small date large fraction 1803 large cent. Can someone identify Sheldon # ? Thinking maybe 257? Thanks Jerry http://www.ebay.com/itm/301545205943?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
It looks like the S-258. It's possible that it's a S-259, but since both pictures of the obverse are blurry, so it's hard to tell. If i was a betting man, go with the s258.
It's probably just too worn. I think the diagnostics are just a little bit off to be the 257, however. Still, assuming you haggled him down a bit on price, it's a solid coin.
S-258 Small date large fraction S-257, 258, 259, 260, and 261, hese five varieties come from three reverse dies. The leaf positions on the reverse immediately eliminates 257. (on 257 the leaf below D is left of center of the D) The other two dies are very similar, the rev of 260/261 has the E in CENT slightly higher than the C and the N slightly higher than the E and just about eve with the T. The berries to the right of the T have log stems. On the OP coin CENT is even and the berry stems are short so 260 and 261 are out. That leaves 258 and 259. To tell them apart we look at the obv. On 258 the point where the hair meets the forehead is centered between the T and Y. On 259 it is below the upright of the T. This is 258.