1808 Classic Head Cent. S-278, B-2. Rarity-3. MS-62 BN (PCGS). Gold CAC.Early die state, without the obverse rim break outside stars 5 and 6. This is a thoroughly PQ example at the PCGS-assigned grade level, and also a superior Classic Head cent irrespective of date or Sheldon number. The obverse is struck off center to 5 oclock, denticulation at lower right beyond the planchet, detail soft along the left border with several of the first seven stars faint. The reverse is a bit better centered, although there is no denticulation at upper left, and the detail is also soft in that area with several of the letters in UNITED STATES faint to indistinct. Other areas and features are suitably bold for this challenging large cent design type. Surfaces are lustrous and frosty with nice gloss, the otherwise dominant medium brown toning revealing intermingled steel-olive iridescence in and around the centers, especially on the obverse. A faint, toned-over scratch from the top of Libertys head to the border above is noted for accuracy, but most other handling marks are minor and not worthy of individual attention. Indeed, most of the latter are concentrated in the softly struck areas and are undoubtedly original to the planchet.<p>Produced for only seven years from 1808 through 1814, the Classic Head cent design is the work of German-born engraver John Reich. Known for years among numismatists as the Turban Head cent (based on the name popularized by Edouard Frossard in his 1879 monograph), the more familiar Classic Head name used today actually predates Frossards description and is attributed to Ebenezer Locke Mason, Jr. in 1868. Regardless of the exact circumstances of its design and replacement, the Classic Head series is one of the shortest among early coppers from the United States Mint. The paucity of examples produced does not alone explain why this is also one of the most challenging types to locate in finer circulated and Mint State grades. Planchet stock for this series, all of which was supplied by Matthew Boulton of Birmingham, England, is inferior to that which the Mint used to produce other large cent types. The copper used for the Classic Head coinage is softer with more metallic impurities, which made the finished coins more susceptible to wear, environmental damage and unattractive toning. Indeed, the vast majority of survivors of all dates of this type are well worn or impaired. Even many high grade survivors exhibit streaky and/or splotchy toning that, while not a factor in determining the grade, can limit a coins appeal. Problem free, high quality Mint State examples that also possesses attractive color and strong eye appeal are difficult to find. This first year 1808 is just such a coin, and as the only example of the issue to have received coveted Gold CAC approval in all grades, it is sure to sell for a very strong premium to an advanced and discerning collector.PCGS# 36460. BASE PCGS# 1543. NGC ID: 224P.Gold CAC Stickered Population (all die marriages of the issue): just 1 in all grades.From the Widmer Family Collection. Earlier ex Heritages sale of the Troy Wiseman Collection, September 2006 Long Beach Signature Auction, lot 171; Chris-Victor-McCawley, September 2006; Walter J. Husak; Heritages sale of the Walter J. Husak Collection, February 2008 Long Beach Signature Auction, lot 2283; Heritages sale of the Penny Arcade Collection, August 2025 ANA Signature Auction, lot 3050.
