1823 1823/2 Overdate

The 1823/2 overdate large cent compounds the rarity of the 1823 date with a specific die variety. The final digit of the date shows a 3 punched over a 2, with traces of the underlying 2 visible on well-preserved coins. The Mint reused an 1822 die, updating the date for the new year. Given the 1823's overall scarcity, the overdate variety is one of the rarer overdates in the Coronet Head series.

The overdate is identifiable on coins in Fine or better, where the date area retains enough detail to show the doubled final digit. On heavily worn coins, the overdate can be ambiguous. Certification by a major grading service confirms both the date and the overdate attribution, providing the market confidence needed for a coin at this price level.

The 1823/2 is pursued by both key-date collectors (who need the 1823 date in any form) and overdate specialists (who collect every overdate in the Coronet Head series). An AU58 example from the Dan Holmes Collection sold for $246,750. Privately made restrikes also exist (produced around 1860 from discarded dies), pairing a cracked 1823 obverse with an 1813 reverse. These restrikes show heavy rust and die breaks that increase with each successive generation struck. Collectors should be aware of their existence when evaluating 1823 cents.