1817 Matron Head Coronet Head Cent - 13 Stars - Matron Head Large Cent N-12 Obverse Unusual Die Crack

Description

Identified by the Newcomb die variety number N-12, this 1817 Matron Head large cent exhibits an unusual circumferential die crack running through most of the stars and the date on the obverse. Unlike standard rim-to-rim cracks that follow straight or gently curved paths, unusual die cracks trace irregular routes across the die face, and this example follows the arc of the star ring rather than radiating outward from the center. The Philadelphia Mint struck 3,948,400 large cents dated 1817. Copper large cents from this era were struck on hand-operated screw presses that subjected dies to uneven stress distribution, and circumferential cracking often reflects stress patterns radiating from the central hub impression during die manufacturing.

Cross References

• Newcomb N-12