1793 Liberty Cap Half Cent. Head Left. C-3. Rarity-3. AU Details--Corroded (NCS).

An extremely sharp specimen of the first half cent issue, made all the more interesting by its unusual and historic provenance. This piece was found on the same site, at the same time, as a 1798 dollar die trial in copper that we (Stack's) also offered in our August 2007 sale. Both were located by metal detector in 2006 on a lot razed for modern construction abutting the former site of the First United States Mint in Philadelphia. The surfaces are granular, dark steel overall with some ruddy earthen encrustation still clinging to both sides. This piece has an "as found" look, and was never cleaned aside from brushing off whatever detritus adhered at the moment of discovery. The details on both sides are superb, well defined, and show little if any actual circulation wear. A little nick is noted off Liberty's chin, and some raised scale is seen under the word UNITED on the reverse. Though this piece may not photograph well, it looks pleasing in hand, and its wealth of detail is easily studied and enjoyed. As a sharp example of this scarce one year type, this piece has a good deal of value and desirability. For its association with the aforementioned unique 1798 dollar trial and its fascinating story of discovery, it seems to us to be worth even more. The 1798 dollar die trial in copper realized $29,900 as lot 3025 in our aforementioned August 2007 sale.

PCGS# 35009. NGC ID: 2222.

Discovered in 2006 by metal detectorists on a lot in Philadelphia whose location abutted that of the First United States Mint; from our (Stack's) J.A. Sherman and Roraima Shield Collections sale, August 2007, lot 225; our Spring 2023 Auction, March, lot 6002.

Estimate: $3000