1809 1/2C Circle in 0, BN MS(PCGS#1129)

1809 1/2C Circle in 0, BN MS (PCGS#1129)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Description du lot: Manley Die State 1.0. Blended chestnut, medium and golden-brown patina provides an attractively original appearance for this boldly defined AU example. Centering is typical for the variety, the obverse good in this regard, the reverse drawn to the lower right with no denticulation and some softness of detail in that area. A few dull marks on Liberty's cheek are noted.The hallmark of the 1809 C-4 die variety is an interesting characteristic of the date, showing a "circle" within the digit 0. As Breen and Manley point out, the 0 is actually punched over a smaller 0; Breen posits that it may be one intended for a half eagle die. The aspect is visible here under low magnification. Manley (1998) observes, "Most specimens are found in grades of Very Fine and lower." Bill Eckberg expands on this in his 2019 reference The Half Cent, 1793-1857: The Story of America's Greatest Little Coin:This variety is touted as rare, but it is actually fairly common. It is, however, very rare in AU and above. Perhaps 5 UNCs and 10 AUs exist.A statement that makes clear the significance of this PCGS AU-53 example.