Could this be an ultra rare Large Cent?

[cheffer]

Jeff and I went back to the colonial hot spot for a third time tonight, beautiful weather for a hunt. As it started to get dark I headed back to the car across a section of field near the road, and got a nice signal on the Deus. I knew it was going to be another copper, ID at exactly 86 all day which is what all the other colonial coppers ring at. Crusty largie, but very readable date of 1803. Psyched! Oldest large cent from this area so far...



When I got home I checked the Red Book as usual. Call me crazy, but it looks like a large date small fraction...





I know it's hard to tell, but the "1" definitely seems to have the point on it. The "3" doesn't look particularly large, but the distance from the bust from the date looks like the image in the book. And the fraction I'm pretty sure is the small variety, because that "1" is blunt.

I can't get a great photo with my phone camera, I held it up to a magnifying glass but the light is wrong and it is pretty corroded. I'm going to try to get a better picture in the daylight tomorrow and maybe bring it down to coin guy who's pretty knowledgeable about coppers.

Would be pretty cool, but I realize the odds would be astronomical. Great find in my book no matter what!

Will keep you posted,
Steve

 

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[Mzjavert]

I hope it is the small date. Nice old coin.

 

[Ammoman]

Since i have never found a Large Cent i would say any large cent is RARE. Great find and good luck on the ID!

 

[RVRoamer73]

Very interesting. Hoping the coin is worth a bundle. Great hunt either way though. Congrats !!

 

[david680]

Looks like a small date to me. Check this https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/142/large-cents/draped-bust/1803-P/large-date-small-fraction/. Notice the 3, that's your first key. Looks like your 3 matches the small date. Either way, its a great find, congrats!

 

[cheffer]

Looks like a small date to me. Check this https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/142/large-cents/draped-bust/1803-P/large-date-small-fraction/. Notice the 3, that's your first key. Looks like your 3 matches the small date. Either way, its a great find, congrats!

I think you may be right, much better image on that page than the book. Especially the angle of the "3". Oh well, no retirement yet!

 

[RVRoamer73]

With the example it sure looks like the small date to me...the 3 on the large date loops out at the bottom more. But very nice find for sure !!

 

[Relicific]

Nice copper
Confrats

 

[4x4x4]

....Fine find and your cellphone pics are better than most !

 

[tomhighland]

Congratulations on your find. I don't think it is a large date though. The three doesn't appear to reach back far enough on the rounded portion. Still a very cool find!

 

[sutphin]

NICE FIND>>>>

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on the nice old copper

 

[pepperj]

Congrats on the old copper, it makes a nice keeper.

 

[DizzyDigger]

Great find Cheffer...

Did what I could to bring that date out more. Hope it helps.





Also, sent you a PM.