1800/1798 1C, BN MS(PCGS#1452)

1800/1798 1C, BN MS (PCGS#1452)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Breen Die State II. Deep olive-copper patina dominates both sides, with the central reverse displaying intermingled gray-brown. Micropitting is only discernible with the aid of a loupe; the surfaces are predominantly smooth, with minor marks in the lower left obverse field and at the border above the end of the bust the only readily evident identifiers. Obverse impression drawn to 1 o'clock with no denticulation along the upper right border, the reverse is better centered with virtually full denticulation. All major design elements are boldly to sharply defined.<p>This interesting variety was struck from an obverse die that the Mint originally intended for use in production of 1798-dated cents but, for unknown reasons, was not employed until overdated for 1800-dated coinage. The Style II Letters with a curved tail to the R in LIBERTY suggests that this die was prepared in late 1797 or early 1798. The present example is missing from the Bland census, but is graded VF30(XF45) Average Minus in the 2015 Noyes census ranking CC#10 for the Sheldon-191 dies therein. This large cent will be just right for another advanced early copper cabinet.