Early copper guys, lmk what you think

A summary of Breen shows Two Die States for NC-1 and Five for S-92.

1796 7.01 - {NC-1 (I)} Perfect Obverse Die without clash marks.

1796 7.02 - {S-92 (I)} Double clash marks before and behind the neck.

1796 7.03 - {NC-1 (II), S-92 (II)} Cracked from bases of TY into the field at right. Later this crack extends through RTY, at first faint, becoming heavy.

1796 7.04 - {S-92 (III)} Spur to right from the top of 9. At least six fold clash marks... plainest before and behind the neck. ... Cracked from the tops of BER to the rim, another faintly from the rim to the space between the lips.

1796 7.05 - {S-92 (IV)} Shattered die(s) without rim breaks. ... 7 sets of reverse clash marks from rotated reverse die.

1796 7.06 - {S-92 (V)} Shattered obverse with cracks crossing in the right and especially in the right lower field. ...


ps I will post a little at a time and edit to add info and images so check back for updates.

 

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You old copper guys are amazing.

Congrats on the work

 

My question is how were these guys capable of putting together such an in depth and complete analysis of so many rare coins and rare die varieties before the internet?

 

I have put my Breen and Penny Whimsy away for decades. I use U.S. Large Cents 1793 - 1814 by Noyes. Then I'll go to the Internet auction sites to see/confirm my attribution.

 

I wanted that one, but never had the money when there wasn't a coin I preferred at the same time.

 

Breen was an assistant for Sheldon and had a photographic memory so he had access to many of the best collections.

Unfortunately, he didn't limit himself to areas where he could contribute positively to society and ventured into areas most consider despicable and I think he died in prison if he wasn't given early release for health reasons.

 

Thank you. I almost remember you recommending this over the direct website a few years back, but my memory isn't what it once was. Ive since lost all of my bookmarks, so it is appreciated either way.

 

Yes, he did... and was in the early 1990's sometime if I recall correctly.

 

I had intended to post the pictures with the descriptions, but I'm running into problems posting the Photos. I got a couple of the 13 I have to post for this obverse.

 

IMO, that Set of books by Noyes is more important than adding a few nice coins to your collection. If you collect Large cents you'll need the complete Noyes series from 1793 to 1857; plus Wright, and Grellman. You can retire Breen, Sheldon, and Newcomb (after you read them) as the former have better photos and are easier and faster to use.

Look at it this way. A half a dozen large cents will be a joy to own, hold, and look at for a while until you get tired and want something new to play with. The books I mentioned will take you a lifetime to absorb and be entertaining and helpful each time you pick one up. They will always hold some value (as with your coins) and perhaps will help you cherrypick a rare variety. Get the EAC grading book also.

 

Better than drawings and hand written notes?

 

"True" Numismatists & researchers have personal diagnostic files, photos, notes, etc. that very often contain more information (+ new discoveries, die states) than has been printed previously including in these excellent references.

I'll expect three winks if you add to my comments.

 

Oops! I just noticed I've been in the wrong thread. I'm sorry for taking this one off subject.