The 1793 Liberty Cap Cent is a significant coin in American numismatics, marking an important phase in early U.S. coinage. This coin, designed by engraver Joseph Wright, is highly valued by collectors for its historical and artistic merit. Here’s a detailed guide on its market data and noteworthy specimens, organized for clarity.
The 1793 Liberty Cap Cent represents a milestone in the history of U.S. coinage. Its design, crafted by Joseph Wright, was a major improvement over earlier designs. The coin features Liberty depicted in a style influenced by French engraver Augustin Dupré’s Libertas Americana. Although the design was modified in 1794 following Wright’s death, the 1793 issue remains highly sought after due to its rarity and aesthetic appeal. This guide provides a detailed look at market data and significant specimens of the 1793 Liberty Cap Cent.
1793 Liberty Cap Cent: Market Data
| Grade | PCGS Number | Provenance | Price | Auction House | Auction Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VF-35 | #13457489 | Virgil M. Brand; Hollinbeck-Kagin Coin Co.; R.E. Naftzger, Jr.; Superior; Walter J. Husak | $92,000 | Heritage Auctions | February 15, 2008 |
| VF-25 | #26642092 | John Work Garrett; The Daniel W. Holmes Collection; Wes Rasmussen; Heritage Auctions | $82,250 | Heritage Auctions | January 10, 2013 |
| AU-58 | #32189845 | Joseph J. Mickley Collection; The D. Brent Pogue Family Collection | $940,000 | Stack’s Bowers | March 31, 2017 |
| AU-55 | #32189847 | Rodney T. Grove; The Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation; The D. Brent Pogue Family Collection | $376,000 | Stack’s Bowers | March 31, 2017 |
| AU-53+ | #32189846 | James F. Ruddy; The Dan Holmes Collection; The D. Brent Pogue Family Collection | $235,000 | Stack’s Bowers / Sotheby’s | March 31, 2017 |
| VG-10 | #2038647-002 | The W.B. Guy Collection; The Adam Mervis Large Cent Collection | $82,250 | Heritage Auctions | January 10, 2014 |
| VF-35 | #25673204 | Henry C. Miller Collection; The Collection of Thaddeus A. Tatum III | $76,375 | Stack’s Bowers | August 15, 2018 |
Noteworthy Specimens and Their Significance
| Variety | Rarity | Description | Notable Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheldon-12 | Rarity-4 | Most common 1793 Liberty Cap Cent variety. | $92,000 (VF-35) |
| Sheldon-13 | Rarity-4 | Frequently encountered, known for its robust mintage. | $940,000 (AU-58) |
| Sheldon-14 | Rarity-5 | Notable for a bisecting die crack on the obverse. | $235,000 (AU-53+) |
| Sheldon-15 | Rarity-6 | Known as “The Aristocrat”; fewer than 400 likely struck. | $82,250 (VG-10) |
| Sheldon-16 | Rarity-6 | The second scarcest variety; fewer than 700 struck, rarely found in high grades. | $132,000 (VF-35) |
Conclusion
The 1793 Liberty Cap Cent is a prized piece among coin collectors due to its historical significance and artistic design. With various grades and notable specimens selling for impressive amounts, this coin remains a focal point in the world of numismatics. Its market value reflects its rarity and the rich history it represents, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
FAQ’s
What makes the 1793 Liberty Cap Cent so valuable?
The 1793 Liberty Cap Cent is highly valued due to its historical significance and rarity. As one of the earliest U.S. coins, it features a design by Joseph Wright that was a significant improvement over previous designs. Its value is further enhanced by its limited mintage and the high demand among collectors.
How can I determine the value of my 1793 Liberty Cap Cent?
The value of a 1793 Liberty Cap Cent depends on several factors, including its condition (grade), rarity, and provenance. Coins are graded on a scale from Good (G) to Mint State (MS). To get an accurate valuation, it’s best to have the coin professionally graded by organizations like PCGS or NGC and consult recent auction results for similar specimens.
Where can I find notable specimens of the 1793 Liberty Cap Cent?
Notable specimens of the 1793 Liberty Cap Cent are often found in major auction houses such as Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and Sotheby’s. High-profile collections, like the D. Brent Pogue Collection or the Cardinal Collection, frequently feature these rare coins. Keeping an eye on auction listings and numismatic events can help you locate these valuable specimens.