Low Grade Early Copper True-View

burfle23

Unattributed early large cent on eBay turned out to be a rare 1793 S-16; a true R-6 variety surely near the bottom of the Condition Census. It has a severe planchet defect- Noted in Breen’s work on large cents many of the 1793’s and 1794 head of ‘93’s were struck on defective planchets resembling “mud balls”!

Nice job by PCGS to verify the attribution and note it on the label.

BillJones

Sorry, but I guess this is a thrill for some collectors, since it's a rare Sheldon variety, but this is just too low grade for me. If I can't afford or can't find something better than this, I will pass.

lkenefic

I understand the draw for an R6, but I'd rather acquire something less rare in better condition for less money with more eye appeal.

grip

Reminds me of the planchets for the chain cent.(bad).

Namvet69

I like it, big honking planchet flaw and all. You have saved this coin from ending up in the dustbin of stuff. Peace Roy

ilikemonsters

For all of us who don't know. What makes a S-16 so rare?

BillJones

@grip said:
Reminds me of the planchets for the chain cent.(bad).

It's been my experience that the planchets that were used for the Wreath Cents were worse, especially those used to make the S-11 subvarieites. The 1793 Cap Cents were probably made from the same generation of crummy copper.

Walkerguy21D

**For all of us who don't know. What makes a S-16 so rare?
**
Estimated less than 700 struck to begin with, then factor in wear and tear, lost, melted, etc.
Being a '93 Liberty Cap, it will always have a following, despite the issues.

Interesting that the Brand/Sheldon/Naftzger/Rasmussen example also had a very large planchet defect/lamination on the obverse, and was #4 in the CC, in (EAC) VG condition.

shorecoll

I could learn to love it. Lol

burfle23

My raw images:

The only '93 cap I could swing the $ to add to my low grade date set and it is this rare variety.

burfle23

@BillJones said:
Sorry, but I guess this is a thrill for some collectors, since it's a rare Sheldon variety, but this is just too low grade for me. If I can't afford or can't find something better than this, I will pass.

Understood, but my niche in the collecting world is low grade identifiable early large cents so it works for me.

Aotearoa

@BillJones said:
Sorry, but I guess this is a thrill for some collectors, since it's a rare Sheldon variety...

Yep. That's me!

Walkerguy21D

I guess I am a bit surprised by the G details they gave it....years ago I had a meatier example than this (a 'common' S13 variety) and it received Fair details.

grip

I hear that train a coming, coming around the ben, and if I don't hurry it wont
be red again............J/K

Colonialcoin

That would be a fun coin to try to attribute!! I have never owned a 1793 flowing hair. I am curious as to how it is graded good(details)? Do lower graded ones, or in particular, this variety, normally come this weak on the reverse?

Aotearoa

Fair point. "Good" seems quite generous.

@Colonialcoin said:
That would be a fun coin to try to attribute!! I have never owned a 1793 flowing hair. I am curious as to how it is graded good(details)? Do lower graded ones, or in particular, this variety, normally come this weak on the reverse?

Purfrock

Great find! Getting a Lib Cap in any condition is difficult and expensive. Congrats on the awesome pickup!

ricko

Although I would be excited to find such a coin (quite possible where I live) while metal detecting, I would not purchase one in this condition. I like a tad more detail... Cheers, RickO

burfle23

And obviously I would- guess that's the other side of the "coin"!