100 / 280
98
Equal Second Finest 1796 NC-4 Rarity
92
1796 NC-3 R6 Draped Bust, Reverse of 1797 PCGS
Genuine, VF Details, Environmental Damage.
A sharp
cent that has fine roughness covering all but the high-
points, which are mostly smooth. No verdigris or contact
marks. Slightly glossy dark chocolate brown and steel with some
lighter chocolate brown toning on the obverse. Most likely lightly burnished and retoned,
which would account for the lack of roughness on the highpoints, but the toning looks
quite natural. The date is complete and easily readable but not strong and the legends
are all clear. EDS, Breen state I, before any clashmarks or die cracks. Noyes graded EF40
sharpness net G6 and tied for CC#7, his photo #26878. Del Bland says EF40 net F12 and
CC#3.
Our grade is VF35 sharpness net VG10
. An important cent that comes with a
very nice provenance, and the Dr. French collection pillbox comes with the lot. The attri-
bution and Reynolds provenance are noted on the PCGS Secure label
(PCGS # 35876)
Estimated Value....................................................................................................... $7,000-UP
Ex Dr. George P. French, B. Max Mehl 1929 FPL, lot 149-T. James Clarke 1944-B. Max
Mehl-Thomas Werner-George Ramont 3/21/1972-Jules Reiver, Heritage 1/24/2006:19275.
93
1796 NC-4 R5+ Draped Bust, Reverse of 1795. PCGS
graded VF-20.
CAC APPROVED
. Choice glossy light
to medium chocolate brown. The surfaces are smooth
and this cent offers outstanding eye appeal. There are a
few minor marks consistent with the grade, including
a small group of tiny planchet chips in the field over
the bust tip, a diagonal nick over the left top of the T in
CENT, and another small nick on the right top of that T.
EDS Breen state I, before the die crack at TES. Graded
F12 net VG10 and tied for CC#2 honors in the Noyes
census, his photo #34655. Not seen by Bland but the fin-
est in his census grades VG10.
Our grade is VG10+ and
very nice for the grade.
The attribution and Reynolds
provenance are noted on the PCGS Secure label.
Pop 1;
none finer at PCGS for the variety. Only 2 examples
graded at PCGS (PCGS # 35840)
Estimated Value.............................................. $5,000-UP
Ex Merritt Reynolds 11/1995.