The 1802, 2 over 0, reverse of 1800 Draped Bust Half Cent (Buy on eBay) is the rarest variety across the entire half cent denomination. The coins were struck in early 1802 on planchets made from cut-down large cents. Across the entire year the mintage of half cents was only 20,266 pieces, with the rare variety comprising only a small portion of this amount.
All half cents for this year utilized an over-dated die, made from a leftover die dated 1800. The remnants of the final digit “0” remain clearly visible beneath the digit “2”. Initial production took place with a reverse die carrying the “style of 1800.” This style is differentiated by wreath ends that point horizontally and smaller lettering. At some point, the reverse die was retired and replaced with a new die containing the “style of 1803,” which accounted for the majority of production.
From an unknown original mintage, the variety containing the over-dated die and “style of 1800” reverse has approximately 25 pieces still believed to exist. These are usually encountered in grades Very Good or lower, including damaged and corroded coins. The finest known example is graded PCGS XF-40. Auction appearances for this variety remain extremely infrequent.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: Gilbert Stuart
- Composition: Copper
- Weight: 5.44 grams
- Diameter: 23.5 mm
- Edge: Plain
1804 “Spiked Chin” Draped Bust Half Cent >
