Seldom Seen: The Finest Known Birch Cent

The following is a press release from Heritage

Among the innumerable highlights of the Partrick Collection offerings in the January 7 - 12 FUN US coins Signature Auction in Orlando is the 1792 Birch Cent, pedigreed to the famed Garrett collection. This Gem Uncirculated specimen is a wonder to the eye, as evidenced by the NGC-assigned designation for eye appeal; a coin that should not exist. Without doubt set aside at the time of issue, careful storage has preserved to full effect spectacular color and prooflike surfaces. Choosing the most desirable specimen of the Partrick 1792 pattern set would be an equally pleasant and difficult task, and this coin would be a leading contender.

Smooth, prooflike surfaces highlight this coin, the epitome of the 1792 pattern coinage. LIBERTY is prominently centered above the portrait, the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement within the 1792 pattern series. The lettered edge bears the inscription TO BE ESTEEMED * BE USEFUL *, while BIRCH is inscribed on the neck truncation. The die alignment approaches medal turn at 330 degrees. The protected areas within the hair and lettering preserve generous amounts of original red. There are a few trivial marks in the right obverse field, none inconsistent with the Gem Uncirculated designation. Liberty's cheek is clean.

The 1792 Birch cents are among the most enigmatic of the 1792 pattern issues. Conflicting and ambiguous data surround the identity of the engraver, the chronology of the striking, and their place within the legislative history of the Mint.

The records of the Garrett collection included a notation that the present coin, purchased from the Ellsworth collection in 1923, was pedigreed to David Rittenhouse, the first Director of the United States Mint. Frank H. Stewart's History of the First United States Mint (1924) discussed a group of 1792 Half Dismes, one of which was in the possession of George S. Gerhard, said to have descended through the Rittenhouse family. The Rittenhouse pedigree was further mentioned in Henry Chapman's sale of October 1919. Chapman cataloged lot 21, a 1792 Half Disme, and wrote "This specimen has an interesting history, being one of four that belonged to David Rittenhouse, the astronomer and first director of the U.S. Mint, 1792-1795, and has never been out of the family until now." It thus appears that Rittenhouse preserved a small group of 1792 patterns including several Half Dismes, a Birch cent, and possibly other pieces. A finer provenance can hardly be imagined.

The overall appearance is outstanding and the importance of the current offering cannot be overemphasized. From the birth of the nation's Mint, with a provenance to the first Mint Director, this extraordinarily preserved treasure is a highlight of this extraordinary auction.