1803 1/2C, BN MS(PCGS#1060)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2023

Grade

MS63BN

Price

7,800

Lot Description

Manley Die State 3.0. This is a very well defined coin for the die state; both sides have at least a trace of denticulation in most areas around the borders. The bow and lower part of the wreath are a bit blunt, typical of this die pairing, but all other features on that side are boldly to sharply rendered. The obverse is sharper overall, despite die swell in the field, the individual strands of Liberty's hair are well defined and the drapery lines crisp. Gorgeous satin surfaces are hard and tight with plenty of rich gloss. Dominant golden-copper patina is seen on both sides, and swirls of warmer gray-brown are evident at the right obverse border and, especially, on the reverse between the words STATES and OF and at the letters TE in UNITED. The overall appearance is smooth and appealing, nearly in the Choice Mint State category. A pair of tiny carbon spots in the left obverse field and a faint graze above Liberty's bust are mentioned as provenance markers.<p>Numismatic scholars have identified four die marriages of the 1803-dated half cent issue and most were delivered during calendar year 1804; the entirety of the C-4 variety was struck in 1805. Contrary to what both Cohen and Breen believed, Manley states conclusively that C-2 was the first variety struck for this date, followed by C-1, represented here. Cohen-1 handily outranks C-3 as the most plentiful die marriage of this issue, and the small number of Mint State coins known are eagerly sought for type purposes as well as inclusion in advanced half cent variety collections.