LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 February Long Beach Signature Coin #460  / 

3002

1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF45 PCGS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:55,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF45 PCGS
<B>1793 Chain 1C AMERICA XF45 PCGS. CAC.</B></I> S-3, B-3, R.3. The obverse is easily identified by the straight bust line, and the large R in LIBERTY. The reverse is the only die with AMERICA spelled out in its entirety. Considered the most common Chain cent variety, the S-3 may have comprised half the original mintage, or about 18,000 of the 36,103 coins struck early in the year. Today, it represents about half of the entire surviving population.<BR> Struck in early March 1793, the Chain cents hold the special distinction of being the first government issue coins struck within the new Philadelphia Mint building. It must have been an exciting time. Looking at this coin, which is modestly circulated but still retains essentially all of its detail, our mind wonders to the days inside that building in 1793. Hand striking these coins and seeing them emerge from the press in all their brilliance, is a sight we can only fantasize about today. For some of the Mint employees in those days, the thought of creating a new national coinage was certainly exciting. [Sigh]. Having just been reminded of the annual yellow fever epidemic, perhaps the concept of time travel is not quite as appealing.<BR> This lovely piece has smooth tan and dark brown surfaces with a "woodgrain" pattern, especially on the obverse. Although slightly imperfect, with a few faint abrasions and imperceptible hairlines, this wonderful cent is a delightful representative of the first coinage. <BR><I>From The Southwest Collection.</B></I><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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