CU-1c-1802-04R Cud

Description

Fourth documented cud on the reverse of the 1802 Draped Bust Large Cent, CU-1c-1802-04R records a rim fracture on the wreath-surrounded denomination side of this early American copper coin. The "R" suffix in the catalog designation specifies that the cud appears on the reverse die rather than the obverse — an important distinction because the Draped Bust Cent's reverse design, featuring a continuous wreath encircling the denomination "ONE CENT" with the fraction "1/100" below, presents different stress patterns at the rim compared to the obverse portrait side. No cross-references to other attribution systems are currently known for this variety, and it is cataloged by Cuds on Coins. The 1802 Draped Bust Cent was produced at the original Philadelphia Mint on Seventh Street using large copper planchets that were individually cut and adjusted to weight before striking — a labor-intensive process that limited production capacity but ensured each planchet met weight standards mandated by law. Robert Scot served as Chief Engraver during the 1802 production, overseeing the creation of dies that were hand-engraved rather than hubbed. The Draped Bust Cents 1796-1807 series is one of the earliest American coin series with documented die varieties, and cuds on these early coppers provide tangible evidence of the manufacturing limitations of the young nation's coinage operation in its first decade of existence.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Friscomint1793 on eBay
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References