I have not had much time for coins lately. Very busy, but not so busy that that I would let these 2 large cents pass me by. Nothing major, the first is an 1803, variety with large date and large fraction. The other a semi scarce date 1821 large cent. The 1803 is an S-265, R-4. It is in overall decent condition, although the obverse has a few light edge nicks and scratches. The obverse seems to be in better condition. Both sides have some surface hits, but nothing major or too distracting. The 1821 is actually quite a common coin, at least in low grades, in spite of the low Red Book mintage. I have 3 already (all low grades), but this one attracted my attention as it is in a little better than usual condition. I took a chance on this one as the sellers pictures made the surfaces look microporous. On hand, it does not seem to be so. Of course it is not perfect, and it has light surface damage on the obverse, but the reverse seems to be all there. Would be grateful for your thoughts and opinions on these 2 large cents. Thanks, Eduard
Thanks all for your comments. It is always nice to be able to find some nice large cents, specially when they don't cost you an arm and a leg. I don't really collect post 1800's large cents, preferring to focus on 1794, 95, 96, 97. However, the 1803 'Large Date, Large Fraction' variety is a red book type, scarcer as a variety, and if i am only going to have one 1803 dated LC, then I thought that is a good one to have.
This is a particularly interesting coin since it shows the Obverse break through the bust area usually seen on the S-264 and without the advanced breaks on the reverse of typical late state S-265s. I guess that would make it Die State IV or V.
