1828 1/2C C-3, RB MS64RB Certification #04985669, PCGS #35262

Charles Morgan

1828 Draped Bust Half Cent, Cohen-3, 13 Stars

Eckberg 2-B. Breen-2. Guide Book variety (along with Cohen-1): “13 Stars.” Rarity-1.

This variety is distinguished by 13 stars on the obverse and an unevenly spaced date, specifically with the 2 sitting below the arc of the other numerals.

Diagnostic pickup points include:

• Star 7: Features noticeable repunching.
• Die Defect: The top of the letter H in HALF is connected to the frame or surrounding details due to a specific die defect.
• Star 13: Points directly at a dentil (unlike Cohen-1, where it points between them).

Most Red (RD) or Red-Brown (RB) examples of the 1828 issue are traced to a famous hoard of approximately 1,000 pieces discovered in 1884. These were sold by Washington, D.C. dealer Benjamin Collins. It is important to note that all coins from the Collins hoard were of this C-3 variety, which explains why it is the most frequently encountered 1828 marriage in high Mint State grades.

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