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***Auction Highlight*** 1795 Letter Edge Cohen-1 Liberty Cap half cent 1/2c Graded Choice AU By USCG

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:5,156.25 - 10,312.50 USD
***Auction Highlight*** 1795 Letter Edge Cohen-1 Liberty Cap half cent 1/2c Graded Choice AU By USCG
***Auction Highlight*** 1795 Letter Edge Cohen-1 Liberty Cap half cent 1/2c Graded Choice AU By USCG. This absolutely stunning Choice AU example would be ideal to represent this classic early half cent design type. The glossy and vibrant surfaces exhibit dominant reddish-copper patina with a few swirls of deeper russet noted on both sides. The strike is off center with razor sharp denticles. A loupe reveals a few extremely minor planchet flaws, but the overall appearance is one of smooth and hard surfaces. Easily among the most technically sound, visually appealing 1795 half cents of any variety that we have ever offered. The first two decades of the United States Mint's half cent production saw numerous design alterations, both purposeful and unintentional. Though several contemporary denominations exhibit similar diversity, these changes on the half cent sometimes involved the often-overlooked third side of a coin, namely the edge. The earliest half cents of 1795 exhibited a lettered edge, but when the weight of the copper planchets was reduced late in the year it was decided to revert to a plain edge in order to accommodate the reduced thickness and circumvent the difficulty of shrinking the edge lettering. Though largely struck in 1796, these plain edge coins still employed 1795-dated dies and are considered part of that issue. In addition to the two edge types, four distinct obverse types for 1795 are determined by the presence or absence of a pole projecting from Liberty’s neck, and the presence of absence of a die flaw after the first digit of the date. It is the combination of these obverse and edge types that constitute the four prominent varieties that all 1795 half cents can be categorized under: Lettered Edge, With Pole; Lettered Edge, Punctuated Date; Plain Edge, Punctuated Date; Plain Edge, No Pole. Each of these four varieties is of similar rarity in circulated grades, with the Lettered Edge becoming slightly scarcer above Extremely Fine. The Choice AU piece offered here is of the Lettered Edge, With Pole variety, and is among the most appealing examples of the issue as a whole that we have ever handled. It is sure to elicit strong bids from type collectors and early copper specialists alike. A Corey's Pick, Bid to Win, Don't let it get Away, you might not find its equal Coin. I give this coin my highest recommendation