Can someone explain the difference in these two 1797 Draped Bust Large Cents?

jesbroken

One is called a Plain Edge and the other a Gripped Edge. Coinfacts only shows the difference in the Reverse of 1795 vs 1797, which I knew that, but this edge difference I just don't see.
Thank you,
Jim

ShaunBC5

Denticles go all the way to the edge on the Gripped edge? Maybe just pics?

numisma

@jesbroken Besides being two completely different die marriages, the edge variations are on the third side of the coin and you cannot see the edge in those photos. Early copper pros use an edge mirror to photograph the edge.

jesbroken

@numisma said:
@jesbroken Besides being two completely different die marriages, the edge variations are on the third side of the coin and you cannot see the edge in those photos. Early copper pros use an edge mirror to photograph the edge.

I wondered about that, but thought that CoinFacts would have made a photo available if so. Ok, I understand now, I think it may be comparable to a reeded edge and a smooth edge, correct?
Thank you.
Jim

Edited to add: Found a photo of the gripped edge.

numisma

I wondered about that, but thought that CoinFacts would have made a photo available if so.

Good point @jesbroken. I could swear that I have seen this explained on the PCGS website, but cannot find it at this time.

Here's a nice little graphical explanation regarding this issue (from en.numista.com): https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces16940.html

johnny9434

I like the top one

hbarbee

Very interesting, since my only foray into these early cents is the 1797 that I recently acquired. However, mine is the lesser value reverse of 1797 type and the edge variation does not apply.

jesbroken

Thanks @numisma
That is a nice page, which I will keep.
I have the less expensive ones, all but 1799 and 1804. The 1799 I will never have but maybe on the 1804, someday. lol I'm having an album made now to keep them in.
Jim

Omegaraptor

I have the gripped edge. The grip marks are quite literally on the edge - they are not visible on the obverse and reverse.

There are two Sheldon varieties with which the 1797, reverse of 1795 Large Cents were struck - S-120 and S-121. The 120 has a wide date, 121 has a narrow date and E in LIBERTY nestled between the two hair curls. 121 with a plain edge (121a) is a rare variety and commands a very large premium.

CaptHenway

@jesbroken said:

@numisma said:
@jesbroken Besides being two completely different die marriages, the edge variations are on the third side of the coin and you cannot see the edge in those photos. Early copper pros use an edge mirror to photograph the edge.

I wondered about that, but thought that CoinFacts would have made a photo available if so. Ok, I understand now, I think it may be comparable to a reeded edge and a smooth edge, correct?
Thank you.
Jim

Edited to add: Found a photo of the gripped edge.

This should answer your question.

jesbroken

Yes, it did Cap, so I posted the photo to help others who might wonder in the same regard.
Jim