Lot 3011

Large Cents 1803 1C Small Date, Large Fraction, S-258, B-17, R.1, MS66 Brown NGC. CAC. Breen Die State III. Both sides are glossy in texture with dominant chocolate-brown color and shades of blue-gray hugging many of the reverse devices. Liberty's portrait is sharply impressed, as are the right reverse leaves, with weakness only present on the left leaves and left half of the rim. Both sides are free of mentionable distractions, and the most important pedigree markers are a pair of obverse spots above the 18 in the date and at Liberty's chin.      The S-258 is one of five Small Date, Large Fraction varieties, and one of two of these rated R.1. This rarity factor could lead one to conclude that the present coin is common, but it is less available than it appears at first glance. The present Breen Die State III exhibits the arc-like die crack that is easily discernible over the lower left obverse, as well as another crack at the D in UNITED. The obverse die, previously used on S-257, was retired as a result of its crack, but the less severe reverse fracture did not preclude it from further use on S-259.      This coin is most certainly the finest extant example of the S-258 die marriage. Noyes lists it as the premier example in the Condition Census in his 1991 book United States Large Cents: 1793-1814, and it is also the plate coin in that reference. According to Del Bland, this coin is probably also the finest example listed in Jack Robinson's 2001 Copper Quotes By Robinson Condition Census. Combined with its impressive pedigree, this example is perfect for the collection of any advanced large cent specialist. Ex: B. Max Mehl; T. James Clarke (10/1954); R. E. Naftzger, Jr. (2/23/1992); Eric Streiner; one intermediary; U.S. Coin and Currency Auction (Superior, 9/1997), lot 66; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 9/2002), lot 5131; The Orlando Sale (Stack's, 1/2009), lot 61). From The Presidio Collection, Part II. www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice https://coins.ha.com/itm/large-cents/1803-1c-small-date-large-fraction-s-258-b-17-r1-ms66-brown-ngc-cac/a/1393-3011.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-USCoins-1393-04292026 HID02906262019 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved Certification number: NGC 676942006