*Poll* do you think this chain cent has been tooled
CaptainRon
Posts: 1,189 ✭✭
CaptainRon
Posts: 1,189 ✭✭
CaptainRon
Posts: 1,189 ✭✭
Comments
However if it was tooled, then why not add some hair detail, and perhaps work the date as well.
the coin has a nice look to it and appears to be worn in a natural way.
i would love to hear the opposite opinion and why they think it
could be.
would not you have to look at it under significant magnification to
detect subtle tooling? say 10 times?
i like it, wish it had a more visable date however. but still nice.
1793 Sheldon-3. Rarity-3-. Chain, AMERICA. VF-20 (PCGS).
Smooth, even wear on both sides. The obverse is basically medium brown, somewhat lighter on the portrait. Some scattered marks are seen in the fields. LIBERTY is bold, and the date is well defined. The eyes and lips of Miss Liberty are bold, and most hair strands are delineated. Smooth wear characterizes the center of the portrait. On the reverse, the chain is bold, the interior lettering is of medium strength, and the inscription around the border, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is bold. A small dig or mark is seen between I and T (UNITED). Medium brown surfaces with some hints of lilac. Popular and indeed essential for type set purposes.
The first cents of the chain style were released in early 1793. An often quoted newspaper account stated that Miss Liberty appeared to be "in a fright," and that the chain on the reverse was an "ill omen" for a country that prided itself with its liberty. No doubt such sentiments prompted a quick change to what we now know as the Wreath type, from deeply and boldly engraved dies, and of a completely different design. Then later in the year came the Liberty Cap cent by Joseph Wright. A recently released book about Henry Voigt, by Karl Moulton, gives a fascinating view of the Philadelphia Mint in the early days and is highly recommended.
For generations the 1793 Chain cent has been an object of numismatic desire. The present coin is in high enough grade to be readily identified, but low enough that it should be quite affordable as it crosses the auction block.