1795 Overton 121 (R-4+). 'Y' punched over a star, Berries 9x8. Brilliant Uncirculated, and approaching a Choice grade. Frosty mint lustre throughout, with a blush of russet and gold on the obverse, more gold and blue toning on the reverse. The strike is quite sharp as Liberty's curls show fine definition on all but a few of the uppermost, and the eagle's breast feathers are clearly outlined on the chest. The left obverse stars are well struck, while those on the right lack central definition. Minor adjustment marks are found on the reverse edge through the denticles with a few slipping into the legend, however, the inner wreath and the eagle are virtually free of these distractions. No rim problems present themselves, and a single horizontal nick below the eagle's beak will serve to identify this exceptional coin. Any collector who demands eye appeal and quality surfaces will delight in the present example.
This type of engraving error is unusual--even for the early days at the Philadelphia Mint. Most engraving errors involve misspellings as opposed to this example of a star device punch used underneath the letter 'Y'. Microscopic hairlines limit the technical grade, but not the visual appeal. Both dies show clashmarks, particularly around Liberty's neck and chin, and behind her head from clashing with the eagle's wings. The present coin is apparently the fourth finest known of the variety behind the late die state Gem example from our Strong (October, 1990) and Di Bello Sales, the Eliasberg near Gem and another example of this die pairing sold by Superior in October 1990 in Choice Uncirculated. Furthermore, only a single About Uncirculated coin has been sold in a generation, that also from our Numisma Sale, November 1995, lot 2504. An important opportunity for the specialist which may not be repeated for several years.
For the collector, here is a listing of the finer examples known of this die pairing.
1) Gem Brilliant Uncirculated. Late die state O.121a. from Stack's, October 1990, lot 1646.
2) Very Choice Brilliant Uncirculated. Louis E. Eliasberg Collection (Bowers and Merena/Stack's, April 1997, lot 1671.
3) Choice Brilliant Uncirculated. Jascha Heifetz Sale (Superior, October 1990, lot 3653.
4) The Present Specimen. Brilliant Uncirculated. Numisma 1995 (Stack's, November 1995, lot 1248).
5) About Uncirculated. Numisma 1995 (Stack's, November 1995, lot 2504).
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