Even with its minor problems, which are consistent with the amount of wear, this is a beautiful, way above average, mid-grade 1793 half cent. It still bothers me that my early copper collector friends seem to apologize for the most minor defects in their coins. Unfortunately, the early copper community has been plagued by a few members who have been excessively critical of everyone else's coins. I get that auction descriptions must include every defect to avoid returns and litigation, but owners should be proud of their treasures. Here is a 1793 that I used to own. At the time, it was the best I could afford, and I was very glad to have it.
If I recall correctly, planchets for early copper were often troubled with porosity. I suspect the TPGs take that into account when grading. But a coin graded by EAC will certainly lower the technical grade because of porosity. When I bought my two 1811 half cents (one of each variety) I was careful to limit myself to coins with rather smooth surfaces. Apparently the US bought planchets that year from England and they were less than desired.
@halfcent1793, Roger Cohen didn’t like that 1793 Half Cent when I showed it to him in the 1990s. That coin was an upgrade from the black and brown one I had before, and it was best I could afford. Some EAC guys are impossible to please. I have given up on some them. When you have a coin that is in their condition census, and they are still dumping on it, it’s time to ignore their opinions.
In principle I agree with your observation - we coppers collectors should be proud of the collections we have put much effort (and money) into building. Having said that here is my 1793 Chain (S-3), which I still love because it was the first major copper I obtained, and it was none other than the legendary Chain Cent! I still remember how excited I felt when I got her back in 1986. However, I would not mind if the coin had better surfaces, less rough. This is one coin which I now wish I had upgraded, but somehow never got around to it.
I like your coin, Eduard. Chain cents are so unique and special that just having one is a great feeling. The good thing about them is that the chain is almost always visible even when the rest of the coin is badly worn...an immediate identification. Bruce
The only Chain cent I ever owned (when I was in college) turned out later to be an electrotype. I managed to get my money back with difficulty, but the experience got me out of a hobby I had loved until then for 25 years.
Thank you, Bruce. I was 28 when I got this cent from the Bowers & Merena sale of the Bebee collection. I was so excited and talked about it with my wife for so long that even to this day, although she still knows little about coppers, this Chain Cent is one she readily recalls. Better pictures from this morning:
Love it Eduard! Beats the heck out of mine. I would take any of those baby coppers to add to my collection.