Here is an example of the next generation of Pole to Cap cents, a 1795. This is a Sheldon 76b which is the most common variety in the series. The artwork is not as elegant here as it is on the 1794 cent I posted earlier. This piece is an early die state, which means that it may have been struck during the last week in December 1795. Many of these coins were sturck in 1796. This is an example of the Plain Edge 1795 cent. Earlier these coins were struck on heavier, thicker plancets which allowed for edge lettering. In an effort to improve the first mint's financial situation, Congress passed a bill that allowed George Washington to lower the weights for the half cent and large cent by executive order. He did that in late 1795 which explains why variety 76 comes in two subvarieties, the thick planchet (a) and the thin planchet (b).
Nice coin and thanks for the write up. I like the 94 head of 94 the best oof any copper. Once they changed it slightly and reduced the weight in my opinion the coin doesn’t have the same beauty. Regardless yours is a stunning example
I think that the Head of '94 design was the most attractive of all. Some copper collectors think that the 1793 Pole to Cap cents were the most beautiful coins the U.S. ever issued. Perhaps that might be due to the fact that it is almost impossible to find them in high grade, but I strongly disagree that they were the most beautiful. The Head of '94 coins were better, and I've always like the Draped Bust design on early silver.
I believe Washington actually signed the legislation authorizing the weight reduction in Jan of 1796, but it was dack dated to December of 1795. The reduced weight coins were already in production before the authorization was signed. The 95 capped bust cnet remained in production during the first part of 96, then the 96 caps began. The 96 draped busts began in July of 96. What I have never been able to understand is why the 96 caps with only about a third of the mintage of the 96 busts, and with many fewer varieties is so much more readily available than the 96 busts.
We are of exactly the same opinion and taste. Those are my 2 favorite coins pert. Flowing hair silver is just about as nice. Later favorites are the trade dollar the no stars seated coins and gobrecht dollar and the st Gaudens $20
