CU-1C-1803-11R Cud

Description

Cataloged as CU-1C-1803-11R by Cuds on Coins with a notation date of 11/24/2023, this cud error appears on the 1803 Draped Bust Cent in the Small Date, Large Fraction subvariety. The "11R" designation places the cud at approximately the 11 o'clock position on the reverse, using the clock-position system that the Cuds on Coins attribution service employs to standardize cud location descriptions across all denominations and dates. A rim cud at the 11 o'clock position on the Draped Bust Cent reverse — which features a continuous wreath encircling the denomination — would affect either the upper portion of the wreath or the adjacent lettering of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, depending on the cud's exact extent. The Draped Bust design by Robert Scot, in production from 1796 through 1807, was struck on hand-made copper planchets at a time when die technology and quality control were far less refined than in later eras, making die breaks a relatively common occurrence. The 1803 Large Cent had a total mintage of approximately 2,471,353 pieces across all die pairings and subvarieties, struck at the first Philadelphia Mint facility. These early copper cents were produced under challenging conditions — dies were individually engraved and hardened, planchet quality varied significantly, and striking pressures were less consistent than in the steam-press era that would follow. The Small Date, Large Fraction variety itself distinguishes this die pair from the Small Date, Small Fraction and Large Date, Large Fraction variants known for 1803. No additional cross-references beyond the Cuds on Coins primary designation have been reported, and surviving examples of early large cent cuds carry substantial premiums due to their age and the inherent fragility of hand-engraved dies.

Attribution History

• CU-1C-1803-11R; none. 11/24/2023.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References