Description

1800/79 Draped Bust Cent S-194 PCGS MS63BN Style Two Hair Overdate Die State III Rarity

Offered is a highly collectible 1800/79 Draped Bust Large Cent, featuring the Style Two Hair portrait and the S-194 Overdate variety, where the final digit "0" in the date is clearly punched over a prior "9". Graded MS63 Brown by PCGS, this is an impressive Condition Census example of an important early American copper, exhibiting rich toning and fascinating die characteristics.

Authenticity & Certification:

Date: 1800 (Over 79)
Denomination: One Cent
Type: Draped Bust
Variety: S-194 / B-8 (Sheldon-Breen reference)
Overdate: 1800/79
Die State: Breen Die State III – with fine cracks at CA in AMERICA and around the fraction 1/100, no rim breaks
Grade: PCGS MS63 Brown (BN)
Certification: PCGS-graded and verified

Historical Significance:

This coin is a part of the Draped Bust cent series (1796–1807), which followed the Flowing Hair design and brought a more refined image of Liberty to U.S. coinage. The 1800/79 overdate is a popular and easily visible variety within the series, representing the Mint's reuse of a leftover 1799 die punch to save time or materials—an important glimpse into early minting practices.

The S-194 (Sheldon variety) is one of the more available overdates but becomes elusive in high Mint State, making this MS63 Brown piece a standout. Most surviving examples show moderate wear and rough surfaces—this coin does not.

Design & Features:

Obverse:

Draped Bust Liberty with Style Two Hair—more refined and flowing than earlier types.
Date clearly displays the overdate "1800/79", with remnants of the 9 visible beneath the 0.
Multitone fields of light brown, golden tan, and soft blue-steel overtones, giving the coin depth and age.
A golden-tan streak through Liberty’s mouth may be the result of a planchet impurity, a natural and common occurrence in early copper.

Reverse:

Central ONE CENT surrounded by an open laurel wreath tied with a ribbon.
Denomination fraction 1/100 below.
Sharp definition in all central and peripheral elements, with die cracks visible at CA in AMERICA and the fraction, confirming Breen Die State III.
Smooth fields, virtually free from handling or contact marks—only minor as-struck planchet chips behind Liberty's head.

Collector Notes:

Rarity Index: R.3 – Scarce but available in lower grades; rare in Mint State.
Sheldon Number: S-194
Overdate Attribution: 1800/79 easily seen with magnification or trained eye
Die State: Breen III – advanced but without terminal rim cuds

Collector’s Value:
This MS63 Brown Draped Bust Cent represents a choice Mint State example of an important overdate variety, with strong demand among early copper collectors and type specialists. The toning and surface quality are exceptional for an 18th-century U.S. cent, and its Die State III diagnostics make it a prime study piece. With rich visual appeal and certified originality, it is an ideal addition to a Condition Census variety set, a high-grade early U.S. type set, or any PCGS Registry collection.