1800 Draped Bust Half Cent. C-1, the only known dies. Rarity-1. MS-62+ RD (PCGS).A superior quality survivor of this popular first year Draped Bust half cent issue that is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into a high grade collection. Vivid deep rose surfaces retain full mint color, the texture soft and satiny throughout. Boldly defined from a nicely centered strike, trivial handling marks and glints of faint carbon are all that seem to preclude a Choice Mint State grade. Manley Die State 4.0.The premier issue in the Draped Bust half cent series, the mintage of the 1800 is usually given as 202,908 pieces. Mint State survivors are plentiful by the standards of the type thanks to the discovery of two significant hoards during the early 20th century. The first surfaced in New England prior to 1910, while the second came out of Boston during the 1930s. The typical Uncirculated example from these finds is Brown, although the occasional Red and Brown coin is available to the persistent buyer. In full Red, as here, this issue is rare and seldom encountered. Clearly the present offering represents a fleeting bidding opportunity for the advanced type collector or early copper enthusiast.
