Hi Friends, Here is an 1797 Stemless wreath cent. Variety S-131, R-3. One of two (or 3) stemless varieties for 1797. The others are R-4 and R-5 i believe. Interesting variety, described as follows by Doctor Sheldon: "1797 Draped Bust Cent, Stemless variety. Popular because described as a "type"; actually, they are all types, just like people are". Regards, Eduard
Eduard, Beautiful coin! You just have to love those Draped Bust Large Cents! The Variety listings mave have been updated as CoinFacts now has 4 listed (S-131, S-132, S-133 and S-143). What grade was noted for the coin when you purchased it? I believe that it is a VF-20 but teters on F-15 due to the weak and worn rim on the Obverse from 2:00 to 5:30! Again, thanks for sharing another of your' beautiful coins! Frank
Coinfacts is out of date as well then as there are five stemless wreath varieties from two different reverse dies S-143 and NC-8 (R-5- and R-8+) from one and S-131, 132, and 133 (R-3, R-5, and R-5- respectively) frm the other. So the S-131 is the only "common" stemless wreath for 1797. But the odd die break in the field makes it very popular. (That obv in different die states, was also used on four varieties) The thing to look for when you see an S-131 is to look at the point of the leaf below the D. If it is below the edge of the upright as on this one, it's S-131. If it is almost under the outer curve of the D, you have found the second known NC-8.
Thanks Conder, thank you Frank, Yes, the obverse is weaker than the reverse on this particular coin. I don't know if this is characteristic for S-131. Others i have seen show stronger obverses. I bought this as Fine in the UK (Birmingham) from a local dealer there - Format Coins. It does not suffer from surface imperfections, but does have some minor rin dings. Nice coin overall though. regards, Eduard
Your coin is much nicer than my S-131. I keep bouncing between F-15 and VF20. My coin shows the same weakness on the obverse rims, but your reverse is stronger than my reverse. To me the rim dings are minor. Just for comparison. This was my second major large cent purchase. To me mine is great, but yours has a better planchet.
Another choice coin, Eduard! You guys are fountains of information, always fun reading these threads.
It's possible the rim's weakness is due mainly to strike, not wear. It's an off-center strike with strong definition on the left crescent of the rim, just like Breen's plate coin. It's possible this is common with S-131. I checked Heritage auction records and found several with similar strike, though some were well centered with a symmetrical rim. Great coin, Eduard ! You're always throwin' down the winners. Keep up the good work !
Thank you guys, thank you 900Fine for your comments. Early US copper is a world of its own, enthralling and rewarding! As i have often said, these Large cents (and the little half cents sisters too) have a very special charm. Mark, i love your S-131. Its a nice, well balanced coin. Seeing yours, and other 131's in Heritage, i was wondering if i should not give mine a quick dip in acetone to remove grime, particularly on the obverse. I recently did this with an 1821, and it came out looking much better. Acetone should not damage copper. I'll think about it.
Eduard - beautiful early copper. I already miss my one example that I sold (see my Buy the coin, not the Slab" thread). Oh well, the money did help to buy some different early copper (Conders! ). Now that I think about it, isn't this a great hobby? You live in England and collect early U.S. copper and I live in the U.S. and collect early English copper. :thumb:
Catbert, i did see that 1803 you let go. I can really understand that is one coin you miss.....it was very appealing. I think that if i ever had to sell my collection, i would first sell my German, then my Spanish Colonial, then Roman and 19th century U.S. And then, i would have to be in real dire straits to have to let go of my early U.S, specially the coppers. As Mark mentions, i live in Germany, but i did spend some years in the U.K, as my parents had the foresight to send me to boarding school there. That is where i leant that, given the right circumstances, you can come to think of baked beans on toast as a culinary delight.
ROFL Come to graduate school in the States ! Our college students feast on such delicacies as Kraft macaroni-n-cheese. :thumb: For a hot date, we break out the Ramen noodle soup ! yum yum
Yea, but I think what Eduard was commenting on was the general cuisine of the UK. They are not world renown in that area...
Sorry.....I'm a slow learner! I guess it's your name that trips me up each time and then I make these associations. Oh well, it was a sentimental comment I made and wrong to boot. Nonetheless, I always enjoying reading your posts about your early coppers.
