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Sale 8
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Lot 368
"1806" Draped Bust Cent. Restrike Pattern. Judd-38a. Unique! . J-38a. Fair-2. Struck in copper on what appears to be a classic or middle date host coin, with the NE of ONE and part of the circular wreath plainly visible on the obverse, where Liberty's face should be on the secondary (quarter) strike. On the reverse we note the L of LIBERTY is barely visible just under the E of UNITED. The location of the L, being approximately 5 mm from the edge, implies that the host coin was a classic head variety (1808-14) cent. A quarter obverse, cent reverse mule. Struck in copper, with a plain edge.
This coin is extremely unusual. The obverse is struck from the Browning-5 variety quarter of 1806, and the reverse is a large fraction variety large cent, similar to the reverse of S-276 or S-260. After exhaustive searching, the large cent die is unique to this coin and was not used to produce any other known large cents. Diagnostic notes are as follows: the fraction bar ends directly above the left vertical side of 1. The outer leaf tip in the wreath is below the left side of the right leg of the M. The base of the E in AMERICA is slightly above the M and close, the base of RI either touch or are extremely close. There is a die line through the last A of AMERICA. The numerator in the fraction is a touch right of center, on other large fraction dies, the 1 is left of center. The shape of the ribbon and other leaf ends visible confirm that this die was not used to produce other known large cents. Examination and discussion is heartily recommended!
As to the coin itself, both sides show extensive pin scratches and scrapes, some possibly in an effort to efface the host coin. Furthermore, the surfaces are a bit rough from corrosion. Nevertheless, there is enough there for positive attribution. Dark steel brown in color, and evenly toned throughout.
Probably struck outside the mint using discarded dies. Most other period restrikes using mint dies are attributed to Joseph J. Mickley, and he is the likely source for this coin. A most important piece of American numismatic history, this coin has long been known, and is seldom available for study. No hint of another example exists, and we are confident that it is and will remain unique. The dies were cataloged for the Mickley auction, but were seized by the Mint Superintendent, Oliver Bosbyshell, who then destroyed them. It is thought that the dies were sold as scrap metal after the fire in 1816, and from there the dies made their way to Mickley, who struck such animals as the 1804 large cents and 1811 half cents, possibly this coin too.
Estimated Value $3,500-UP.
Reported in Judd as his number 38a, also in Scott/Taxay Comprehensive Catalog, and reportedly from Empire Coin Co. No. 3, lot 83.
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