1798 1C Large Cent PCGS Genuine Altered Surface VF Detail 2nd Hair Style

Key Features:

• Obverse (Second Hair Style):
  • The obverse features a portrait of Lady Liberty facing right, with flowing hair tied with a ribbon behind her head. The “Second Hair Style” refers to a more refined version of the design, which includes more detailed, naturalistic hair.
  • Surrounding Liberty is the word “LIBERTY”, with the date “1798” at the bottom. The portrait style was adapted to reflect the neoclassical style of the time, influenced by European artists.
• Reverse:
  • The reverse displays a simple yet bold design with a wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT” in the center. Around the wreath, the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appears. The reverse design is typical of early American coinage, with a plain, naturalistic wreath symbolizing unity.
  • There is no “one cent” in a fractional form (1/100), which is common in later issues.
• Edge:
  • The edge of the coin is lettered, featuring the inscription “ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR”. This was typical of early copper cents and adds an additional layer of collectibility to the coin.
• Composition: 100% copper.
• Diameter: Approximately 29 mm.
• Weight: Approximately 13.48 grams.

PCGS Genuine Designation – Altered Surface VF Detail:

• The PCGS Genuine designation indicates that the coin has been authenticated as genuine but does not meet the strict standards required for a numeric grade due to the presence of an altered surface. An altered surface could mean that the coin has been cleaned, polished, or otherwise altered to enhance its appearance or attempt to restore its original luster. This kind of alteration typically reduces the coin’s overall value.
• Despite this alteration, the VF (Very Fine) Detail grade means that the coin has the details of a Very Fine (VF) grade coin. In VF condition, there will be noticeable wear on the highest points of the design (such as Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse), but the main features remain clear, and much of the original detail is still visible.

Historical Context:

• The 1798 Large Cent was struck at a time when the U.S. Mint was still in its infancy. The early American cent was one of the first coins produced in significant numbers by the U.S. Mint, and these coins were essential for daily transactions in a rapidly growing country.
• 1798 is an important year in U.S. history, as the young nation was navigating challenges both domestically and internationally. The Draped Bust design, which had been introduced in 1796, represented an effort to elevate the artistic quality of U.S. coinage to reflect the dignity of the new republic.

Conclusion:

The 1798 1C Large Cent PCGS Genuine Altered Surface VF Detail (Second Hair Style) is a piece of early American history that, despite its surface alteration, retains significant collectible and historical value. With its VF Detail grade, the coin still offers a considerable amount of detail and an appealing design from the first decade of U.S. coinage. Collectors and investors alike appreciate coins from this era for their artistry, rarity, and connection to the nation’s early years.