1809 Classic Head Half Cent. C-4. Rarity-3. Small o Inside 0. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC. Impressive and seldom offered near-Mint preservation for this popular <em>Guide Book</em> variety of the 1809 half cent. Blushes of warmer steel-brown blend with dominant golden-copper patina on both sides of this handsomely original piece. The texture is hard and satiny with some good gloss, and no detracting marks or blemishes. The strike softens just a bit toward the right borders, to which direction the impression is drawn, but it is generally well executed with most design elements crisp. Manley Die State 1.0.<p>The hallmark of the 1809 C-4 die variety is an interesting characteristic of the date, showing a "circle" within the digit 0. As Breen and Manley point out, the 0 is actually punched over a smaller 0; Breen posits that it may be one intended for a half eagle die. The aspect is visible here under low magnification. Manley (1998) observes, "Most specimens are found in grades of Very Fine and lower." Bill Eckberg expands on this in his 2019 reference <em>The Half Cent, 1793-1857: The Story of Americas Greatest Little Coin</em>:<p><em>"This variety is touted as rare, but it is actually fairly common. It is, however, very rare in AU and above. Perhaps 5 UNCs and 10 AUs exist."</em><p>A statement that makes clear the rarity and significance of this premium quality AU-58 example.
