1804 Draped Bust Large Cent (variety S-266), authenticated / graded / encapsulated by PCGS as Good Details, for environmental damage that is common from over 200 years ago on the pure copper planchets used for cents in the Early American era.  Variety S-266 is the only one and from the only dies used for the 1804 large cent.  In particular, this is variety S-266c, the terminal die state, as broken die sections have formed cuds in this final run of coinage, in the RTY of Liberty on the obverse, and MERI in America on the reverse.  These are helpful diagnostics, but this one offered is already authenticated by PCGS.

This is one of the famous American coin key date rarities, which gets prohibitively expensive in higher grades.  It becomes an attractive choice for some collectors to choose a lower grade and "details" condition specimens, as long as you can still see features and so enjoy the coin and value. This 1804 Good-det cent has that to offer; Liberty, outer features, the motto "LIBERTY," and the famous date are all visible through the environmental damage.  The reverse, rotated 20 degrees counterclockwise, is close to a Good grade in itself; the small patch of verdigris and lower intensity of environmental damage is only visible with a magnifier or loupe, and to the eye, presents some circulated cameo effect so you can see the details better.  We have seen graded G04 coins with less detail than this one has.  To us, a Draped Bust large cent is not as fun if you cannot see the 1/100 fraction, placed there to educate the Early American public about their new dollars and cents monetary system - and the fraction and more are clear on this reverse.

What history at the time of its minting - Jefferson was President, and the Louisiana Purchase had just expanded the United States across much of the North American continent.  As was common for the 1804 mintage, the reverse die is rotated counterclockwise about 30 degrees.  With PCGS providing the authentication and grading you need for peace of mind and surety, we offer this Early American large cent for your collecting.  Free shipping and signature delivery.