1802 Draped Bust Cent. S-238, B-11. Rarity-4. EF-40 (PCGS).Breen Die State III. A seldom offered Sheldon number that rarely appears in our or any other firms sales. This hard and frosty example is of further significance in that it retains a remarkable amount of detail for a variety that is rarely encountered above VF. The obverse is sharp throughout, in fact, while for the reverse we note only characteristic softness of strike over the lower half of the wreath. Copper-brown toning is a bit deeper on the obverse, the reverse with a splash of steel-olive within the right half of the wreath. A few minor edge bruises along the right obverse border are noted, as are some minor handling marks on that side, the reverse smoother overall yet with some ancient surface build up associated with the aforementioned steel-olive color. A visually engaging piece that is sure to see spirited bidding among advanced early copper variety enthusiasts.PCGS# 36323. BASE PCGS# 1470. NGC ID: 224E.From the Widmer Family Collection. Earlier from Baltimore Auction of November 2021, lot 1128.
