96copperPDF

elcome to our February 2017 auction that features 5 different collections of US Large Cents. Each

collection is distinct in its focus, and there is very little duplication between them. As a result there

should be something for everyone with pieces valued from under $50 to more than $50,000.

The sale begins with the superior “Red Book” set of Large Cents, 1793-1857, assembled by Dr. Haig

Koshkarian. All 150 of his cents have been certified by PCGS and many have received CAC approval

(one piece received the coveted CAC Gold sticker). Although a few “Red Book” varieties are not in the

collection, the majority are represented by superior examples that rank high in the separate condition

census rankings maintained by both PCGS and members of the Early American Coppers Club (EAC).

And some are the “finest known” in one or more of the condition census lists.

Next up is Part 2 of the fantastic Tom Reynolds Collection of early date Large Cents, 1794-1814. All 85

of the cents have been certified by PCGS and many have been approved by CAC. Most are in very high

grade and quite a few are the finest known of the die variety. In addition there are numerous very rare die

states represented. Many pieces come with extensive provenances, and some have been traced back more

than 100 years. These provenances contain many, if not most, of the “giants” of Large Cent collecting.

The complete Sheldon die variety collection of 1794 cents assembled by Charles F. (Chuck) Heck comes

next. Nearly all of these 103 cents are being offered “raw,” which is the way Chuck preferred to collect

them. One “noncollectible” (NC) variety is included (the semi-unique NC-4 or S-17b). Chuck focused

his efforts on obtaining pieces that came with outstanding provenances, and many of the “big-name”

1794 collectors are represented. In addition, there are several very rare die states and discovery coins in

the collection. There should be something in here for every collector of 1794 cents, even those collecting

on a budget.

The Pierre Fricke Color Set offers 102 lots of early cents with a focus on the wide variety of colors found

on these old coppers. It begins with two Fugio Cents followed by Large Cents from 1793-1857. Nearly

every date is represented, including 1793, 1799, and 1804. Many high grade and rare varieties are being

offered, including the finest PCGS-graded 1821 N-1. Most of the cents are being offered raw. The first

100 pieces comprise his high grade color set and are being offered as single lots. His low grade color set

of 57 pieces is being offered as two group lots (the 19 pieces dated 1794-1807 as one lot and the 38 pieces

dated 1818-1857 as another lot).

The final part of this offering comes from Dr. Bruce Tucker. He focused on collecting relatively high-

grade Large Cents of 1816-1857 that had superior eye appeal. Most of his 123 lots have been graded by

PCGS, and many of those received CAC approval. There are some scarce die varieties in the collection,

but most are simply very attractive examples of relatively common die varieties, perfect for date or type

sets.

There you have it: five collections of early cents, each with a distinctly different focus. There should be

exciting opportunities here for every collector with an interest in early coppers. Hope to see you at this

important sale.

Bob Grellman, Cataloger