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

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Baker 29, Musante GW-49, Whitman 10880, and PCGS #746, this 1795 Washington Grate halfpenny with large buttons and reeded edge is the most available variety within the Grate halfpenny family, making it the standard entry point for collectors beginning to explore this distinctive subseries of Washington pieces. Struck in copper, weighing 9 grams with a 29 mm diameter, the piece features the characteristic fireplace grate or iron grating reverse design that gives the series its name, paired with a Washington portrait obverse showing large buttons on the coat — a diagnostic detail that distinguishes this die from the small buttons variant used on a separate production run. The reeded edge consists of fine vertical lines impressed around the coin's circumference during striking, a security feature that also adds tactile character and visual definition to the piece's profile. The "large buttons" designation refers to the size of the buttons visible on Washington's coat in the obverse portrait, a die-specific detail that serves as the primary diagnostic for separating this variety from its small buttons counterpart. Moderately scarce as the most available Grate halfpenny configuration, this variety represents the optimal balance of accessibility and significance for collectors entering the Grate series. The combination of edge type (reeded), button size (large), and composition (copper) identifies this specific production within the systematic catalog framework maintained by Baker, Musante, and Whitman.

Rarity Notes

Moderately scarce. The most available Grate halfpenny variety.

Cross References

Baker 29; Musante GW-49; Whitman 10880