1794 Liberty Cap Cent. S-24. Rarity-1. Head of 1794. MS-65 BN (PCGS). Gold Shield Holder.

1794 Liberty Cap Cent. S-24. Rarity-1. Head of 1794. MS-65 BN (PCGS). Gold Shield Holder.，A simply phenomenal Liberty Cap cent of any date or die marriage that has long been ranked as CC#3 for the popular S-24 variety. Expertly centered on the planchet, both sides exhibit universally sharp definition within boldly and uniformly denticulated borders. The detail to Libertys portrait is particularly impressive, every individual hair strand crisply delineated. Otherwise glossy brown surfaces are further enhanced by wisps of iridescent blue and golden-tan. Virtually pristine, as befits the impressive MS-65 grade from PCGS, the only useful identifying features are a trio of faint carbon spots in the lower right obverse field. Collectors assembling high grade type sets of classic U.S. Mint coinage as well as specialists in early copper varieties are sure to compete vigorously for the opportunity to add this marvelous Gem to their cabinet. Breen Die State V; Noyes Die State B.<p>This varietys fame and desirability is enduring, supported by the "exceptionally rounded, full cheeks... by which collectors recognize it easily," in Dr. Sheldons words. Sheldon wrote that his "father used to call it the Apple Cheek variety," the name derived from engraver Robert Scots unusually deep cutting of Libertys cheek into the die. This colorful moniker has clung to it since the publication of <em>Early American Cents</em>. Even when well worn, the Apple Cheek is lovely, with sculptural relief and abundant personality. In high grade, as here, it is especially impressive.<p>Sheldon-24 is a plentiful variety in an absolute sense, which has contributed to its popularity since many numismatists over the years have been able to own an example. There are even a few Mint State coins known, although with only five such examples qualifying as such based on EAC grading standards, the Apple Cheek variety is clearly a significant numismatic rarity in Uncirculated condition. The finest known S-24 cent is the famous "Jackman coin," which now resides in a PCGS MS-67 RB holder and was last sold in our March 2017 sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part V as lot 5095. CC#2 is the Eliasberg specimen which, with an EAC grade of MS-61, is just a shade finer than the CC#3 Garrett coin offered here (EAC MS-60). CC#4 and CC#5 are the Beckwith and Mougey specimens, respectively, also EAC MS-60, but not quite on par with the present example.<p>As one of the finest known examples of the popular S-24 Apple Cheek cent, and a beautiful Gem with an impressive and well documented numismatic provenance, the desirability of this coin knows no bounds.，Ex Ed. Frossard Collection, acquired from an old American cabinet for $24; Ed. Frossards sale #37, October 1884, lot 865; T. Harrison Garrett, to Robert and John Work Garrett, by descent, 1888; Robert Garrett interest to John Work Garrett, 1919; transfer completed 1921; John Work Garrett to the Johns Hopkins University, by gift, 1942; our (Bowers and Ruddys) sale of the Garrett Collection for the Johns Hopkins University, Part I, November 1979, lot 59; Stanley J. Richmid; Leon Hendrickson (Silver Towne); Fred Sweeney Rare Coins; Robert Rhue and Michael Storeim; Kagins; Michael Storeim; Silvano DiGenova (Tangible Investments of America); our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of September 1988, lot 3209; Silvano DiGenova (Tangible Investments of America); Superior Galleries sale of January 1989, lot 3092; Paul Burke III; Anthony J. Terranova, April 1995; Walter J. Husak; Stuart A. Levine; D. Brent Pogue; the present consignor; Heritages ANA Signature Sale of August 2014, lot 5523, unsold; the present consignor.，