I was recently able to find this 1796 cent, this time not in the U.S, but from a European source, and i really would like to hear your opinions about it. I thought long and hard before purchasing this coin judging from pictures alone, but finally gave in because of its overall condition. Well, it arrived today, and i have to say i am very pleased: If any of you are interested in Draped Busts cent of 1796 (which have become a sort of passion for me), you will know that these are very hard to find with smooth, non-corroded, non-pitted, non-grainy surfaces, without verdigris. well, this one has very nice, smooth chocolate brown surfaces (which unfortunately i am just unable to capture with my camera). A few nicks and tiny pits are present though as can be expected. As an added bonus the coin is apparently a S-105 variety, described in Breen' s book as high R-5, less than 45 known.'The key diagnostics being a repunched 6 (only partly visible in this coin), and the fraction bar extending to the right ribbon end (which is quite visible here). I weighed the coin today to be sure, and it weighs in at 11.39 grams. A bit on the heavy side, but i have learnt that the nominal weigth for these cents of 10.89 grams really does vary a bit. As said, i would like to hear your opinions on this. Unfortunately the picture do not capture the detail, specially on the reverse. Regards, Eduard
I would call the coin F-15 maybe VF20. Man that is a nice coin and I have been looking for a decent one for a long time. Another beauty. It seems all the ones I find have problems or the grade is too high for me to afford. Sigh. My 1796 is out there someplace and will find its way home - eventually.
very nice coin i love the old cents so much stuff on them and the back looks great. Good job and great buy.
Sweet Eduard! :hail: I don't have a 1796 yet but am working on it. I do have a couple of 1798's coming in next week and I can't wait for them to arrive. As to weight, my 1802 & 1803 both weight 10.8/9 grams (scale goes to tenths and it fluctuates some) and my very worn 1800 weighs 9.9 grams so having one with a heavy planchet is much better than one that's light, due to so much wear. Plus, add the R-5 rating to it and your coin is awesome! :thumb: I can't wait to get me one!!!! :hammer: Ribbit Ps: The rim on the reverse is astonishing!
thank you for sharing your beautiful coins w/ us. i dearly love the early u.s coinage and i get to collect vicariously thu you and other members here. i hope some day to own a coin half as nice. it is so beautful, evenly worn, and nicely centered. thank you again.....steve
Thank you very much guys for your comments. I am very happy with this coin also. When i first noticed it in in Ebay, i was weary at first as it was being offered by somebody who apparently does not deal much with coins, rather with european militaria. But you never know when or where a nice coin may appear! just keep looking. As has been pointed out before in this board, 1796 Draped Busts are actually scarcer than 1794's and than 1796 Liberty caps, at a ratio of roughly 1 to 5-7. But they do show up in Ebay, which is where i got my 3 specimens, and you can save money that way. I saw a 1796 S-94 variety sell in Ebay a few months ago for $1400, then show up a few days later in a major early cents dealers inventory for.....$5,500..... For anyone of you looking for one of these (Mark?) both Heritage and I & L Goldberg have auctions coming up where samples are being offered. I still would like to get a "LIHERTY" specimen, so i am also on the lookout. After that i will be done with 1796's DB's. My next project will be a 1793 Liberty Cap, or a 1799, or another nice 1794.... Darn, these early cents are addictive! but very rewarding! regards, Eduard
I totally agree! :thumb: Ever since I got started on early cents (a few weeks ago), I can't get enough. I'm hooked on copper and selling my silver to help finance my addiction. Ribbit Ps: The overweight planchet may be the reason your gal has such nice rims. :kewl:
Thanks Eduard - I do watch heritage, but not the Goldberg site. I hope there is something I can afford. And yes they are very addictive. I don't even what to let go of some of my low grade coins. I tend to upgrade with a different variety.
