1821 1C, BN MS(PCGS#1621)

1821 1C, BN MS (PCGS#1621)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Noyes Die State A/A. A reported mintage of 389,000 pieces has established the 1821 as one of the more elusive, most eagerly sought dates in the Matron Head series of 1816 to 1839. This is a handsome, generally tan-brown and olive-copper example with walnut-brown highlights in the fields and glints of powder blue atop some of the design elements. Both sides retain plenty of bold to sharp definition from a well balanced and nicely executed strike. Free of distracting marks, there is only a trace of light carbon in places that does not inhibit strong eye appeal. A significant find that is sure to be of particular interest to the large cent date collector.<p>Numismatic scholars have identified only two die marriages for the 1821 Matron Head cent, and they were struck from different obverse and reverse dies. The most readily evident diagnostic is along the left obverse border. Newcomb-2, illustrated here, exhibits a strong inner circle along the denticles in that area while N-1 lacks that feature. Additionally, N-2 displays a fairly bold die scratch (as made) in the field between star 1 and the date.