Variety Equivalents: Breen 1756

Notes:

Images courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.

Significant examples:
PCGS MS-67 Red and Brown (illustrated above).

AU-55 (illustrated below).  Ex Horace M. Grant 2/45:71 - Homer K. Downing, 1952 ANA Sale, New Netherlands Coin Co. #38, 8/18/52:1952  C. Douglas Smith  Louis Helfenstein, Lester Merkin 8/14/64:34 - C. Douglas Smith - Dr. Robert A. Schuman - Superior Galleries' "Pre-Long Beach Sale", June 5-7, 2000, Lot 224, where it was described as follows: "1803 S-257 R2 AU55 Frosty light olive brown and steel with bluish-green overtones and a few peeps of very faded mint color on the reverse, possibly from an ancient cleaning. The surfaces are virtually free of defects, a very tiny rim nick at the second T in STATES the only mark. Sharp EDS, the reverse fields slightly reflective and crisp die clashmarks on both sides. Called net AU50 by Noyes, tied for CC#8; Bland says AU55 tied for CC#5. A sharp cent with excellent eye appeal and a nice pedigree."

Recent appearances:
PCGS MS-67 Red and Brown.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "The California Sale", October 2-3, 2000, Lot 1401, "Small Date, Large Fraction"  From the William H. Sheldon Collection, then to Roy E. Naftzger, Jay Perrino ("The Mint") to our present consignor

PCGS graded EF-45 and Del Bland graded VF-25.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "Benson Collection, Part I", February 16, 18-20, 2001, Lot 360, "Small date, large fraction.  Sheldon-257, Rarity-2.  Ex: Ira S. Reed, privately 12/15/44 at $5.", illustrated, sold for $632.00

NGC EF-40.  Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries' Robert W. Schwan Collection Sale, October 26-27, 2000, Lot 143, "Sheldon-257, Small Date Large Fraction", not illustrated @ $506.00

ANACS Corroded AU Detail, Net EF-40.  Ex-  Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Long Beach Sale", October 5-7, 2000, Lot 5855, "Sheldon-257, Small Date, Large Fraction", not plated, sold for $299.00

VF-35 Light corrosion.  Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Philadelphia 2000 Signature Sale", August 6-7, 2000, Lot 5404, "Sheldon-257", not plated, sold for $356.50

Net VF-30.  Ex - Bowers and Merena Galleries' Robert W. Schwan Collection Sale, October 26-27, 2000, Lot 144, "Sheldon-257, Small Date, Large Fraction", not illustrated @ $201.25

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Penny Whimsy" by Dr. William H. Sheldon

"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen

Relevant collector organizations:
Early American Coppers Club