1803 C-2 R-4 PCGS VF 30 Draped Bust Half Cent Coin 1/2c

Description

PCGS authenticated and graded VF 30.
Glossy dark chocolate brown delicately mottled with small splashes of slightly lighter steel brown toning on the obverse. A thin nick or pre-striking planchet chip in the center of the bust and a very thin nick on the nose are the only marks. A shallow depression, possibly caused by debris or grease on the die, covers much of the field behind the portrait. However, the planchet weight is only 77.4 grains, which is significantly lighter than the standard of 84.0 grains, so it is possible that the planchet was thin in that area before striking. But since the reverse is fully struck in the opposing area, the debris theory seems the more reasonable one. Regardless, this is a beautiful example of a tough die variety. EDS, Manley state 2.0 early, with a fine die crack through the top of ATES but before the die cracks at OF and
MERIC.
Called CC#5 in the Mike Spurlock census. Noyes photo #73616.
Ex Thomas P. Wolf (who purchased it unattributed 9/1993) 11/1993-Doug Roether-Tom Reynolds (on consignment) 8/1/1995-Bob Yuell (The Whister), McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldbergs 9/4/2011:36-The Green Tree Collection.
Year - 1803
Variety - C-2
Rarity - 4