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1795 1C Plain Edge, Thick Planchet VG8 ANACS. S-76b. 13.11 grams. As a variety, S-76b is the most co

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1795 1C Plain Edge, Thick Planchet VG8 ANACS. S-76b. 13.11 grams. As a variety, S-76b is the most co
1795 1C Plain Edge, Thick Planchet VG8 ANACS. S-76b. 13.11 grams. As a variety, S-76b is the most common Liberty Cap Cent. Both Noyes (1991) and Breen (2000) give it an R.1 rating. On the other hand, S-76b is believed to have been struck exclusively on thin planchets that weigh, on average, 10.89 grams. This variety was produced from December 27-31, 1795, and then again between January 16 and March 31, 1796. By the time this period began, President George Washington had given verbal orders to Mint Director Elias Boudinot authorizing a weight reduction for the Cent from (approximately) 13.48 grams to (approximately) 10.89 grams. This reduction would lower production costs and enable the Mint to yield a profit. Washington's orders were to take effect on December 27, but Breen states that Boudinot may have jumped the gun. The earliest Cents of the S-76b variety were struck from a 6,476-pound shipment of copper that the Mint received from John Anthony on December 26. Breen believes that either Boudinot began producing light weight Cents of the S-76b die marriage on December 26, or Mint employees worked through the night of December 26-27 to deliver the first coins shortly after Washington's order took effect. If the former theory is correct, then it is possible that Mint employees could have struck an unknown, although presumably limited number of 1795 S-76b Cents on December 26 on planchets that conformed to the old weight standard. Another theory states that a few S-76a examples (which were struck on thick planchets) failed to pass through the Castaing machine and, thus, left the Mint without edge lettering. Perhaps one of these theories explains the existence of the present example. An aesthetically pleasing coin for the grade, both sides are richly toned in crimson-brown colors. The wear is most extensive around the reverse periphery, all other areas retaining at least outline definition over the design elements. There is some light porosity in the planchet, and a few swirls of charcoal color are noted on the obverse, but, otherwise, the surfaces are problem-free for the VG grade level. A coin that begs for further study, and one that will undoubtedly serve as a highlight in an early copper collection. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.