Description

1801 S-219, B-11 Cent, MS62 Brown
Second Finest Three Errors Reverse
Ex: Newcomb-Halpern-Koshkarian

1801 1C Three Errors, S-219, B-11, R.2, MS62 Brown PCGS. Ex: Koshkarian. Breen Die State V, heavily clashed with two arcing die cracks at the lower left reverse. The engraver was clearly having a bad day when this reverse die was created. While there are no contemporary records, this die was probably engraved by an assistant, as Robert Scot did much better and more careful work. William Nyberg's book, Robert Scot, Engraving Liberty, is a must read for any serious numismatic student.

The name of the variety indicates that the reverse has three engraving errors. The fraction is a meaningless 1/000, the left stem end is absent, and the U was initially inverted, then corrected so that it appears to read IINITED. The die cracks and clash marks are not related to the three errors, but they only add to the unusual appearance of this extremely popular and famous variety. The reverse die was used with two different obverse dies, usually seen on this S-219 variety, but occasionally on the S-218 rarity. Although this relatively plentiful variety is rated R.2, high grade examples are rarely encountered. Del Bland recorded a single Mint State example and four AU pieces in his Condition Census. He grades this piece AU55 and second finest known. Bill Noyes lists one Mint State piece, and ranks this example that he grades AU50 as tied for second finest.

Weight: 13.48 grams

Metal: 100% Copper