1803 Draped Bust Cent. S-259. Rarity-4. Small Date, Large Fraction. AU Details--Environmental Damage

1803 Draped Bust Cent. S-259. Rarity-4. Small Date, Large Fraction. AU Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS).，Glossy golden-brown and medium copper surfaces are smooth apart from a few trivial handling marks and light scaling on the reverse in the center and along the lower left border. The strike is slightly off center to 8 oclock on both sides, although only the denticulation is affected. Boldly defined over most design elements, this is a Condition Census example from the S-259 dies. Noyes Die State A.<p>This coin is included in the Condition Census for the variety as listed in the 2000 reference <em>Walter Breens Encyclopedia of Early United States Cents: 1793-1814</em>, the EAC grade given therein as VF-35. However, the provenance provided in that reference is incorrect after the coins offering in B. Max Mehls 1929 FPL offering of the Dr. French Collection.，From the RSC Collection. Earlier ex Dr. George P. French Collection; B. Max Mehls Fixed Price List of 1929, lot 327; Gaskill; the present consignor. Collector envelope with attribution and provenance notes included.，