1809/6 1/2C 9 over Inverted 9, BN MS(PCGS#1126)

1809/6 1/2C 9 over Inverted 9, BN MS (PCGS#1126)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Manley Die State 3.0. A few swirls of darker steely-copper color are seen on otherwise autumn-orange and medium brown surfaces. There are several fine scratches and other small marks in and around the centers on both sides, but these require magnification to discern and are mentioned solely for accuracy.<p>A popular variety of the first year 1809 Classic Head half cent that was long thought to be an overdate, Cohen-5 has since been reclassified as having the primary digit 9 in the date punched over an inverted 9. Remnants of the underdigit are clearly evident with the aid of a loupe. This variety barely edges out C-6 as the most readily obtainable of the issue with Bill Eckberg accounting for approximately 4,500 survivors in all grades in his 2019 reference <em>The Half Cent, 1793-1857: The Story of America's Greatest Little Coin</em>. Visually appealing, the PCGS AU-50 Widmer Family specimen offered here is a great "collector coin" ideally suited for type or variety purposes.