1811 Classic Head Half Cent. C-1. Rarity-4-. Wide Date. VF-35 (PCGS). Offered here is an ideal collector grade for the key date 1811 Classic Head half cent, a scarce coin that also represents the more elusive of the two die marriages known for the issue. Glossy steely-copper surfaces also reveal intermingled blushes of lighter reddish-brown patina. Generally well centered with fully denticulated borders, both sides retain plenty of bold to sharp striking detail to the focal design elements. Handling marks are small, singularly inconspicuous to the unaided eye, and well within the context of the assigned grade. From a mintage of just 63,140 pieces for the date, most survivors of which are from the C-2 die pairing, of which William R. Eckberg (<em>The Half cent, 1793-1857: The Story of Americas Greatest Little Coin</em>, 2019) estimates a surviving population of 1,200 coins. The authors estimate for extant examples of the C-1 variety, however, is only 150 pieces. With most of our offerings for this die pairing in recent years comprised of impaired coins, the opportunity to acquire this problem free and aesthetically pleasing Choice VF should not be overlooked.
