Pre-Long Beach Auction #84

1809 C-2 R3 VF25. Sharpness VF35 or slightly better but there is a vertical scratch in the field behind the portrait and a lighter scratch on the portrait from the hair above the T in LIBERTY to the chin and slightly beyond into the field. Both scratches are old and blend perfectly into the attractive glossy medium chocolate brown toning. LDS, Manley state 4.0, with die cracks through the stars on both sides of the portrait. This piece has a larger than normal diameter, 24.0 millimeters, and the dentils are weakly struck around both sides giving it the appearance of a broadstruck error. This appearance can also result when the planchet is not properly upset (a process that raises the rims, Breen's stage II of the planchet preparation process) before striking. An interesting half cent.
Estimated Value $400-UP.
Ex Bill Eckberg, McCawley & Grellman Auctions 8/19/1995:91-Mike Demling (the Demling collection envelope is included).