LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Signature Coin - Charlotte, NC #434  / 

2011

1793 1/2 C AU58 NGC. C-1, B-1, High R.3. Die State I/I

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:5,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1793 1/2 C AU58 NGC. C-1, B-1, High R.3. Die State I/I
<B>1793 1/2 C AU58 NGC.</B></I> C-1, B-1, High R.3. Die State I/II. This is an intermediate die state where the earlier punch of the 9 has faded and the fraction is still sharp. However, the center of the reverse shows obvious buckling that is common to Die State II.<BR> The 1793 half cent presents an interesting study for the copper collector. Its production is intertwined with the Chain and Wreath cents. Both designs were unpopular with the public, the Wreath cent only marginally less so than the Chain design. Mint personnel were cautious with the half cent. By May 1793 the Mint had 32,000 blank planchets ready for coining, but nothing was done for two months. It was not until July 18 that actual production began. After the 32,000 blanks had been coined, an additional 3,334 pieces were struck in September. This would complete the production of half cents for 1793, as the Mint closed September 18 because of the nearly annual yellow fever epidemic. The epidemic was a real threat to the health of the citizens of Philadelphia, and its effect can be seen on the half cents of this year as Joseph Wright, one of the coin's engravers, died of yellow fever that year.<BR> There were no central device punches available in 1793, and as a result dies had to be hand-cut. Two distinct obverse designs can be seen for the 1793 half cent. However, these pieces are usually seen in such low grade that the differences are not readily observable. This die was presumably cut by Chief Coiner Henry Voight and Joseph Wright.<BR> As mentioned above, most survivors are low grade. This is an exceptionally well preserved example that shows even, medium brown color with just a hint of underlying red. Sharply defined, except in the center of the reverse as noted. The only mentionable abrasion is located in the left obverse field in front of the neck of Liberty. An outstanding 1793 half cent that will surely find its way into a high grade type set. EAC 40.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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