1792 MORRIS SILVER CENTER CENT FINAL THOUGHTS

As team leader of the research project that investigated the 1792 Morris So-Called Silver Center Cent, it is an honor to recognize those who contributed much in bringing this project to fruition. Since November 2017, the research team that includes Stuart Levine, Maureen Levine, and Tony Lopez conducted extensive research on the 1792 Morris specimen culminating in the publication of a fifty-page analysis on the Newman Numismatic Portal, https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/538104. The study’s conclusion that the silver plug was inserted after striking and therefore not authentic, was publicly supported by twenty distinguished numismatic experts, https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/567273. The E-Sylum also reported on our findings as our investigation progressed.

In order to gain a better understanding of how the Morris So-Called Silver Center Cent was likely made and the amount of time that would have been required to accomplish the task, six Indian Head Cents were modified by inserting and hand-engraving a silver plug. Upon completion of our study, the six fabricated silver center cents were encapsulated and named after the respective recipients in acknowledgement of their efforts. Stuart and Maureen Levine received the #2 specimen; Tony Lopez #3; Jim Halperin, Co-Chairman, Heritage Auctions, #4; Ron Guth, founder of The Numismatic Detective Agency, #5; and, Ken Hopple, former Chief Coiner of the Carson City Mint, #6. I reserved the first specimen for myself after commissioning and paying for them to be made. The team very much appreciates the support it has received from the numismatic community.

However, it is a great disappointment to the team that PCGS refused to accept multiple requests for meetings to discuss our Morris research findings. All along the team’s goal was simply to address the certification of a false specimen and achieve an appropriate solution that would serve the best interests of the numismatic community.

One person who deserves special recognition is the engraver, Jeanne LaShelle, who crafted the Indian Head Silver Center Cents. Throughout this process, I was restricted from disclosing her identity for security reasons. After reviewing our research and seeing the recognition it was receiving, she lifted this restriction at the Reno Coin Club meeting where I presented Ken Hopple with his specimen. Jeanne, who is very modest, is a dedicated and talented artist and has won recognition for her engraving. We believe the quality of her work speaks for itself.

With this final communication, it is now up to collectors and the industry to arrive at their own conclusion as to who has made the better argument. To date, we have never received any communication that details the PCGS position other than that they disagree with our conclusions. We believe we have provided a valuable service to the hobby.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert L. Rodriguez

To read the study reports on the Newman Numismatic Portal, see:
1792 Silver And Non-Silver Center Cents: A Study (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/538104)
1792 Silver And Non-Silver Center Cents: Responses from the Numismatic Community (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/567273)
Final Thoughts -- 1792 Morris So-Called Silver Center Cent (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/584154)

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
1792 SILVER AND NON-SILVER CENTER CENTS STUDY (https://www.coinbooks.org/v20/esylum_v20n48a18.html)
1792 SILVER AND NON-SILVER CENTER CENTS UPDATE (https://www.coinbooks.org/v22/esylum_v22n26a05.html)

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