1801 Draped Bust Cent. S-219. Rarity-2. 3 Errors Reverse. Fine-12 BN (NGC). An attractive autumn-brown example with tinges of pale rose discernible as the coin dips into a light. The texture is microgranular, both sides with a few faint pin scratches scattered about, but the in hand appearance is pleasingly smooth for a well circulated early date large cent. Most major design elements are boldly outlined, and all are discernible, allowing for ready attribution. This is the most dramatic of the blundered reverse dies that Mint employees prepared for cent coinage in 1801. It is known in two pairings, with Sheldon-219 encountered far more frequently than S-218 in numismatic circles. Yet while S-219 is not a major rarity in an absolute sense, it is a remarkable condition rarity with only a single Mint State coin (per EAC standards) in both the Bland and 2015 Noyes census listings. Additional Condition Census coins are mostly AU or EF. The dramatic nature of the engraving blunders and its listing in the <em>Guide Book</em> has resulted in strong demand for S-219 large cents in all grades. Market reaction is particularly positive for examples with pleasing color and overall bold detail, as seen on the specimen offered here. PCGS# 36272. NGC ID: 224C.
