Large Cent Variety

peterolson

I recently received a grade and trueview for an 1803 large cent I have. I was unable to attribute variety on my own, so I paid for the service from our host.

They identified it as a small date/small fraction, S-263. Unfortunately, they detailed it for being cleaned. Too bad.

https://pcgs.com/cert/37093320

Any thoughts on the attribution? I am still not sure.

Insider2

@peterolson asked: "Any thoughts on the attribution? I am still not sure."

Since you have a computer, why not go to Google and type in: 1803 1c S-263. See if the images match your coin.

Aotearoa

Your coin is an S-263. Not particularly rare and, unfortunately, given its condition, not particularly valuable.

Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of Early United States Cents is available on-line via the PCGS website. Whilst not particularly easy to use in its electronic format, it does provide guidance on attributing early Large Cents.

lkeigwin

@peterolson asked: "Any thoughts on the attribution? I am still not sure."

Why do you say you are still not sure? Because you see a discrepancy? Or you don't trust PCGS?

It is simple enough to use Coinfacts and view the different die marriages. Here is the link for the BN 1803 S-263.

And here is an AU58 from there. Yours matches.
Lance.

ricko

@peterolson .... Welcome aboard.... Between PCGS attribution and the inputs above, I believe you can now 'be sure'. Cheers, RickO

matt_dac

There is some cool history in such an old coin. Just imagine the transactions and who may have held that coin in their pocket over the last 216 years? https://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/louisiana-purchase

It's challenging to find raw examples that don't have environmental damage considering the age and metal. I think you would have been tagged with that if not from the cleaning from the pitting I see in the pictures. Still a cool piece of history.

BillJones

They identified it as a small date/small fraction, S-263. Unfortunately, they detailed it for being cleaned. Too bad.

You would be surprised at what a skillful, old copper coin doctor can do. Actually I support their work when they are restoring old copper coins that have been cleaned. It is a matter of preservation because exposed, "virgin copper" can be prone to corrosion.

NGC bounced this one back on me years ago for "artificial toning." I'd be willing to bet that it's in a straight gade holder now.

As for the cleaning on this piece, it may have done to remove something other than normal toning. It's the reason way some old copper was smoothed years ago.