CU-1c-1803-02R Cud

Description

Second cataloged reverse cud on the 1803 Draped Bust Cent with the 100/000 fraction variety, CU-1c-1803-02R represents an early entry in what would become an extensive die break census for this distinctive early American cent. The 1803 cent's 100/000 fraction — where the denominator was overpunched with three zeroes instead of two — has fascinated collectors for over two centuries, and the presence of a reverse rim cud adds die failure documentation to an already significant variety. Robert Scot's Draped Bust of Liberty, facing right with flowing hair partially restrained by a ribbon, graces the obverse, while the reverse features a laurel wreath encircling the fraction and denomination. Philadelphia struck approximately 3,131,691 large cents in 1803 using screw presses that applied substantial force to soft copper planchets, generating mechanical stresses in the hand-engraved dies that promoted rim fracturing. No additional cross-references exist beyond the primary Cuds on Coins designation. Early copper cent cuds from the Draped Bust era command significant numismatic interest because they document die failure patterns from the formative period of United States coinage, when die manufacturing was an artisanal process and each die represented a significant investment of time and skilled labor by the Mint's small engraving staff.

Attribution History

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

External References