I thought this was a funny listing. No mention of the fact the coin was HARSHLY CLEANED. Im talking pretty harshly. Look at what what it sold for. http://cgi.ebay.com/1794-HALF-CENT-...oryZ4182QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It could be a fake and they "destroyed" it to "antique" it. The obverse has serious issues and there's nothing on the reverse to coincide with the obverse issues - all the ridges behind and above the bust and the depression in the V created by the cap and the hairline. Plus, the coin has too much definition to be in such bad shape. The wire brush possibility alone doesn't explain the damage. Also, this appears to be a Cohen 3 variety, which is RARE and ripe for counterfeiting! I love the coin, just hate the good possibility it could be a fake. Ribbit :smile
Not a C-3, it's a C-4. No mention about the size of the edge letters unfortunately. I don't think it has been wire brushed but it has been wiped, buffed on something in a linear fashion probably because the coin was very dark and they have rubbed the high areas until it has worn through to the bare metal.