In the world of coin collecting, certain rare coins hold a special place, especially when it comes to historical U.S. coinage. Among these, the 1794 Flowing Hair large cents are highly valued by collectors. Recently, Jon Alan Boka, a well-known collector, auctioned 58 of these coins, with some incredible examples presented by Heritage Auctions. In this article, we’ll dive into the significance of these coins, the notable details of this sale, and the history behind the 1793 Liberty Cap large cent. This piece was the highlight of the auction, with a unique story and fascinating characteristics that draw collectors from around the world.
Table of Contents
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Brief overview of Jon Alan Boka’s collection and auction details. |
| The Story Behind Jon Alan Boka’s Collection | Background on Jon Alan Boka and his connection to 1794 Flowing Hair large cents. |
| Key Highlights from the Auction | Details on the 2016 auction and Heritage’s “Boka is Back” presentation in 2023. |
| Spotlight on the 1793 Liberty Cap Large Cent | In-depth look at the 1793 Liberty Cap large cent and its unique characteristics. |
| Price Trends in the Market | Analysis of auction prices over the years, including factors affecting value. |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Answers to common questions about the 1794 Flowing Hair large cents and the 1793 Liberty Cap coin. |
The Story Behind Jon Alan Boka’s Collection
Jon Alan Boka, a distinguished numismatist, built a remarkable collection of 1794 Flowing Hair large cents, showcasing the craftsmanship and beauty of these early U.S. coins. Boka’s passion and eye for quality made his collection one of the most respected in the coin-collecting community.
Key Highlights from the Auction
The Heritage auction of 2016 featured 58 pieces from Boka’s collection, each with its own unique history and charm. The high anticipation for these coins was met with a special event called “Boka is Back” in May 2023, which showcased some of the finest coins from Boka’s collection, including the notable 1793 Liberty Cap large cent.
Spotlight on the 1793 Liberty Cap Large Cent
One of the standout pieces at the recent auction was the 1793 Liberty Cap large cent. Listed as Sheldon-14 in William H. Sheldon’s cent reference “Penny Whimsy,” this coin is recognized by its distinct bisecting die crack visible on both high and low-grade examples. Graded as Extremely Fine 45 by PCGS, it was among the finest known examples, showing beautiful reddish-gold, chocolate, and steel-brown toning that made it an enviable piece for collectors.
Price Trends in the Market
The 1793 Liberty Cap large cent’s value has fluctuated over time, with its last price in 2017 reaching $199,750 in a Goldbergs auction. In 2023, the coin sold for $120,000, showing a price reduction that may reflect various market trends or collector preferences at the time.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the 1794 Flowing Hair large cents?
The 1794 Flowing Hair large cents are some of the earliest U.S. coins, created during the country’s first attempts at minting its currency. Their unique design and history make them highly valuable to collectors.
2. Who is Jon Alan Boka?
Jon Alan Boka is a renowned coin collector who assembled one of the most admired collections of 1794 large cents, respected for his keen eye and dedication to quality in numismatics.
3. What is the 1793 Liberty Cap large cent?
The 1793 Liberty Cap large cent is an iconic U.S. coin with a unique design and rare features, such as the bisecting die crack visible on high-grade and low-grade examples alike.
4. Why was the 1793 Liberty Cap large cent so valuable?
Its historical significance, unique design details, and rarity contribute to its high value. The specific example in the recent auction was one of the finest known, which increased its appeal.
5. What factors affect the price of rare coins like the 1793 Liberty Cap large cent?
Factors include the coin’s condition, historical significance, unique design elements, and market demand at the time of sale.