1795 1/2P Washington - Grate Small Buttons - RE Half Penny

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Baker 29B, Musante GW-49, Whitman 10885, and PCGS #749, this 1795 Washington Grate halfpenny with small buttons and reeded edge is a slightly scarcer die variety than its large buttons counterpart, distinguished by the reduced size of the buttons depicted on Washington's coat in the obverse portrait. Struck in copper, weighing 9 grams with a 29 mm diameter and reeded edge, the small buttons are the primary diagnostic feature separating this die from the large buttons variant — a detail that requires careful examination but is clearly visible under modest magnification. The reverse displays the distinctive fireplace grate or iron grating design characteristic of the Grate halfpenny series, one of the most visually unusual reverse types among all Washington tokens. The button size distinction reflects the use of a different obverse die bearing a slightly modified portrait, evidence that at least two obverse dies were employed in producing the Grate halfpenny series — a detail that die variety specialists use to trace production sequences and estimate relative mintages. The reeded edge matches the edge treatment on the large buttons variety, suggesting both dies were used with the same collar during production. Moderately scarce and slightly more elusive than the large buttons version, the small buttons variant is sought by collectors pursuing die variety completeness within the Grate halfpenny subseries, where the systematic documentation of button sizes, edge types, and compositions creates a structured collecting framework.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. Small buttons are slightly scarcer than large buttons.

Cross References

Baker 29B; Musante GW-49; Whitman 10885