Lot Number 3
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1795 - O.120, T-4 R.6+ PCGS VF 20
Unbelievable! A second example of this charismatic rarity. This one comes with a checkered history. Since 2005 it has been offered on various occasions by Heritage, ANR, Bowers & Merena and Stack’s. The assigned grades range from F.15 to VF 30. It has been orphaned since William Waste parted with it at Heritage’s Nov. 2005 Dallas Sale where it was encapsulated by NCS as a cleaned VF, bringing $10,350. ANR, B&M and Stack’s had their chances at it over the next 2 years, each suggesting a grade of VF 30. Then, for 8+ years, Chris Merrill provided a foster home. He purchased it privately in Dec. 2009, encased in its current PCGS holder, sporting a darker patina than in 2005. Merrill consigned his collection to Heritage in 2017. At its Feb. 2018 Long Beach sale the coin was overshadowed by Merrill’s 1817/4 and overlooked by the collecting community. It was literally “stolen” by our consignor at $4,320! The coin is darkly toned in the fields, lighter on the devices. Contact marks are insignificant. Hairlines, if any, are buried under the toning. The sharpness grade is no less than VF 30. Note, especially, the detail in Liberty’s curls and the eagle’s wings. The coin is plated at page 84 of Tompkins. Est. $5,000 and up.
