1794 1C S-49, RB MS65RB Certification #26092871, PCGS #35610

Charles Morgan

The 1794 Liberty Cap Cent, Sheldon 49, Young Head

The reworked Obverse 21 die (previously seen on Sheldon 48 (#35705) returns here paired with a new reverse, Reverse X. While the rare S-48 pairing famously featured the "Star Reverse," that die failed early in production. Reverse X avoided a similar fate, proving far more durable; it was utilized across multiple pairings before its final deployment on Sheldon-54 (#35624).

Obverse Diagnostics

The obverse may appear in three distinct states:

• Perfect Die: Faint clashmarks. No die cracks.
• Cracked Die: A prominent, thick crack running from just right of the 12 o’clock position, through the letter E, and extending into Liberty’s hair.
• Cracked Die with Heavy Clashmarks and Die Bulge: Marks at Liberty's cap. Die bulge from rim to nose.

Reverse Diagnostics

The reverse is defined by its "Closed Wreath" design, characterized by:

• Foliage: Large leaves that fan outward; the tips of the leaves nearly touch, creating the "closed" effect.
• The Ribbon: At the base of the wreath, the ribbon is canted slightly to the right. The right ribbon end drapes downward, nearly reaching the fraction bar.
• The Knot: The two knots of the bow remain distinct and do not touch. Edge Detail: The design includes 83 dentils framed by 94 stars running along the perimeter.

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