Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of Early United States Cents
Walter Breen
Larger Dates
Tall 7 and Pointed Top to 4
Obverse 17. "Short Bust." The head is lower in the field with the bust point blunted. The lowest curl is exceptionally short and thin, unlike most other obverse dies of this year. Hair waves are shorter and tighter than on previous dies and the shoulder loop is not present. The date is closely spaced with 1 almost touching the hair and 4 touching the bust.
Reverse T. The wreath has 14 leaves and six berries in the left branch with 18 leaves and six berries in the right branch. The outer leaf under ME is stemless and directly above the berry under R. Two berries, inside the wreath, right of (CEN)T are widely separated; the top berry distinctly left of the bottom berry. The upper berry of this pair has a very long, thin stem. The center dot is large and just below the upper left serif of N(T) although totally clear of this letter. The fraction is low with a long fraction bar covering all 3 digits of the denominator. The 1 and 0 are distant with the 00 closer.
Die States: The only example known was struck from perfect obverse and reverse dies. The reverse die was axially misaligned, weaker from 1:00 to 3:00.
Equivalents: Not in Sheldon, later called ''NC 10." Included in Encyclopedia 1668.
Rarity 8. Unique.
Remarks: Discovered, by Christopher B. Young, July 27, 1994 at the ANA convention in Detroit.
This variety was probably delivered May 9. The axial misalignment may explain the short life of this reverse die.
Beginning with this variety, dates are larger: taller 1 with more pronounced top serif; 7 with longer heavier shaft, notably taller than 1; 9with differently shaped knob; and pointed top to 4.
Condition Census:
VG-10 With a small planchet void below ME. Purchased unattributed 7/27/1994, for $325 at the ANA Convention, by Christopher B. Young, 8/4/1994 $30,000 • Robinson S. Brown, Jr. • Superior Stamp & Coin Co. 1/1996: 61 $24,200 • Daniel W. Holmes, Jr.
The only example known.
Obverse 17.
Reverse R. Restored to service after reverse S had broken quickly and after reverse T was taken out of service for reasons yet unknown.
III. First obverse crack extends left into the hair. Reverse crack through u is heavy and extends into a leaf.