1800 Draped Bust Cent. S-197. Rarity-1. MS-61 BN (PCGS).A significant offering for the early copper variety specialist, both sides of this coin are boldly to sharply defined from a well executed strike. The obverse is a bit dusky in appearance with even antique copper patina. The reverse exhibits mottled gray-brown toning with glints of original pinkish-red color peering from the protected areas around the devices. Otherwise very smooth for the assigned grade, dull marks on Libertys cheek and at the top of the throat are mentioned solely for identification purposes. Sheldon-197 is the popular Q Variety of the 1800 cent, so-named because of a prominent die chip that bisects the first 0 in the date, giving that digit the appearance of a Q. Several other die chips are scattered about on that side, and all known examples also display a V-shaped break at the letters IB in LIBERTY. According to the listing in the 2000 book <em>Walter Breens Encyclopedia of Early United States Cents: 1793-1814</em>, a number of Mint State and Choice AU coins (EAC grades) comprise the Condition Census for this variety. The present example is not included in that list, although it likely qualifies based on the amount of detail remaining and the overall pleasing surfaces. Worthy of serious bidder consideration.From Superiors Fred Neggen Estate Auction Sale, February 1976, lot 1455.
