1809 Classic Head Cent. S-280, the only known dies. Rarity-2. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC.

1809 Classic Head Cent. S-280, the only known dies. Rarity-2. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC.，This handsome example ranks among the nicest Classic Head cents for the assigned grade that we have ever offered. Both sides are smooth and glossy with plenty of faded golden-orange luster evident under a light. Otherwise warmly toned in olive and gray-brown, this cent also has a suitably bold strike for this challenging type. Noyes Die State B with an obverse crack from star 11 and another, branching crack on the reverse from the letters TE in STATES into the top of the wreath.<p>Produced only from 1808 through 1814, the Classic Head large cent design is the work of German-born engraver John Reich. Known for years among numismatists as the Turban Head cent (based on the name popularized by &Eacute;douard Frossard in his 1879 monograph), the more familiar Classic Head name used today actually predates Frossards description and is attributed to Ebenezer Locke Mason, Jr. in 1868. The latter name was basically reintroduced to the numismatic community in the 1950s by Walter Breen, who theorized that Reichs inspiration for Libertys portrait probably came from one or more statues of boy athletes from Ancient Greece. The fillet inscribed LIBERTY on the portrait was worn as a prize for winners of city-wide athletic competitions, hence Breens conclusion. In the absence of documentary evidence explaining why, the author further speculates that objection to the use of a boy athlete as a model for Liberty from one or more contemporary observers may have prompted Chief Engraver Robert Scot to replace his assistant Reichs design after only seven years of production. In his time Walter Breen was well known for his speculations on history and events, many of which seem to have little basis in fact.<p>Regardless of the exact circumstances of its design and replacement, the Classic Head series is one of the shortest among early U.S. Mint coppers. The paucity of examples produced does not alone explain why this is also one of the most challenging types to locate in finer circulated and Mint State grades. Planchet stock for this series, all of which was supplied by Matthew Boulton of Birmingham, England, is inferior to that which the Mint used to produce other large cent types. The copper used for the Classic Head coinage is softer with more metallic impurities, which made the finished coins more susceptible to wear, environmental damage and unattractive toning. Indeed, the vast majority of survivors of all dates of this type are well worn and/or impaired. Even many high grade survivors exhibit streaky and/or splotchy toning that, while not a factor in determining the grade, can limit the coins appeal. Problem free, high quality examples that also possesses attractive color and strong eye appeal are difficult to find. This 1809 is just such a coin, and it was actually cataloged as "Uncirculated Gem" in our (Stacks) May 1968 offering. Not too far from Condition Census based on todays stricter grading standards, this is still a superior quality example of both the type and issue that belongs in another advanced cabinet.，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier ex Mathewson Collection, Boston, May 1955; Dorothy I. Paschal, July 27, 1966; William Van Roden; our (Stacks) sale of the William Van Roden Collection of Large Cents, May 1968, lot 253. Lot tag and collector envelopes with provenance notes included.，