1802/0 1/2C C-2, Reverse of 1802, BN MS(PCGS#35125)

Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2053

Grade

VF20BN

Price

8,400

Lot Description

Any 1802/0 half cent is a prized rarity. High grade examples are few and far between, the finest are an AU Details coin certified by PCGS and an EF-45 graded by PCGS. The majority of known survivors are not just low grade, but also have serious surface issues. This PCGS-graded VF-20 is a pleasant exception, a visually pleasing coin with no sizeable blemishes and the remaining detail universally bold for the major design elements. Deep olive-brown surfaces are evenly toned. Only upon close inspection with a loupe will one see a few wispy marks and a touch of glossiness to the texture. The planchet stock for the 1802 half cents (and all of these are 1802/0 overdates) was, in today's parlance, recycled "spoiled" large cents, although there is no trace of the undertype on the present example. A famed rarity in the series, this is an important opportunity for the advanced collector of early American coppers. Manley Die State 2.0.