FRANK DEWITT ANDREWS IS THIS YOUR 1826 N-2?

This is the question I would like to ask but instead ask the help of fellow ole' copper collectors, to help me decide. I am noticing the second letter S in STATES being rotated clockwise marginally along with the two Ts in STATES having their left arms broken and leaning on some 1826 N-6 reverses but not on others. Our founding father of Matron Cent varieties described in his 1881 54-page self-published pamphlet, what has since become known as his 1826 N-2. It has been called minimally different from his 26-A3 or likely the same. Andrews only distinction being broad S/narrow S. Renowned middle date large cent author John D. Wright in his famous 1992 "The Cent Book" points out in regards to the 1826s, "...a minor variation in the size of the S punch on the reverse". Author Greg Reynolds in Coin Link Collecting News, in his article titled "Greatest All-Time Collection of Middle Date Large Cents to be Auctioned(Part2)" dated 01/30/09 notes"The number of the stars on the obverse is generally or at least should be considered a more significant factor than the size of otherwise identical letters on the reverse(back), which varies for some dates in the 1820s and 1830s." Out of respect for Andrews succeeding authors have left blank lines or pages in documenting the die varieties when they came to 1826 N-2 or they write "unknown."

No one should forget the excitement that was generated in November 2011 when Tom Deck discovered after 130 years of doubt, the 1881 Andrews' described but long lost 1825 N-5. The N-5 had undergone similar "unknown" treatment. Frank D. Andrews was known to have a photographic memory as well as an avid interest in penning geology, genealogy, numismatics and philatelic among other efforts. He even built a museum to exhibit collections and was a Trustee of the Vineland, New Jersey Historical and Antiquarian Society. Andrews was known to have fashioned handmade envelopes to hold his Large Cents. He became very astute at these endeavors seeking sanity and refuge after having sadly lost his wife. Most importantly he lived in the Matron Head era, whereby these majestic coins were in and out of his hands as circulation pieces. The odds are high that if he recorded the "S" varieties of 1826 N-2, it was so! I digress.

I cite two Mint State 1826 N-6 examples with e reverse (vertical line left of the 1st A in America) not the b reverse Andrews' N-2 would have had. The first one has their 2nd S's bottom leg farthest left flat almost perfectly parallel to the preceding 2nd E's bottom leg farthest right flat. In other words, the second S is rotated slightly left. Both Ts in STATES have their left arms broken and tilted. The large cent was in the Heritage Auction of 1/04, 1826 N-6 MS63 Brown NGC #394932-008 Lot 5052. This coin's reverse can be viewed at www.ngccoins.com web site by typing in the serial # and clicking verify. The picture is a little dark naturally so I recommend a better view by clicking at the top of the NGC home page the NGC Regestry tab, Cents, Large Cents, 1816 - 1839, Complete by Newcomb Varieties, Dynasty Collectors' Cabinet, then click the view coin link for the N-6 1826 and click the picture to enlarge it. The second one I wish to cite has their 2nd S's bottom leg farthest left flat angled clockwise, like a helix from bottom left to top right away from the preceding 2nd E's bottom leg farthest right flat. In other words, the second S is rotated right. Both Ts in STATES have their left arms attached and level with the top of the letter. This coin's reverse can be viewed by going to the www.pcgs.com web site and typing in its serial number 13094617 and click Verify. Then click on its picture to enlarge it. I will also post here the set of reverses that depict the two different 1826 N-6 "S"&"T" differences. Having worked in a factory that used die stampings (not of horse or steam power though), I do not believe the dies could have flexed to cause these different features. The differences do not emanate from any planchet difference. The differences are not an early vs. late die state difference since there are no fusing of dentils or die cracks in either coin type cited. The term "Normal Date" is not applicable since it characterizes a marked difference in one or more numerals "not letters like S or T of the same year. Since the second S rotation was happening at the same time the left T arms were broken and tilted the question then becomes at what point does Andrews or anyone have a new N# in their hands?