1803 Draped Bust Cent. S-260. Rarity-1. Small Date, Large Fraction. MS-62 BN (PCGS). CAC. Warm caramel coloration dominates the complexion and is accented by deeper olive-brown on the highpoints. The surfaces are intensely lustrous and fully without distracting imperfections. Magnification reveals a few microscopic pinscratches below Libertys chin that go entirely unnoticed to the naked eye. The central elements are remarkably sharp and haloed by mint-made clashmarks in most areas. A truly superior example with eye appeal that transcends the assigned grade. This particular specimen has long been recognized as a significant survivor from these dies, and can be traced back to the collection of George P. French in March 1929. It has since passed through such significant cabinets as those of T. James Clarke, R.E. Naftzger, and C. Douglas Smith. We first handled this piece 25 years ago in our sale of November 1995 where we graded it MS-60 and called it a "Condition Census specimen." It remains an important member of this Condition Census, ranking as the fourth finest known of the variety according to Noyes (2007).The obverse die for the S-260 Small Date Large, Fraction cent was previously used on S-259 where it developed extensive clash marks. Except in the very earliest of die states, the dies were relapped to remove these marks, but eventually new clash marks developed over time. In addition, the number 3 in the date was carefully strengthened where it had become noticeably weak. This die was paired with a new reverse die where the most obvious change from the S-259 reverse is that the fraction bar is closer to the left wreath ribbon than before. A popular and common Sheldon variety in the lower grade levels, S-260 is not often found uncirculated and in general all five Small Date, Large Fraction die marriages can present a challenge to locate in high grade. An aesthetically pleasing and historic Mint State specimen that has much to offer the large cent enthusiast. Ex Dr. George P. French, March 21, 1929; B. Max Mehls Fix Price List of 1929, lot 329; T. James Clarke, 1944; B. max Mehl, privately ; R.E. Naftzger, Jr.; Abe Kosoffs sale of October 1959, lot 90; Emanuel Taylor, October 1960; R.E; Naftzger, Jr.; Robert Gildred; Kagins sale #331, October 1983, lot 1065; C. Douglas Smith, March 30, 1992; Eric Streiner; Superior Galleries sale of October 1992, lot 138; Anthony Terranova; Stacks Fixed Price List of Summer 1995, lot 53; Stacks sale of November 1995, lot 1034.
