1794 1C S-72, BN N1BN Certification #30140698, PCGS #35699
Expert Comments
Charles Morgan
The 1794 Liberty Cap Cent, Sheldon 72
The Sheldon 72 (#35699) is the final collectible die marriage of 1794 Liberty Cap Cents, and the first to use a die punch that is identical to one used in 1795. While Shedlon varieties 67 to 72 are all attributed to assistant engraver John Smith Gardner and categorized as Heads of 1795, this variety claims the closest relationship to the Mint's 1795 large cent coinage. This die marriage introduces Obverse 39 and Reverse KK, the latter of which is also seen in the extremely rare NC-3 (#35702).
The obverse is easily distinguished by its unique hair treatment, where the lowest lock lacks a curl and instead terminates in a blunt stub. Additionally, the legend is tightly spaced, with the word LIBERTY nearly touching the top of the head at the base of the "T." While the reverse is noted for its "drooping" stems, as described by numismatist William Noyes, and its specific foliage arrangement of a triple leaf under the "O" and a double leaf under the "D," the obverse remains the primary diagnostic for collectors. Most examples exhibit progressive die cracks that grew heavier throughout the production run, which is believed to have consisted of 20,021 specimens struck on December 30.
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Condition Census Learn More
#1 PCGS AU58BN
Charles I. Bushnell. As "Uncirculated." "The Lorin G. Parmelee Collection," Samuel Hudson & Henry Chapman, June 20, 1882, Lot 2621; George W. Cogan; "The Richard B. Winsor Collection," Samuel Hudson & Henry Chapman, December 16, 1895, Lot 839 - $15.50; Charles Steigerwalt; Dr. Thomas Hall, September 7, 1909; Virgil M. Brand. As "About Extremely Fine." New Netherlands Coin Co., October 5, 1951, Lot 611- $30; Raymond Gallo, October 1960. As "About Uncirculated 50." "The R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr. Collection," New Netherlands Coin Co., November 14, 1973, Lot 393; Del Bland; C. Douglas Smith; Del Bland, November 20, 1984. As PCGS AU58BN #37577040. "The Douglas F. Bird Collection," Goldberg Auctioneers, February 16, 2020, Lot 23 - $22,800; "The Collections of Walter J. Husak and The Liberty Cap Foundation," Heritage Auctions, January 4, 2024, Lot 2066 - $26,400; Hendy Woods. S-72. Die State III. |
#2 PCGS AU55BN
Thomas D. Reynolds, purchased the coin at the Bay State Coin Show, November 2005. As PCGS AU55 #32777402. "The Thomas D. Reynolds Collection," Goldberg Auctioneers, February 1, 2016, Lot 49 - $17,625; Terry S. Denman. S-72. Die State V. |
#2 PCGS AU55BN
S-72. |
#4 PCGS AU53BN
Virgil M. Brand, February 1941; B.G. Johnson. As "AU50, with some claims to MS60." “The Homer Downing Collection,” New Netherlands Coin Company, August 18. 1952, Lot 1702 – $82.50. As "At least EF40." “The Elliot Landau Collection,” New Netherlands Coin Company, December 1958, Lot 110 – $140; Dorothy Nelson. As "Fully EF-45." "The TAD Collection of U.S. Large Cents (Nelson)," Stack’s, February 1976, Lot 19 – $900. As "EF40." “The Jesse Iskowitz Collection,” Steve Ivy Numismatic Auctions, August 12, 1983, Lot 1160 – $2,200. As "Extremely Fine 45." “The Robert Matthews Collection,” Superior, May 30, 1989, Lot 206 – $11,000; Dr. Allen Bennett, January 1998. As PCGS AU53BN #13470601. “The Walter J. Husak Collection,” Heritage Auctions, February 15, 2008, Lot 2074 – $43,125; Daniel W. Trollan. S-72. Die State IV. HD filled with Downing's yellow ink. |
#4 PCGS AU53BN
Henry C. Hines. As "Very Fine." Barney Bluestone, February 28, 1948, Lot 741; Willard C. Blaisdell, February 1, 1971; Dr. Edward R. Bush; Denis W. Loring, August 6, 1974; Dr. Rober Shalowitz; Del Bland; Denis W. Loring. As "Very Fine 35." "The Jack H. Robinson Collection," Superior Galleries, January 29, 1989, Lot 130. As "VF30." "The Gary Ruttenberg Sale of United States Half Cents and Large Cents, Part II," McCawley & Grellman Auctions, August 17, 1996, Lot 103; Jack Wadlington, June 30, 2005. As PCGS AU53BN #13291631. "The Dan Holmes Collection," Goldberg Auctioneers, September 6, 2009, Lot 116 - $13,000. S-72. Die State III. Reverse rotated 15 degrees. |