1793 1/2c PCGS/CAC AU53

Rare One-Year Type Coin

Why we love it
This well-struck first-year half cent is an American treasure in every respect, being among the very first United States coins the ever produced at the young Philadelphia Mint for circulation. The US Mint struck only 35,334 Liberty Cap (Left) half cents in 1793, the very first half cent design ever struck in mass for circulation and a one-year-only type. Of those 35,334 half cents, it's estimated fewer than 1,100 survive in any grade today. And this piece, certified by PCGS and boasting a CAC seal of quality approval, is one of but a handful in its condition. According to numismatic experts, there are fewer than 50 survivors in uncirculated condition, and this piece is only a few delicately toned rubs away from Mint State. This is the only 1793 Liberty Cap Left half cent CAC has stickered in a grade of AU53, making it a one-of-a-kind numismatic relic suitable for any collection of great and historic American coins.
Value
The PCGS Price Guide value comes in at $41,500, with the CPG Value following at $38,700. While several non-CAC approved pieces of lesser but varying quality have sold for a bit less, the last CAC-approved example realized $41,125 in what was considered a weaker auction. That being said, this piece is available for just $39,500 via Make Offer, which makes it an excellent purchase price as well as a nice long-term value for the discriminating collector who appreciates quality.
DLRC ID: (1816134)

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Buffalo Nickels: Historic & Collectible

Buffalo nickels, also widely called Indian Head nickels, were struck from 1913 through 1938 and designed by James Earle Fraser. The popular Buffalo nickel name is a misnomer in this case, as the large animal as seen on the reverse of this coin is an American bison. Meanwhile, the Native American on the obverse is a design based on a composite image of several individuals whom Fraser sketched in the process of designing this coin.

Several issues were released in 1913, the year that the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints produced two varieties of the Buffalo nickel. One variety shows the bison atop a mound, while the other shows the land beast standing on a plane. The words FIVE CENTS are inscribed on the mound on Variety 1 coins, while the denomination is expressed in a recessed area of the coin on Variety 2 pieces.

Among the series' scarcest issues are the 1913-S Variety 1, 1913-D Variety 2, and 1913-S Variety 2 coins. Other semi keys include the 1914-D, 1915-S, and 1921-S, with several other dates ranking as substantially scarce particularly in the better circulated grades. Several error varieties are also popular with collectors, with the most important of these being the 1937-D 3-Legged variety. The 1936-D 3-1/2-Legged Buffalo nickel is another scarce favorite. The 1916 doubled die Buffalo nickel is a rare coin with six-figure prices in the mid-range uncirculated grades, while the 1918-D 8/7 overdate is a very scarce coin in any grade.

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