Lot 918
1849 N-5 R3+ PCGS graded MS63 Red & Brown. Frosty mint red mellowing to bluish steel on the highpoints, about 70% of the mint color showing on both sides. Virtually as struck, just a few microscopic specks of darker steel toning and a couple tiny contact marks visible with the aid of a glass. This cent would be a "gem" if the strike was stronger. There is minor weakness on the front edge of the coronet and curl below caused by debris on the die, and many of the finer die details are not fully impressed on both sides. The only notable marks are two pinpricks hidden in the hair over the left edge of the 9 in the date. The date was very delicately punched into the die on this variety, especially on the left end, making the 1 & 8 especially weak relative to the 4 & 9. The weakly impressed date feature is diagnostic for the die variety, which makes this one very easy to attribute. M-LDS, die state f. The reverse die shows several areas of crumbling, including a strong crumble that connects the berry right of T in CENT to the leaf above and a small cud break on the rim under the end of the wreath stem. Called MS65 and CC#1 in the Noyes census, his photo #30932. Our grade is MS64, CC#1 in the Grellman census. Only 4 mint state examples are known to the census takers.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.
Ex Larry Whitlow 1/90 (via Bob Grellman).
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| Realized $3,565 |
