1796 Edwards Copy Kenny-1 R7. PCGS graded MS-63 Brown. Choice glossy light brown. The only defects are a small carbon spot over the A in HALF and another under the B in LIBERTY. A very attractive example of this popular rarity. The repunching on the 79 in the date is clear. NOTE: The Edwards copies of the 1796 half cent were struck using hand-made dies on rolled copper planchets that are a bit thinner and lighter than the genuine version. The workmanship is of good quality and the resulting design is a fairly accurate representation of the genuine article. These were struck sometime prior to 1865, and the first auction appearance came in 1866. Reportedly only 12 pieces were struck before the dies were destroyed. These copies are highly sought and seldom appear for sale, so the reported "mintage" appears accurate.
Our grade is MS60+. PCGS population 1 with 3 finer. The attribution and Davy provenance are noted on the PCGS label. Weight 74.2 grains. Davy #96.3.5.
Estimated Value $7,500-UP.
Ex Stack's 6/1985:586 (possibly earlier ex J. C. Mitchelson-Connecticut State Library).
Selections from the Davy Collection of US Half Cents Part 2
