In keeping with the rule of thumb, the 1813 cent is scarcer than the even numbered dates in the Classic Head Cent series. It is easier to find in attractive condition that the 1809 and 1811 cents, however. The quality of the copper which was used to make these cents was better, but it is not as nice as that which was used for the 1812 and 1814 cents. The speculation is that the casks which contained the blanks for these coins may have suffered from exposure to sea salt and spray. This 1813 cent is Sheldon variety # 293. It is rated as an R-2. NGC graded it EF-40. This is an example of the early die state. The dies were not properly aligned in the coin press. This resulted in weakness on the 6th and 7th stars and the corresponding area on the reverse in the area of “UNI” in “UNITED.”
Nice coin but it looks to have been cleaned and/or polished. With that and the faded letters and stars, NGC was generous, lucky you.
