A second example of a rare large cent variety not seen by collectors since a guide to them was compiled in 1883 was reported by Virginia collector Henry Hettger.
The first example seen since the 19th century was found by Tom Deck and reported publicly at a Jan. 7 meeting of the Early American Coppers at the Florida United Numismatists convention in Orlando.
Cataloged as Newcomb-5 A5 this second example of the 1825 large cent variety was found in March and confirmed by large cent authority Bob Grellman, Hettger said.
Like the Deck example, this large cent was spotted first on eBay.
Hettger said he purchased it in an auction after trying get it for $250 as a “Buy It Now.”
“I could not reach agreement and had to bid along with everyone else. It realized $43 in a group of three coins. No one else saw it or felt it was another common variety. Upon receipt I was able to verify the variety and became certain of its rarity and important status. It is difficult to identify and especially so in lower grades. I was very pleased with it once it was verified and confirmed. I have offered it for sale. It is a means to pay for other large cents. This was a very exciting moment in the hobby.”
In January, when only one was known, Grellman speculated that it could bring $10,000 or more at auction.
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