1823 Matron Head Cent. Private Restrike. Copper. AU-58 (NGC). An interesting example of the popular restrike 1823. The scarcity and key date status of the regular issue 1823 Matron Head cent resulted in the creation of this private restrike from discarded U.S. Mint dies for distribution to collectors. The obverse die is from the 1823 N-2 pairing. The reverse die is the one used to strike the Sheldon-293 variety of the 1813 Classic Head cent. While not official U.S. Mint products, these Restrike 1823 cents are from original dies and thus have their place within any extensive cent cabinet. This is a rare early die state piece without the bisecting die cracks seen on most examples. In addition, the die break over stars 4-7 was carefully smoothed away and the dentils in that area re-engraved, as issued by the maker, probably to hide its restrike status in order to fool an early collector. Pleasing chocolate-brown coloration.<p> PCGS# 81627. From the John McBride Collection. Earlier from our March 2012 Baltimore Auction, lot 1337; Rod Burress, April 2012.
