So, many years ago, before the internet, (1980's) I was willed a coin that I knew nothing about, and as a youngster, was limited in resources as to finding out more about it. I just knew that my uncle had a huge collection of coins, and he knew what he was doing. He got me interested in numismatics as a youngster, and unfortunately, when adult life kicked in for me, I sold off 99.99% of my coins, except for a few. Of those few, I kept what my uncle gave me.
The one coin that he gave me that I really still have little knowledge about, is a 1795 Liberty Cap Large Cent. He kept the coin in a PVC type flip, and on one side had a note that says "1795 1¢ S-76a R-5 G". For years, I had no clue what any of it meant, other then it was a 1795 1¢ in good condition.
About a year ago, I was looking at the coins I had left, and did some looking into the 1795, and figured out what the S-76a and R-5 meant. Needless to say, I was thrilled.
My scale doesn't do fractional grams, but it shows 13 grams, and the edge is lettered. The ONE CENT is also high in the wreath. So based on those, I'm sure it is what he labeled it as, an R-5 S-76a (I love saying that).
So now I'm faced with the question of having it graded or not. From what I know, grading is only (typically) worth doing if the coin warrants it. I believe this coin does, but I'd like to get an idea from others how this would grade. Using the PCGS photo grading, I think the obverse would be a G04+ to G06, and the reverse an AG3+ or G04. One concern I have is that it looks like the coin was shaved a bit on the edges. I guess copper had enough value back then to warrant shaving. Lettering is there, but incomplete (see photos).
Even with correct grading, I can't even guess at value. There is nothing out there (that I can find) with values for such low grades on the S-76a. I can find plenty on the 76b, and general 1795 value, but ziltch on low-grade s-76a's. Anyone care to throw out an educated guess on a value?
So without any further ado, here are some photos. I'm not great at coin photos, but these are ok, I think.
Posted 05/01/2017 09:09 am
