Lot 1304
1857 N-5 R5+ PCGS graded PR65 Red. Small Date. Proof-Only. A fantastic red proof large cent just starting to mellow to bluish steel brown on the highpoints, at least 90% of the original mint color remaining. The only marks are a dozen tiny specks of dark toning scattered over the obverse, including one off the right tip of star 4 and another off the right foot of the Y in LIBERTY. Otherwise this cent is flawless. The fields are covered with fine die polishing lines and the mirrors are not as deep as normally seen on proof large cents even though those fields are pristine. The die lines covering the obverse fields are nearly vertical while the ones on the reverse slant from the upper left to the lower right. This feature is a characteristic of the N-5 variety and is noted in the attribution guide for the series. Obviously the die polishing was not done to the same standard on this die pair before placing them into service to produce the variety. Nonetheless, this remarkable cent offers exceptional eye appeal. Called Proof-66 and CC#1 in the Noyes census, his photo #31374. Our grade is Proof-66, CC#1 in the Grellman census.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Ex Homer K. Downing, 1952 ANA Sale 8/18/52:2225.
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| Realized $63,250 |
