Lot 171
1847 N-18 R5 Repunched Date, Large 7 over Medium 7. PCGS graded MS-64+ Brown. CAC. Repunched date, the so-called Large 7 over Medium 7 variety. Choice lustrous light olive and medium brown blending to light chocolate. Mint red shows on 10% of the obverse and nearly 20% of the reverse. The only mark is a dull diagonal nick on the nose before the eye. Otherwise this cent is flawless and the eye appeal is outstanding. The "moonscape" texture of the portrait is obvious, and this feature is present on all examples of the variety. (Similar "moonscape" texture is also found on all examples of 1846 Newcomb-16 and 1846 Newcomb-17. The cause of this unusual texture is unknown.) MDS, die state a, before any rim cud breaks on the obverse. The fields on both sides are covered with microscopic die flowlines that create attractive cartwheel luster. The date repunching is sharp and clearly visible on all 4 digits. The first impression of the date into the die (using a 4-digit logo or "gang" punch) was lightly impressed a bit too high. Then the date was properly impressed into the die slightly lower leaving clear, sharp evidence of the earlier misplaced impression at each numeral. Since the misplaced initial impression of the date was lightly done, those digits appear slightly smaller than the deeply impressed ones. Hence, the misplaced 7 appears to be from a slightly smaller punch than the normal, deeply impressed one (hence the long-standing assumption that this is a "Large 7 over Medium 7" variety.) Regardless of the label we place on the repunched date feature, this is a great cent. Noyes graded MS63 and tied for CC#1 in his census, photo #39028. Our grade is MS63, CC#2 in the Grellman census. The attribution and Doug Bird Collection provenance are noted on the PCGS label. PCGS population 1; 1 finer in 65. (PCGS # 405929) Value $3,000 - UP
Ex Dr. Sheldon Freed 12/1995 (via Bob Grellman)-R. S. Brown, Jr., McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior 6/2/2002:398-Douglas F. Bird Collection (includes the Brown collection envelope and lot ticket).
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| Realized $5,760 |
