1803 Half Cent, C-3, NGC AU details

Description

1803 Half Cent, C-3 variety, authenticated / graded / encapsulated by NGC as AU Details (obverse scratched).  This is a truly high-quality, high-AU range coin, with toned color from its original red!  After grading, we looked for the scratches, and found very light ones, visible only at an angle with light shining on it, in the obverse right field in front of and on Liberty - and to the top graders, certainly that counts.  That noted, what is also true is that this specimen is just a bit of wear off Uncirculated!  It seems to be in the fifty-five + class, with some other surprises, including a cud-shaped die break on the obverse at the 1803 date, and a minor clockwise reverse die rotation.
This specimen did not make red-brown or red designations, but at angles, such as shown in the photos, you can see the color remnants still, as this coin was not heavily circulated, and the copper took on a greenish-gold hue, too.  Why?  And why was it saved in such good condition?  This coin, with the intrigue, mystery, and fascination that goes with it, is offered for you here.