1802 half-cents were often struck on miserable planchet stock, and this one displays an edge defect most noticeable from 8:00 of the reverse (or 10:00 on the obverse). The defect continued to corrode a little during circulation and displays localized microporosity, while the balance of the planchet is affected by additional microscopic pores and a few corrosion pits. One such pit is in the eye-socket and gives Liberty a gaping appearance! A curious series of tiny pits on the reverse are clustered around HALF and almost seem to have been placed there long ago according to some unknown intent. On a much more positive note, color is noteworthy for attractive dark caramel consistency from edge to edge and side to side, and there is no obvious reason to doubt that it is original. While details are a little blurred by the noted surface issues, enough of Liberty's tresses remain to suggest sharpness at the very-fine grade level, and for that matter, presence of finer details in the wreath support such assessment as well. EAC 8 or better could be a reasonable technical grade estimate.

This lot may contain an item not certified by ANACS, PCGS, or NGC. While Scotsman Auction Co. is typically conservative in our descriptions of items not certified by one of these companies, we cannot guarantee our grading estimation will match their grade. We highly recommend that collectors seeking items certified by a third-party grading service only bid on items that have already been certified. No lot can be returned because of a variance in judgment with regards to grade.