Lot 192
1804 Restrike in Copper. PCGS graded MS-66 Brown. Choice lustrous medium brown with generous traces of original red color showing, especially on the obverse. The surfaces are satiny and flawless. No spots, stains, contact marks, or planchet flaws. Later die state with heavy die rust evident on the obverse and the hair details below the ear lapped away. The reverse on this restrike variety is often found at various angles relative to the normal head-to-foot coin orientation, and this one is rotated 15 degrees clockwise. This so-called "restrike" is actually a non-mint product struck prior to 1868 using scrap dies acquired by Joseph J. Mickley. The obverse die is from the 1803 S-261 marriage while the reverse is from the 1820 N-12 die pair. Both dies were rusted when obtained and, after the date was altered from 1803 to 1804, the dies were polished to reduce the roughness thereby weakening the designs somewhat. These restrikes helped collectors fill the relatively difficult 1804 spot in their collections, but only the uninitiated could be fooled into thinking they were genuine 1804 cents. Regardless, they have remained popular with collectors ever since. Our grade is Mint State-65. PCGS population 4 with none finer.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
Ex Willard C. Blaisdell 5/75-R. E. Naftzger, Jr.
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| Realized $7,188 |
