1809/6 C-5 R1 Overdate 9 over 6 or Inverted 9 G5. Glossy chocolate and steel brown. No notable defects and a very ordinary piece except for the unique terminal die state. There are cud breaks extending into the fields at the bust tip and under the 80 in the date, and no evidence of damage or planchet flaws can be found to dispute these are real cuds. A prior examination by Manley and Grellman determined the die state was not late and in fact was rather early, but subsequent study and careful comparison with other examples in various die states shows this piece is, indeed, from the latest state of the dies. This analysis was complicated by the low grade of the piece, but the smooth, corrosion-free surfaces made the analysis possible. The die crack from star 3 to the dentils is wide and strong compared to the earlier die states. This piece is plated in both editions of the Cohen book and in the Manley book on half cent die states (page 211). No other examples have been reported showing either of the cud breaks. The undertype 6 or inverted 9 is still visible under the normal 9, but it is weak. Weight 72.6 grains. Davy #09.5.19.
Estimated Value $500-UP.
Ex Paul Munson-Roger S. Cohen, Jr., Superior 2/2/92:278.
Selections from the Davy Collection of US Half Cents Part 2
