1801 1C S-219, 3 Errors, BN MS(PCGS#36272)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2188

Grade

VF30BN

Price

9,900

Lot Description

Breen Die State V. Evenly toned in chocolate-brown with some steely-copper highlights in isolated areas. The letters in LIBERTY are a tad soft due to repeated die clashing, the letters ATES OF along the upper reverse border even softer, but still discernible. Otherwise we note bold definition in the presence of moderate, yet even wear. We further note nice gloss to surfaces that are hard, frosty, and free of mentionable marks apart from dull nicks on Liberty's neck and behind the eye. This is the most dramatic of the blundered reverse dies that Mint employees prepared for cent coinage in 1801. It is known in two pairings, with Sheldon-219 encountered far more frequently than S-218 in numismatic circles. Yet while S-219 is not a major rarity in an absolute sense, it is a remarkable condition rarity with only a single Mint State coin (per EAC standards) in both the 2000 Bland and 2015 Noyes census listings. The dramatic nature of the engraving blunders and its listing in the <em>Guide Book</em> has resulted in strong demand for S-219 large cents in all grades, and this PCGS-certified Choice VF from the Widmer Family holdings will find many eager buyers in today's competitive numismatic market.