Lot 354
1803 Draped Bust Cent. Stemless wreath. . S-243. Del Bland graded VF-20. Sharper by five points but traces of light corrosion cover much of the reverse and in the field behind the neck are a few minor nicks. Glossy dark olive brown from a protective coat of wax. Late die state.
The obverse rim break is fully developed over TY. One of most bizarre reverses used, the second S of STATES is wildly recut low, touching the upper leaf of the wreath. Furthermore, the fraction bar is also recut very low. Likely another example of Robert Scot's incompetence at die engraving. It is interesting to note that this reverse was also used in 1802 (Sheldon-241) to produce cents, many of which were struck after this 1803 as some of the 1802s show heavy rim breaks which are not present on the reverse of this earlier die state 1803 coin! Numismatics provides many areas of study, and some of the most eventful times were during the first dozen or so years, as seen on this coin.
Estimated Value $500 - 750.
Ex: James G. Macallister circa 1945.
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| Realized $633 |
