1802/0 Draped Bust Half Cent. C-2. Rarity-3. Second Reverse (a.k.a. Reverse of 1802). Fine-12 (PCGS). Handsome circulated quality for this fabled key date issue in the early half cent series. Pleasant rose-brown patina engages the viewer from surfaces that also exhibit a gentle mottling of olive-russet. The detail is bold for all major design elements save for a few letters in the words HALF and CENT, although both are fully legible. Overall smooth in hand, we note only a few wispy handling marks that are largely concentrated in the center of the obverse. The strike is ideally centered on both sides, and the eye appeal is strong for the assigned grade. From a limited mintage that most numismatic scholars accept as 20,266 pieces. The first delivery of 8,200 coins came during the summer of 1802, and it was comprised exclusively of C-2 examples. The rare Cohen-1 variety was part of a later delivery, minted between early and late die states of C-2. Manley Die State 2.0. PCGS# 1057. NGC ID: 222D. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection.
