2018-01-19 Fri

A 1792 Roman Head cent, graded Proof 8 was sold for $18,000 at Heritage’s U.S. coin Auctions that was held between 3rd and 8th January at the Florida United Numismatists convention in Tampa.

The popular coin was struck in England featuring George Washington and the Roman Head design. John Gregory Hancock created the dies. The proof coins were struck at the Birmingham Mint for collectors. Only 20 known examples exist today. Heritage offered the only example with heavy wear.

The coin was offered at William E. Woodward’s sale as a part of Holland Collection in November 1878. The coin was taken from circulation in fair condition. Experts believe that Washington was depicted as a degraded, unmanly Roman emperor. However, the design is common and was probably used to convey strength. Though the evenly circulated coin was called a cent, it was never meant to circulate. It has a lettered edge which reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA..