An extraordinary collection of large U.S. cents has all the Sheldon number varieties from 1796 through 1814 and will soon find new owners. These superb coins will be sold on January 9 as part of the Heritage Auctions sale of The COL Steven K. Ellsworth Collection of U.S. Large Cents 1796-1814. The auction is an important event of the FUN Convention in Orlando, Florida.
Importance of the 1796 Large Cents
The year 1796 celebrated a main transition in U.S. coinage. It was when the U.S. Mint changed from the Liberty Capped Bust design to the Draped Bust design. As Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions, notes, “This collection begins with Draped Bust coins, many of which are either the best known or among the best examples available.”
About Col. Steven K. Ellsworth
Col. Ellsworth began collecting coins as an intermediate schooler. It has since become among the most reputable collectors of early large-cent varieties. He has achieved a reputation as a main figure in the numismatic community.
In a 2022 interview with PCGS, Ellsworth described the historical importance of large cents:
“These coins were the people’s money. They were used for buying everyday items like bread and horseshoes. Large cents were in constant use, and some of these coins have seen thousands of transactions. The finest-known examples of specific combinations may only grade as AG3 or G4, while anything XF or higher is extremely rare.”
Highlights from the Ellsworth Collection
1. 1799 S-189 R2 XF45 PCGS, Approved by CAC (“Abbey” Cent)
- It is known as the “Abbey” cent, and it boasts a 180-year provenance, making it one of the longest ownership chains for a U.S. large cent.
- It is the best example approved by CAC and is considered one of the most important 1799 cents.
- Named after Lorenzo H. Abbey, a 19th-century collector, the coin has achieved legendary status in numismatics.
2. 1801 S-217 R6+ AU58 PCGS
- The finest-known example of this rare combination, even with small errors.
- The coin’s origin has prominent collections like those of Dr. William H. Sheldon, Walter J. Husak, and Barney William Bluestone.
3. 1798 S-178 R5+, Style II Hair, Reverse side of 1795, VF35 PCGS
- This is the discovery coin for the variety, first recognized by James A. Walker, a registered collector from Philadelphia.
- The coin was featured in a 1913 issue of The Numismatist, making it a historically important piece.
- It has been a plate coin in multiple connections, including the Breen encyclopedia and Noyes reference.
4. VF20 PCGS, Large Date, Small Fraction, 1803 S-264 R4+
- It is known as a “Famous Four” variety, it is a key to assembling a complete Red Book set of early cents.
- This sharply struck coin is the plate coin for the combination in the 2000 Breen encyclopedia.
- Only two examples are graded as VF20, with only three others in higher grades.
5. 1810 S-285 R2 MS66 Red & Brown PCGS
- A century-old provenance has prominent numismatists such as Hillyer C. Ryder, author of famous works on colonial coins.
- Ryder also performed at the Putnam County National Bank, where he signed national currency as a cashier.
Catalog and Auction Details
Mark Borckardt, Heritage’s senior numismatist, and Bob Grellman of Early Cents Auctions meticulously prepared the catalog for the Ellsworth Collection. This partnership provides the collection is thoroughly documented and presented with expertise.
For more information, images, and a full list of the lots, visit HA.com/1369.
This auction offers collectors a rare opportunity to own some of the most iconic and historically significant large cents ever minted. Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on these incredible pieces of numismatic history.