Among early large cents there are handful of varieties bearing some interesting errors in die engraving. Perhaps the better known varieties are the so-called '3-Error Reverse' varieties, S-218 and S-219, both 1801 cents, with 3 major engraving errors on the reverse. The 1796 'Liherty' varieties are further examples (S-103 and S-104), as well as 1794, S-55, so-called Office-Boy' variety due to some very 'interesting' (read irregular) peculiarities in the lettering of the reverse legends. Finally, we have the 1802, S-241 which also sports some major interesting engraving errors on the reverse. One can only speculate how all this happened. What is easy to imagine, however, is how 'quaint' and somewhat rudimentary (for lack of a better word) conditions were at the U.S mint in the very early years of operation. For me, all of this just adds to the 'earthly' appeal of early U.S coinage. Here are are my examples of some of these interesting reminders of the conditions in the early years of the U.S mint at Philadelphia: 1796 LIBERTY variety, S-103. 'B' in Liberty first punched upside down, then corrected making it appear like an 'H' 1801, 3-errors variety, S-219 (also present in the much scarcer S-218) The left wreath stem is absent, the 'U' in UNITED was initially entered inverted, then hastily corrected, and the fraction is 1/000. (The M in AMERICA is also noticeably prepunched) 1802, S-241. ''A clumsily engraved reverse die with absent stems, a double fraction bar, and a widely repunched second S in STATES''. Please post any examples of early engraving mishaps you may have.
Early US coppers are easily the most significant and attractive coinage of any our mint has ever produced. Like everyone, I love this series. May I ask what the significance is of the bar that appears above Lady Liberty's bust on many of these early examples?
Of the 1794's the missing fraction bar is one of my favorites; my example shows that feature well for a low grade one (Images courtesy Shawn Yancey).
Hi Randy, thank you for your comments. I am sorry, I am afraid I do not understand your question. You ask about a bar above Lady Liberty's bust. Which bar do you refer to?
You see that Liberty cap behind her head? It is supported on a pole the passes over her left shoulder and out in front of her bust. Sometimes if you look closely and/or have a high grade coin you will see part of that pole behind her head going into the cap. Such as on this one.
Jack, that is beautiful example of S-64. It is both interesting due to the missing fraction bar, and quite scarce as well. The feature is quite evident on your example.
Thank you both. I have collected almost fifty years. And I never understood why this was called a “Liberty Cap” variety when lady Liberty was obviously wearing a bow in her hair..... Honestly, that has been a mystery to me since my first Red Book. I feel just a wee bit silly and do apologize for the elementary question. I truly appreciate the eye opening obviousness of the image now. Thanks, fellows.
I know the Liberty Caps have the provenance of their supporters and always have. Particulaly the 94s. But I have to say my favorite is the Draped Bust. If that really is Ann Bingham, she was a beautiful woman. If not, the artist created a masterpiece. Probably both are true.
Just expanding on what Conder has said. Here is a wikipedia article that explains the Phrygian Cap and it's history as a symbol of freedom. Pay close attention to the French Revolutionary period which was contemporaneous with the design of the Liberty Cap Cent. I remember seeing images which looked almost exactly like the finished coin design, but I didn't see them in this article. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_cap#From_Phrygian_to_liberty_cap
2018 Jim Thorpe Native American 1 dollar — I bought a 2018 SF coin. Set 50th Anniversary proof The U and N in the United State of American are connected together The Top Right in the U and top Left of the N are connected with a Bridge and no space ! Error or part of the design !
Hey Ross..... You managed to put your first post in a thread that is about early American coppers. Probably won't much be noticed. Go to the main page and you will see a listing of topics. Click on the "error coin" topic. At the top of the page you will see an option to create a new thread. Start there and you will get much more mileage with your first post. And welcome to CT.
