1802/0 Draped Bust Half Cent. C-2. Rarity-3. Second Reverse (a.k.a. Reverse of 1802). Fine-15 (PCGS).Handsome mid-grade quality for this fabled key date issue in the early half cent series. Pleasant olive-brown patina engages the viewer from surfaces that retain bold definition over all features save for the word CENT in the denomination, which is faint and difficult to discern at certain viewing angles. Overall smooth in hand, we note only a few wispy handling marks that are largely concentrated in the center of the reverse. 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.
