My favorite US coin

For a few years prior to purchasing this coin, I had been really wanting an uncirculated early large cent with a good strike, good luster, good history, and lots of character. I saw a few on my way, but they were either WAAAAY out of my price range, or they did not have the “Buy Meeee” pull (more so the former than the latter).

Then one day I had been perusing large cents on eBay for some reason, and I came across this one in Chris McCawley’s inventory. It was love at first sight, and it was within my possible price range. I still had Chris’ email from when he had helped sell my S-121a a few years back, so I contacted him, and we worked up a deal where I got the coin for $100 less than the eBay price.

What initially drew me in was the luster. It is the look that every large cent should have, but few do. The color is also stellar for the type, and even for the whole large cent denomination. The strike is also stellar, with just a bit of weakness in the stars. All of the rest of the minute details are exactly as the die-maker intended them to look like, so this coin is a glimpse into the artistry of the early US mint. You can also see the tiny mistakes, such as the top of the L in LIBERTY. This 1820 large cent is the N-13 variety, easily recognizable because of the circular die crack on the obverse. The odd appearance gives it the interest factor that only a handful of varieties can acheive. Lastly, the date, variety, grade, and the splotchy color very strongly suggest that this coin came from the Randall hoard. This hoard is one of the most famous in all of numismatics, and it is fascinating to be able to have a reasonable idea about who owned this coin and where it had gone in the decades after it was minted. All in all, this is a unique coin that would be nearly impossible to replace, which is why I do not plan on selling it anytime soon.

These are Chris’ photos, which show the brilliant luster on this cent.



Here are my photos, which show the true color. It almost looks like old toned silver.

 

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Wow. I'm jealous. Congrats

 

she is a beauty!

 

I love your story! Its just a beautiful coin until you tell the story!!!!That coin is a work of art!!!!

 

Very pretty coin, TC!
There is something special about uncirculated early copper.

 

Showstopper!

 

wow. amazing coin. tell us the grade please.

 

WOW!!! That is just utterly stunning... Well worth the wait. I would be very proud to own an example like that. It has EVERYTHING that would draw me to it as well. Well done and congratulations.

By the way, this was me 15 minutes ago after eating a box of powdered donuts and throwing a fit because I don't own that coin.

 

Spectacular is the only word that comes close to describing this piece. Absolutely spectacular!

 

MS-62. The slab helped keep this coin affordable

 

I've always wanted one of these (N-13) since the first time I saw one. Congratulations on securing a superior example!

 

Awesome!

 

Nice strike and wonderful die break!

 

Lovely coin and story.

 

Have you ever tried regrade? I remember when you did a guess the grade on this one and I think I was in at MS63 or 64. Full strike, full luster. 62 just doesn't make sense unless they think it was fooled with long ago.

 

I might send it in to CAC to see if they give it a gold bean.

 

Waste of money if you ask me. CAC is way more inconsistent with the gold sticker than the TPG's are with upgrading. It's so arbitrary and their criteria is so unknown. They "say" it has to be strong for the next grade up, but that just isn't true, based on my experience.

 

Pretty coin. She really smiles for the camera.

 

It's okay. Just kidding. It is fantastic and the die break is so unique that it adds to the beauty.