This is a poor, but rare variety S-111 (R5-) with a moderate confidence factor due strictly from wear. Position of the 1 and 6 relative to the hair and bust leads to Obverse 20. The two reverses are U (S-111) and V (NC-5) and there is just enough of the left stem showing to see it almost reach the top of U(N) indicating the S-111. On Rev V, it only reaches about half way to the top. Wear makes the definitive break between the 9 and 6 uncertain at best. But I think I see a break at I(B) to the back of the head which is consistent with the later die states of obverse 20, but again weak due to wear and damage. The wide spacing between I and B is consistent as well. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1796-Draped-Bust-Large-Cent-No-Reserve-/200839894378?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2ec2fd956a
Thank you for these tips Marshall. I'm a new collector to the Large Cents world. I've purchased my Pennywise by Sheldon book. I haven't had a chance to sit down and really study it, however, I love reading all your "Large Cent Tips' posts.... it's a great learning experience! Only wish I had an E-Bay account to purchase all these coins you identify!
Thank you. It is better to learn now, before you start buying, than the other way around. My rule of thimb is to be able to identify it yourself before buying. Unless you're just intrigued with a coin. I've purchased a few for that very reason. They tend to be damaged coins which are difficult to identify and cheap. But a couple of times they weren't. Coin collecting has branched out a hundred different directions, but collecting old large cents is about as rooted in US coin collecting as you can get.
I encourage you to bookmark this and use it as a reference alongside Pennywise. The pictures are much easier to see. http://www.icollector.com/The-Pre-Long-Beach-Sale_as14916
