1807/6 Draped Bust Cent. S-272. Rarity-5+. Small 7, Blunt 1. VF Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS). A remarkably bold and satisfying from these rare Sheldon-272 dies. Magnification reveals a rough and porous texture to the surfaces but the complexion remains pleasing and glossy to the naked eye. The strike is drawn towards 3 oclock on the obverse while the reverse shows an inclination towards 6 oclock. Toned in chocolate and olive-brown shades, with strong definition to the central elements. Unknown in Mint State, the 1807/6 Small 7, Blunt 1 (a.k.a. Small Overdate) has long been popular with collectors and ranks among the most famous of all large cent rarities. Only 100 or so examples are believed extant, most of which are well worn, if not also significantly impaired. In fact, fewer than half a dozen coins are known that grade better than Fine on the EAC scale. Breen speculates that the obverse die of the 1807 S-272 variety was prepared in 1803, albeit without the final digit. It was originally completed as an 1806-dated die for use (beginning in) that year, but the disabling of the Mints cent press in April suspended production of this denomination until January 1807. The die was not used in 1806, as a result, but was overdated and utilized during or after the first quarter of 1807.