I've been trying to ID the variety of some 1836 and 1838 large cents. The die makers made it very difficult to differentiate between one die and another. I've been using John Wright's book and the Noyes series with marginal success. Here's one of my current dilemmas. I have tentatively ID'ed it as an N-3. How did I do? At least it has a nice cud at k11.
N-3 is correct. The cud is the clue. A serious Large cent collector may wish to get the 6 volume Noyes set.
There was at least one sadist at the mint circa 1799. Hubbed the reverse dies for two years to strike 1798 Style 2, 1799, and 1800 large cents and then went back to engraving by hand for whatever reason. Makes low grade coins a PITA to Sheldon. "Yeah people are going to collect these by die variety in 200 years or so, let's give them headaches!"
I remember borrowing Newcomb from the ANA years ago and trying to attribute some large cents. Couldn't do it. At least these are better
