1793 Wreath 1C, Vine & Bars, NGC MS64 BN. S-8, R3. This captivating, near-Gem 1793 Vine & Bars Wreath Cent, S-8 variety is the finest known at NGC and tied for the finest known at PCGS. This is the finest specimen graded by NGC.

It exhibits all the characteristics that you would like to see in a Mint State large cent. The strike is wonderful with full details on Liberty’s upper hair and the leaves of the wreath. The hard, glossy surfaces are virtually pristine with no visible abrasion marks or other distractions. A delicate die crack, which identifies the variety, runs across the coin’s reverse from the first T in STATES to the last A in AMERICA through the center dot. Flecks of red and hints of blue are seen throughout on top of the deep reddish-brown, which predominates on both sides. The colors and luster clearly confirm the coin’s originality. Needless to say, this coin is an exceptional representative of the issue.

The S-8 variety is identified by the horizontal stem of the sprig of three leaves, slightly curved, that parallels the top of the numerals of the date. On all other Wreath cents, the stem points downward. In addition the 7 is taller than the other numbers. There is a faint die crack from the point of the bust to the edge and two short ones from the top left of the Y in LIBERTY and the top right of the R to the border. The 9 and 3 are poorly formed when combined with this reverse. On the reverse, the upper outside trefoil on the left side is under the first T in STATES. The bow is heavy and shaped almost like a triangle. The fraction bar is curved and long as it almost touches both ribbons. A long, thin die break is present across the coin from the first T in STATES to the last A in AMERICA. This die break, which is very delicate, runs through the center dot.