Variety Equivalents: Breen 1031

Edge: Plain (error)

Notes:

Images courtesy of Early American History Auctions, Inc.

Recent appearances:
"Extremely Fine" (illustrated above).  Ex - Early American History Auctions, Inc.'s Mail Bid Sale, August 25, 2001, Lot 1445, where it was described as follows: "1794 Talbot, Allum & Lee Cent, Breen-1031, "Plain Edge" and with New York variety, Extremely Fine.  149 grains. Rarity-7+ (Breen states that 3 or 4 specimens are known). A very rare variety with a completely natural edge and no trace of any lettering whatsoever. Normally, the lettering was applied using a Casting machine in a process completely separate from the striking of the coin. Here, then, is a rare instance of a planchet that skipped an important production step. The coin itself was lightly cleaned long ago but has now retoned to a pleasing, chocolate brown color and has nice details, smooth hard surfaces, and just a slight gloss on the lighter high points. Although the GUIDEBOOK does not price this important "ultra-rarity", it does make a separate notation: 'Rare plain edge specimens of both dates exist.'" - Stack's "Americana" Sale, January 21-23, 2003, Lot 1054, plated

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen (purchase a copy by clicking on the title)