1802/0 C-1 R6 Overdate 2 over 0 with Reverse of 1800 G4. The obverse is slightly better while the reverse is a bit weaker. Glossy chocolate and steel brown. The surfaces are smooth and attractive for the grade, free of any notable signs of corrosion or verdigris. The only significant defect is an impressed arc on the reverse from the rim at OF down to the field above the A in HALF. Since most of the known examples were struck over cut-down spoiled large cents, it is reasonable to assume the impressed arc was either on the spoiled large cent or is an incomplete planchet cutter mark added when the half cent planchet was being cut from the spoiled cent. Other than the arc there are only a few light contact marks, the strongest of these being a rim bruise above OF. The date is complete and easily readable although the 2 is relatively weak, and the legends are readable except for OF and HALF CENT, which are faint or missing. The bust tip and the opposing area at OF were weakly struck, which is typical for this variety due to the die faces being out of parallel alignment. LDS, Manley state 2.0, with a small rust lump inside the top of the 0 in the date. Called G4 in the Spurlock census and CC#15 in the McGuigan list. A well-worn and imperfect example of this very rare and popular "Redbook" variety, but waiting for a perfect example would be an exercise in futility. Weight 76.5 grains.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Ex Harmer Rooke 9/30/1980:13-Howard Gursky-Jules Reiver-J. J. Teaparty 10/1984-Dr. Wallace Lee, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior 5/25/2003:136.
The Whister Collection
