1843 1C Petite Head, Sm Letters, RB MS(PCGS#1845)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2285

Grade

MS65RB

Price

5,520

Lot Description

Grellman Die State a. Ample deep orange mint color remains on both sides of this handsome example, most notably in the protected areas around the design elements. The devices and open field areas are attractively toned in iridescent steel-brown. Both sides are fully lustrous with a soft satiny texture. Close inspection with a loupe reveals only wispy carbon flecks that are more prevalent on the reverse. A tiny spot in the field at the back of Liberty's hair bun and another on the reverse tucked in close to the leaf below the letter T in UNITED are just two of the wispy flecks that would serve as useful identifiers. Smartly impressed with fully denticulated borders, the softness at a few of the denticle tips on the reverse is so minor as to be easily overlooked. Central strike detail is razor sharp to full, and all stars on the obverse display at least partial radial lines, and most are complete in this regard.<p>Although the Braided Hair large copper cent of 1839 to 1857 is considered by some to be a single type, it is well known that those coins produced from 1839 through 1842 (and some of 1843, as here) have the head of Liberty differently positioned, pitched forward in relation to the date. This is the Petite Head style, the Small Letters on the reverse in the 1843 Newcomb-9 variety also an outgoing design that would yield permanently to the Large Letters in 1844. This is a scarce PCGS-certified Gem Mint State example of both the die marriage and <em>Guide Book</em> variety with abundant mint color that will enhance its appeal among quality-conscious bidders.