Cert # 1997099-003

Coin Number 26

As we begin with the first die pairing of 1803, this majestic choice coin offers strong luster, a solid strike and good eye appeal. There are some faint adjustment marks crossing into Liberty’s hair curls near her ear, and scattered light handling marks in the fields in the form of minor scuffs. This obverse die was used to coin all six die varieties of 1803, and is identifiable by the first star being quite close to Liberty’s lower curl with a single point, and the L of LIBERTY nearly touching her cap. The reverse die is new, with the star near the eagle’s beak, not entering its mouth, but instead is just left of his upper beak and does not touch it. While considered scarce, this variety is available in lower grades with patience, with a known population of between 30 and 40 pieces in all. In choice mint state like this one, it is of course, quite rare and desirable. Prooflike fields as commonly seen on these low population coins.