1809/6 1/2C C-5, RB (Regular Strike)

1809/6 "9 Over Inverted 9" Classic Head Half Cent, C-5

Rarity-1 | Eckberg 4-E (Rarity-1). Popularly referred to as the "1809/6" overdate, this variety is actually a blundered date rather than a true overdate. Because the Draped Bust design was still in use in 1806 — three years before the Classic Head design debuted in 1809 — an 1809/6 overdate is logically impossible.

Even in the earliest die state, distinct die cracks are visible to the left of stars 4 through 6 and across the back portion of Liberty’s head. Over time, progressive die lapping completely erased the obverse denticles and left only partial denticle detail on the reverse. On the obverse, the left edge of the hair curl is tucked in directly above the right curve of the "9." On the reverse, the highest leaf extends just past the second "S" in STATES, while the lowest leaf beneath the "F" extends slightly past the serif of the letter's crossbar. This is a major variety recognized in the Red Book.

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