"Penny" Date Set - 1802 and 1803

It has been my experience that the 1802 and 1803 cents are the most common dates among the early cents from 1793 to 1814. These dates are often available in the well circulated grades, and the most easily found in AU and Mint State. The reported mintage for the 1802 cent was 3,435,100. More were made in subsequent years. There are 20 known die varieties.



PCGS graded this 1802 cent MS-63, Brown, CAC. It has reflective, almost flawless surfaces with small peaks of mint red in a few protected surfaces. The mint luster is unbroken on both sides.

The variety is Sheldon #232, which is a common R-1 variety. It is among the finest known, but according to the ultra conservative EAC grading standards, it’s not Mint State. We shall agree to disagree. This is my coin currently in my type set of the Draped Bust Cent

The 1803 cent is the most common early date. Like the 1802, it is frequently found in the circulated grades, and it is among the easier dates to find in the higher grades. The reported mintage was 3,131,691. Like the 1802, more 1803 cents were made in subsequent years. There are 24 known die varieties. This coin was previously my type set piece.



NGC graded this attractive 1803 cent AU-58. There is very little wear and only some minor surface blemishes. The die variety is Sheldon #260, which is an R-1.

 

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Sir, I could spend weeks looking at your fantastic collection. Likewise, I could "overstay my welcome" listening to you talk about your life experiences and absorbing just a little of your knowledge. None of this will occur in "real life". So, in lieu of the above, I'll continue to enjoy your posts. Thank you, Kenneth

 

Thank you for continuing to share your research and insights from your vast storehouse of knowledge. Whenever I open one of your posts I know I will learn something new.

 

Beauties, "20 known die varieties," amazing!