Lot 1401
BEAUTIFUL 1803 LARGE CENT. PCGS graded MS-67 Red and Brown. What a fantastic cent! Faded mint red glows up from the fields and produces an enticing cartwheel effect seldom seen on large cents of any date, let alone an 1803. This coin is the finest known of the variety, slightly ahead of a similar coin that passed through Rarcoa. What separates this coin from the few other mint state pieces known are the superb surfaces. A glass fails to locate anything more than microscopic contact, and the only way to identify this piece is by a couple of minute specks, one just above the O in ONE on the reverse. Currently in PCGS holder #3195353.
This coin is rarely offered for sale, it has been tied up in Dr. William Sheldon's collection for years, which was sold en bloc to Roy E. Naftzger some years ago, and finally surfaced (briefly) in a complex transaction. Many of the coins from Dr. Sheldon's collection were the finest known of the variety, and a few of them are being offered in this auction sale.
It is curious to note the die file lines that are visible on most of the obverse devices, apparently from wire brushing the die when it was first engraved or from some other process. The die lines appear as circular raised marks, and are most prominent near Liberty's bust and drapery. Additional lines can be seen on her ribbon, even her nose. These light die lines are seldom seen as they are easily removed by die lapping or wear or even brief circulation once the coin is struck. Hence, this coin must have been an early die state, struck well before the reverse die cracked or the obverse die was lapped to remove clash marks.
Certainly this coin will always stand alone as one of the great highlights of any collection it graces. Be prepared to bid liberally as virtually every collector would love to own this coin, the only deciding factor is price, which is why we have auctions. To find the most determined buyer who won't settle for something less than the absolute best, this 1803 cent.
Estimated Value $40,000-UP.
From the William H. Sheldon Collection, then to Roy E. Naftzger, Jay Parrino ("The Mint") to our present consignor.
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| Realized $52,900 |
