coin, but I suspect it was dug up. Seems to have somewhat porous surfaces. Depending on who sees it and bids on it, you should expect to get anywhere from $50 - $100 for it. Again, this is a rough estimate.

[dean1345]

It is a S-131 R.3 (stemless) 1797 Large Cent in fine condition. With the rim break right of the Liberty's face (die state 2) make it quite rare. I would believe some EAC collectors would go around $900. Wish my grandparents would have left it to me!

[michael]

as they would say in japan a SUPER FANTASTIC COIN!!!!!!!!!!!

 

i think it is an easily saleable in demand coin

 

it does need to be lovingly brushed

 

and i grade this coin $1200+ retail to a collector who wants it

[JRF-migration]

Thanks Dean - I like your answer better for a lot of reasons. I am getting hooked on EAC - I even know what the acronym means. I like it because it is more than just condition and incredibly researched.

 

You talked about the rim break on the right. But what about the left? I thought that was a rim break and the copper escaped from the rim.

 

Can you explain 'stemless'. I keep looking at the wreath and do not see the difference to other wreaths.

 

I am going to buy the 'Large Cent' book. I cringe when I see the price. Does it explain all the variations? Both S and N?

 

Thanks again.

[JRF-migration]

Hi Michael,

 

You were right. This is addictive and I have an addictive personality. I am hooked. The more I read, the less I know. But I can not stop. I have vacation this week and I have done little else.

 

Thanks for your help.

[James_OldeTowne]

The instant I saw your images, I knew you had something special here. I like this coin a lot, and yes, it is a little better Sheldon variety. I think it's a commercial VG-8, and an EAC grade of 5 seems about right. But don't let "low" grades like that fool you, it's a nice coin.

[MBA101]

That is a cool coin for sure. Whatever you do, don't "clean" it or any coin for that matter.

[dean1345]

JRF,

 

I recommend the Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of Early U S Cents 1793-1814. The break on the left of Liberty is actually a piece of the die chip out and that is the protusion you see. Here is an example like yours that is EAC grade of 55 and worth about $65 K. This is an EDS and yours is LDS and more rare.I do not own this coin.

 

 

[Coindude]

Wow, didn't realize it was such a rare die variety... I'd like to retract my estimates of $50 $100 now that the specialists have spoken.

 

Again, I do believe that the surfaces seem to be rough or is it just me?

[BillJones]

Whatever the EAC or comercial grades might be, I'd grade it as a VG-7, and pleasing example for the grade.

[michael]

stemless wreath means at the bottom of the wreath where the ribbon is there are stems coming out of both sides

and if these stems are missing then they are called stemless

 

if you go to the 2010 red book turn to page 97

 

if you dont have this go to any bookstore like barnes and noble or borders and they usually have one you can look at

 

see the bottom right hand side photo?

 

you see where it has three errors reverse photo and see the stem of the wreath on the right and no stem on the left?/

 

this is stemless so if it is a stemless wreath then the stems are missing on both sides

 

 

do not waste your monry aND buy the breen book on 1793-1814 large cents

 

hard to use confusing

 

buy the noyes book on 1793-1814 large cents and you will be able to identify easily and with big clear photos the sheldon varieties

 

good luck

 

 

[michael]

do a search on google.com

 

for large cents grading etc. and you will gwst many web sites that you can see and use their tools to learn more

 

 

[michael]

should i do an ode to a 1797 half cent??

[dean1345]

I have Penny Whimsy which is a classic Large Cent reference book. Since I have acquired Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of Early U S Cents 1793-1814 it took about 2 minutes to idenify the Sheldon number. I thoroughly enjoy the full page illustrated pictures and worth every penny it cost, which was $75.

[L1ncolnF4n]

Wow, didn't realize it was such a rare die variety... I'd like to retract my estimates of $50 $100 now that the specialists have spoken.

 

Again, I do believe that the surfaces seem to be rough or is it just me?

 

They are...and they're also 212 years old. I'd call it a G-06 Sheldon grade. Value wise I have no idea, but without taking die state, or other variety rarities into consideration (save for stemless), I'd base at $1000.