aj5831 Coin Album
The 1793 Chain Cent in AG3 is far more interesting than its low grade suggests. In fact, AG3 is one of the most revealing and historically rich grades for this coin, because the wear exposes the raw, primitive character of the earliest U.S. Mint work. 1. It is the first regular‑issue U.S. coin ever struck for circulation: The Chain Cent was part of the March 1, 1793 delivery, the first day the U.S. Mint issued coins for public use. It was “the first regular‑issue one‑cent coin produced by the United States Mint” and “the first federal coin struck for circulation”. 2. The design was controversial — and AG3 shows the controversy clearly. The reverse chain was meant to symbolize unity, but the public hated it. Contemporary quotes were critical: The chain was seen as “a bad omen for liberty”. Liberty was described as “in a fright”. In AG3, the chain links are often still visible even when Liberty is heavily worn, making the symbolism easy to appreciate. 3. The coin was made with hand‑cut dies, and AG3 preserves the “primitive” look. Early Mint engravers cut dies by hand, leading to quirky, irregular features. Wide or close date spacing depending on variety. The LIBERTY letters are misaligned (especially the leaning R on S‑3). Staggered date numerals are punched at uneven heights. Even in AG3, these handmade characteristics often remain visible, and collectors love them. 4. The mintage was tiny — only 36,103 coins. Exact daily deliveries total only 36,103 pieces. For comparison, modern cents are minted by the billions (at least through 2025, but that's another story). An AG3 Chain Cent is rare simply because so few were made and even fewer survived heavy circulation. 5. The coin’s wear tells a story. AG3 means the coin circulated hard — likely for decades. This is historically meaningful because: - Chain Cents were used during the Washington administration; - They passed through the hands of early Americans when the nation was brand new; - Many were lost, damaged, or destroyed, making survivors special regardless of grade; - A well‑worn Chain Cent is a physical artifact of everyday life in the 1790s. 6. The S-2 variety is the scarcest of the four main varieties (excluding the ultra-rare NC-1). It features the wide date and the first use of the fully-spelled "AMERICA" reverse. Even in AG3, variety matters, and this is a desirable variety. 7. AG3 is an affordable entry into a coin that becomes extremely expensive in higher grades. Looking at the "sweet spot": - AG3: ~$5250 (recent auction) - VF25: $36,000 - XF45: $66,000 - $87,000 - MS65: $950,000+ AG3 is the "sweet spot" where collectors can own this historic coin without six-figure cost. Staggered date numerals punched at uneven heights Even in AG3, these handmade characteristics often remain visible — and collectors love them. Even in AG3, you are holding the earliest chapter of U.S. coinage history.
S-9, Pop 3/61. Both sides have smooth surfaces and pleasing mahogany-brown color. Good facial detail remains.
1793 S-13, PCGS Genuine. Ron Guth: "The 1793 Liberty Cap is one of the most desired types among early U.S. Large Cents. The typical example is low-grade, usually with one or more problems (corrosion, surface damage, cleaning, heavy marks, poor strike, etc.), so nice, problem-free examples command a significant premium. PCGS has identified only two examples with legitimate claims to the Mint State grade. No Red-Brown or Red examples exist. The finest example has a long pedigree going back to the late 1800's and includes names such as Thomas Cleaney, William H. Woodin, and Louis Eliasberg. It's current grade is PCGS MS64BN and it is part of the incredible High Desert Collection in the PCGS Set Registry."
HA #1341 Orlando (1/22), ex-Palm Beach Collection; ex-Bob R. Simpson Collection. 1858 Flying Eagle Cent, PR65+ Cameo Snow-PR1, Large Letters. A single die pair is known for the 1858 proof Flying Eagle cent. This issue is scarce in all grades and seldom seen as a Cameo in Gem condition. In The Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide, third edition, Rick Snow writes: “The estimated mintage of 100 is derived from the 80 silver sets reportedly sold plus a small mintage of pattern sets, no more than 20. The number of survivors seems to fit these figures and serve as a reasonable starting point. I would estimate that about 50 examples exist today.” The Simpson coin is a Plus-graded Gem with attractive field device contrast. Razor-sharp definition complements reflective fields and rich copper-orange and violet toning. No distracting contact marks are seen, and there are just a few minor flecks beneath a loupe. Population: 7 in 65 (3 in 65+) Cameo, 2 finer (11/21). NGC ID# 227C, PCGS# 82042
Thank you to Rick and EERC (1/19). Rick listed this lovely one-year type on his site just before the Whitman/Baltimore show, I saw it and knew it could be gone before I could react, so I purchased it early that morning before departing, and chatted with him about the coin the next day at the show. He wouldn't say much beyond that the seller was moving in a new direction. Rick asked if I had seen the (only) PR67 -- I had not -- and related that it lacked eye appeal and that this coin was much more appealing.
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Top Pop/CAC. LRCA (1/20). Thank you to Greg/LRCA for recognizing the upgrade potential to CAM from PR67+RD. An EXTRAORDINARY wonder coin! From the catalog: "This stunning SUPERB GEM is the FINEST KNOWN for the date at PCGS and quite possible for the DATE. The quality is unbelievable! Bottomless mirrors are clean, clear and deep and reflect back incredibly rich, golden fiery orange and electrifying pink hues! Thick frost graces the needle sharp design elements which contrast boldly against the amazing mirrored fields. The eye appeal is simply STUNNING in every way! PCGS 1, NGC 1, CAC 1. There are NO auction records for a PR67 or 67+ graded coin. This piece is the pioneer! To put things in perspective, we sold a PCGS PR66 RD CAMEO in our Regency Auction 34 for the staggering sum of $23,500! Dare we suggest that if you bill yourself a PERFECTIONIST you will be kicking yourself for life if you let this incredible coin get away. Don’t put the bidding paddle down until you own it! We anticipate this coin will set a record price! Cert. Number 38305005 PCGS # 82392.00PCGS # 82392.00."
There are only 3 coins graded PR69DCAM over the entire wheat cent series with none graded higher; this is one of the three.
There are only 3 coins graded PR69DCAM over the entire wheat cent series with none graded higher; this is one of the three.
Ex-Newman, part of his 1978 date set, Heritage (1/18). Pristine and starkly contrasted with original copper,red color. Under a loupe, a dusting of microscopic cherry-red flecks are visible on the reverse. The cent is rare in this grade at PCGS (only 13 so,graded at that service). (11/17)
