Large Cents 1796 S-104 R3 Draped Bust with LIHERTY Error, AU

Large Cents
1796 S-104 R3 Draped Bust with LIHERTY Error, AU Detail, Surfaces Smoothed, PCGS. Attractive glossy medium brown and chocolate. Lightly burnished and recolored, but the retoning was expertly accomplished and the gloss is enhanced by a microscopic layer of wax or very fine lacquer for protection, the so-called "Sheldonizing" layer found on many cents that can be traced to the Doctor's collection. Mostly smooth except for the die rust associated with the later die state, but there are a few patches of very fine post-strike roughness, mostly on the reverse. No verdigris, and the eye appeal is quite nice. The largest of the rough patches covers the wreath ribbon and upper half of the fraction, with smaller ones at the top of the wreath and at ITE in UNITED. M-LDS, Breen state III, with obvious die rust leaving microscopic lumps in protected areas on both sides. The patches of fine roughness resulting from environmental damage are easily confused with (and lost within) the areas of fine die rust associated with this later die state. The LIHERTY error is bold. Called AU55 net EF45 and CC#1 in the Bland census. Noyes says AU50 net VF35 and CC#2, his photo #21230. Previously removed from a PCGS slab graded AU50. The obverse is plated in Dr. Sheldon's Early American Cents and Penny Whimsy, and this is the Noyes plate coin for the variety. This cataloger's EAC grade is net VF35. Comes with a long, impressive provenance. The attribution is noted on the PCGS Gold Shield label. Three highest graded at PCGS: 1 in 30, 2 in 53. 35849.98/40347222.
Ex Robert Coulton Davis-New York Coin Stamp Co. 1/20/1890:2531-Harlan P. Smith, S. H. & H. Chapman 5/8/1906:1086-unknown-Henry C. Hines-Dr. William H. Sheldon 4/19/1972-R. E. Naftzger Jr., 2/23/1992-Eric Streiner-Jay Parrino (The Mint) 7/1995-Michael Arconti, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior 3/2/2000:76-W. M. "Jack" Wadlington 5/2005-Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley 6/30/2005-Daniel W. Holmes, Jr., McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldbergs 9/6/2009:176-Walter J. Husak Collection.

Robert Coulton Davis was a pharmacist who was born in Philadelphia on April 3, 1823. He died there on August 24, 1888. New York Coin & Stamp Company sold his collection, including 150 large cents, in January 1890. On October 15, 1851, Davis married Jane Baker, and they were the parents of two sons, Rembrandt Peale Davis and Frank Coulton Davis.
From The Collections of Walter J. Husak and The Liberty Cap Foundation.

https://coins.ha.com/itm/large-cents/1796-s-104-r3-draped-bust-with-liherty-error-au-detail-surfaces-smoothed-pcgs/a/1370-2092.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-USCoins-1370-01042024

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