1799/8 Draped Bust Cent. S-188. Rarity-4. VG Details--Damage (PCGS).As the rarest <em>date</em> in the entire United State large cent series of 1793 to 1857, the 1799 enjoys strong collector demand at all levels of preservation. The present example exhibits dark charcoal-copper fields with lighter orange-brown toning to many of the design elements. Both sides are overall rough in texture, prominent scrapes in the right obverse and upper reverse fields the most significant marks. Closer inspection with a loupe also reveals a few wispy pin scratches in the center of the reverse. (A concentration of scratches on the back of the PCGS holder should not be mistaken for additional marks on the coin.) The word OF in the reverse legend is faint, but all other devices are bold, and all four digits in the date are clear. There are just three die marriages known for this key date Draped Bust cent issue, S-188 the only collectable overdate, although it is scarcer than the S-189 perfect date. Although not a perfect example, the coin offered here retains sufficient detail to allow ready appreciation of the design and confirmation of the attribution. Sure to find many willing buyers in todays highly competitive numismatic market.
