I think XF-40 is quite possible. The pitting mentioned above may be from the original planchet. This series is noted for substandard planchets made in England before the US could make their own.
No the latter classic head half cents typically come on good quality planchets. (I believe you are thinking of the classic head large cents.)And the english planchets were normally much better made quality. The reason they often had problems when they got here was from how they were handled in shipping. (Being heavy they tended to be loaded on board ships first and were stored i the bottom of the ship. I wasn't unusual for them to spend months down in the bilges submerged in salt water before they were hauled out and delivered to the Mint.)
HI all, best regards. and many thanks for feedback. I,m learning a lot. I love these coins and their history...
Hi all , Thanks very much for the feedback. I don't know jack, but I know a pretty coin... best regards and good hunting...
After some research I have to agree with you (my memory is getting poorer with time and age). It appears that many copper planchets, half cent and cent, were of poor quality, particularly those made in the US. And those imported from England stopped in 1812 when the US went to war (again) with England.
But they started up again after the war ended. As soon as the peace yreaty was signed the mint again ordered planchets from Boulton and Watt. They arrived in Dec 1815 and were stuck into 1816 large cents. The mint continued ordering planchets from B&W into the 1830's. (shipping got better and faster though)
