19035

1802/0 1/2 C Reverse of 1802. C-2, B-2, R.3 VF20 Uncer 1802/0[1/2 C] Reverse of 1802. C-2, B-2, High

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:2,200.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1802/0 1/2 C Reverse of 1802. C-2, B-2, R.3 VF20 Uncer 1802/0[1/2 C] Reverse of 1802. C-2, B-2, High
<B>1802/0<1/2 C> Reverse of 1802. C-2, B-2, High R.2. Die State 1--Repaired--NCS. AU Details. VF20 EAC.</B></I> Overdate; Double leaf tops right branch. <B>This is the Breen Plate Coin for Die State II in his <I>Half Cent Encyclopedia.</B></I> It is also the Manley Plate Coin for Die State 1 of the variety.</B></I> The lowest hair curl is completely closed and well formed, clearly an earlier state than the 1802 C-1 above.<BR> This is a splendid example of the variety. It is sharply struck with full obverse and reverse borders, and especially strong central reverse detail. The surfaces are dark steel-brown with a few traces of lighter tan color. A small mark on the cheek has been carefully smoothed out. The fields have evidence of minor smoothing as well. Both sides have fine, microscopic granularity, similar to the 1802 C-1 above. A small mark below I of LIBERTY and a couple abrasions inside the upper part of the wreath all serve as pedigree markers. A rim nick over L of LIBERTY is hidden by the holder. Considering the typical appearance of 1802 Half Cents, this is a wonderful quality coin, and is probably within the Condition Census for the variety.<BR> The New Netherlands cataloger stated the following: "An early state of the obverse die, unusually sharp at the bust and curls. Dark steel color, with flecks of russet, the glossy surface exceptionally clean for this date. An obvious obverse rim nick over L of LIBERTY is the only serious imperfection, and it, together with two or three microscopic pin-point nicks, hardly impair the striking appearance of such a splendid piece. We are particularly impressed with the bold, smooth look of this coin, its strong borders, and the handsome reverse, the latter superior to that shown on the Gilbert Plate specimen. From the Hesslein sale of the Miller coll., April 12, 1916, lot 508. The finest to pass through our hands, and easily one of the 5 or 6 top examples." In his reference, Walter Breen misinterpreted the "Miller coll." statement of New Netherlands to mean the Henry C. Miller collection, however, Hesslein had no involvement in selling the Henry Miller collection. Breen Die State II.<BR><I>Ex: Edward Miller Collection (William Hesslein, 4/1916), lot 508; Hillyer Ryder (New Netherlands, 6/1954), lot 283; Harold Bareford; William Bareford (5/25/1984).</B></I> Envelope Included.