1833 Classic Head Half Cent. C-1. Rarity-1. MS-64 RB (PCGS).An original and boldly struck example with a glowing complexion of fiery tangerine luster. Steely brown across the high points with traces of scattered patina throughout, though overwhelmingly more Red than Brown. Sharply defined with satiny luster and evidence of clashing around the devices. A tiny spot of patina at Libertys forehead curl serves as a convenient pedigree marker. The <em>Guide Book</em> provides a mintage of 103,000 coins for this issue but, based on a study of die states, Manley concludes that production of 1833-dated and 1834-dated examples overlapped, the Mint apparently switching back and forth between the obverse dies as the issues share the same reverse. One of the more popular type candidates in the Classic Head half cent series of 1809 to 1836, hundreds of Mint State examples of the 1833 were discovered by the Guttag Brothers of New York City during the 1930s. Finer than typically encountered in todays market, this scarce near-Gem represents an important bidding opportunity for the advanced collector.PCGS# 1163.
