1809 1/2C C-4, Circle in 0, BN MS(PCGS#35230)

Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2062

Grade

MS61BN

Price

4,080

Lot Description

Frosty lilac-copper surfaces show hints of faded pinkish-red luster as the coin rotates under a light. Striking detail is universally bold despite trivial off-centering to 4 o'clock on both sides, resulting in thin denticulation at lower right on obverse and reverse. We note only wispy handling marks - more so on the obverse - that help to define the MS-61 numeric grade from NGC, but at the BU level this is a remarkably smooth-looking and attractive early date Classic Head half cent. All examples of this variety are thought to have been delivered in March of 1809. The curious small o inside the digit 0 in the date makes Cohen-4 a desirable variety, and with approximately 1,300 coins extant (per Bill Eckberg, 2019) there are enough circulated survivors in grades of EF and lower to go around. However, the same source reports only 10 About Uncirculated examples and a mere five Mint State specimens, which totals confirm the condition rarity of the present offering. Manley Die State 1.0.