1797 1/2C 1 ABOVE 1 P01 PCGS CAC

CAC Pop 2 and the Lowest. This 1797 Draped Bust Half Cent, attributed as the “1 Above 1” variety (Cohen-1, Breen-1), is an extraordinary survivor at the absolute basal level of preservation, certified PCGS P01 and approved by CAC. The engraver’s dramatic blunder—punching a second digit 1 above the first—remains identifiable even on this heavily worn example, where circulation has reduced the surfaces to smooth, uniform planes of deep chocolate and reddish-brown copper. With an estimated survival of only 200 pieces in all grades, this Guide Book variety is avidly collected for its die blunder significance. Population data further underscore the rarity of certified “lowball” survivors, with only 7 coins graded P01 at PCGS out of 239 submissions, and just 2 CAC-approved example among 18 CAC in all grades. Price Guide are off for this low ball, given a non-CAC corroded example sold for $ 780 03/25 HA.