 1806 Br.4-E (R-7). Pointed 6. About Uncirculated or finer. This distinctive variety shows the date spaced '1 806', and the letters 'NIT' in UNITED step down progressively lower. Peripheral features including stars and legends on both sides are sharp and complemented by bold mint lustre. This coin's centers show what at first glance may be taken for striking weakness, which the late Walter Breen and researcher Robert Miller proved was actually the result of improperly hardened dies produced by the still-young Philadelphia Mint. The mid-sections of these dies were comparatively soft and warped quickly under the pressure of striking, a situation than can also be found in certain 1797-1798 Large Cents and Draped Bust Dimes and Quarters of 1804-1807. Here is a highly fascinating coin worthy of the closest study.
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