Got the DFX out for some fun

[nw1886]

Hey coinnut! Was able to attribute both (and both coins were struck with the exact same die! It has been given the identification number of S.254 (The S is for Sheldon...the main guy who studied and cataloged large cent die combination/die state varieties.) I'm posting my response here because of finding two?!!! The identifiers are as follows.

First coin (S.254)

Obverse: 18 has large separation from 03, 1 is well separated from hair, 3 has no separation from Liberties draped bust dress. Also, this die is of a later die state because of the huge die crack forming under Liberties "Draped Bust".

Reverse: I in United leans left, numerator in fraction is slightly tilted up and longer than usual.

Second coin (Same EXACT die was used to strike this coin except.....

Obverse: Earlier die state w/no die crack @ Draped Bust!! (Not a rare variety but...finding and then posting two at the same time + owning both die states from ground recovery...freaky!) PLAY LOTTO WEEKLY and....... coinnut , if you keep finding die varieties in pairs...pray for Chains, 1799's and 1804's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Big congratulations to you!

 

[coinnut]

Hey, Thanks for all your work. It is kinda creepy to post both of those. I thought I'd be retiring with those two rare coppers, but it's off to work we go! I'll have to keep my eye on a Sheldon book at E Bay. Maybe I can pick one up to do the rest of my coppers. At least 2 of them are identified. Went out today and will post later. No good coins, but a couple of buttons.HH

 

[nw1886]

If you look for a Sheldon book, it will most likely be one called Penny Whimsy. Sheldon is the original guy but the better set of books is by William Noyes and is called United States Large Cents. His work is a compilation and refinement of Sheldon's work. Three volumes... each dedicated to separate eras (and they fully catalog the major varieties with concise descriptions and photographs). Be prepared to shell out serious cash. Upside is two fold. Well taken care of, they resell for the original investment and... you can easily pay for the set with wise "cherry picking" of dealer inventory and recognition of better coins you find. (Better large cents do frequently show up in ground recovery coins.) In many instances, they are the only extant examples known and as such command huge premiums. The "bottom line" information and resource base for all early American copper large cents and half cents is from the Early American Copper Society. Collectors and dealers who specialize in this arena exclusively. Anyone can join the "EAC" and the benefits are huge. (If that is your thing.) Massachusetts has a large representation in their membership rolls. Glad I could help.