1794 – America’s First Type Set – Philadelphia Mint
1794 1/2C

Owner Comments:

Not only does this coin happen to be from the personal collection of Roger S. Cohen, author of - American Half Cents the “Little Half Sisters”, the person responsible for the Cohen variety attribution system – but this coin is also featured on page 12 of the Superior Galleries hard back sales book -The Roger S. Cohen. Jr. Collection of Half Cents – February 2, 1992 - where the Superior cataloger describes this coin as the “Sharpness of Mint State 60, but very weakly struck. Nevertheless, original red glows up from either side, quite an event for a Half Cent from the 1790’s”. At the time of the second printing of -Little Half Sisters- in 1980, Cohen had estimated a Condition Census of (3) coins known in UNC (inclusive of this piece), (2) in AU, and (4) in EF. As of 2-22-2014 PCGS had certified 15 pieces in mint state, with 58 coins reaching AU. We would like to think that this rise in population is in part due to the passion and dedication of early numismatists like Roger Cohen, who passed away in 1990 – This coin was encapsulated originally in an old ANACS holder, probably right after the Superior Galleries Sale as the coin was not encapsulated for the sale. Today, all of the major grading companies use his Cohen varieties designated by name or as C-and the number, with a letter for sub varieties – So this coin is a Cohen 9. After crossing this coin through PCGS the mint state population now stands at 16 as of 4-5-2014. Thank you Roger for your life’s work and your passion for this the lowest denomination coin ever issued by the United States! We have located a nice example of his book – American Half Cents with a dated signature by Roger S. Cohen in 1983 – Together with this beautiful coin, they are truly a Numismatic Treasure, possibly worthy of a museum home someday as a significant part of our American History.