1804 Draped Bust Cent. S-266, the only known dies. Rarity-2. VF-20 (PCGS). Otherwise dominant deep olive-copper patina yields to lighter medium copper-brown over many of the design elements. Generally smooth in hand with plenty of good gloss, a few wispy handling marks in and around the centers are easily overlooked, and just as easily forgiven for the assigned grade. A trace of microscopic roughness is noted solely for accuracy, as is a shallow rim bruise just before 3 oclock on the obverse. All in all, a very pleasing PCGS-certified VF for this eagerly sought key date issue in the Draped Bust cent series. Breen Die State III. From the William L. Buxton Collection. Earlier ex Heritages sale of the Walter Husak Collection, February 2008 Long Beach Signature Auction, lot 2270; Ira & Larry Goldbergs sale of the Gene Heard Collection; June 2017 Pre-Long Beach Auction, lot 277.
