Lot 181
1801 S-215 R4. PCGS graded MS-64 Brown. Lustrous steel brown with 10% of the original mint red remaining. The surfaces are satiny and the eye appeal is excellent. Microscopic specks of darker toning show in the fields on both sides, but they are barely visible under magnification. The only contact marks are a few tiny ticks around the fraction. MDS, Breen state IV late. The die cracks at the lower curls are clear and the swelling left of the date is obvious. The die clashmarks at the top of the reverse are strong. Both dies were failing quickly and the extent of the failures is exquisitely preserved on this outstanding cent. Called MS65 and CC#1 as the only mint state example in the Bland census. Noyes says MS63 Choice and tied with one other example for CC#1 honors (a piece that Bland says grades only AU55). Noyes photo #21760. This is the Noyes plate coin for the variety. Our grade is Mint State-63+, close to MS64. This cent comes with a C. Douglas Smith envelope annotated by Ted Naftzger. Doug's typed message on the envelope includes part of Dr. Sheldon's description of this cent in the Dupont sale catalog as "a numismatically perfect piece.a blazing red 70-coin and undoubtedly the star of the collection.Unmatched." Well, the numerical grading standards may have changed a bit over the years, but this cent remains a fantastic example for us to enjoy today. PCGS population 1 with none finer.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000.
Ex Barney Bluestone #45, 10/1939:763-Charles J. Dupont, Stack's 9/24/54:318-C. Douglas Smith-Abe Kosoff 8/14/57-R. E. Naftzger, Jr.
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| Realized $92,000 |
