1796. With pole. Edwards Copy. PCGS graded MS-66 Brown. A gorgeous reddish-brown example. It is believed that the Edwards copies were produced in the mid-1860s, either in London or New York. Breen notes that "the origin of this copy has been kept obscure." He points out that the first auction appearance was in W. Elliot Woodward's April 1866 sale, lot 944. It is thought that the copies were produced by Dr. Francis S. Edwards, based on contemporary commentary of E.J. Attinelli, who said "to him was attributed the appearance of several counterfeit pieces of rare American coins and medals."
In his Half Cent Encyclopedia, Breen described 10 distinct examples in his Condition Census for the variety. Half a dozen years later, R. Tettenhorst described four additional pieces that had appeared since Breen's reference was published. He also noted duplications in Breen's roster, and remarked that one of those in the earlier list is actually an electrotype of the Edward's copy. Among the new pieces was one described as "Uncirculated, with some red. In the possession of a Pennsylvania dealer in the summer of 1982."
Pop 2; none finer.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
Liberty Cap Half Cents
