The Sheldon 48 1794 Liberty Cap, Starred Reverse cent is always popular, with the collection offering one graded Very Good Details by Professional Coin Grading Service, Environmental Damage. Stack’s Bowers Galleries called it “respectable,” while recognizing the scattered pitting, verdigris, rough surfaces, and scattered light marks.

The obverse is stronger than the reverse, which is more heavily worn, though significant portions of the 94 stars circling the rim are visible. The reason that those stars were placed on the die at the early Philadelphia Mint remains a mystery, with some attributing it to random whimsey and others looking for more symbolic meanings.

Regardless, demand remains strong since it’s a scarce Sheldon variety easily identifiable by noncollectors. Today, optimistic estimates suggest that 60 are known, most in low grades.

This one realized $15,600 during the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Nov. 1 Rarities Night auction, and the consignor noted that it was one of the highlights of his holdings.

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