1838 Modified Matron Head Cent. N-11, 13. Rarity-6- as a Proof. Proof-64

Seldom Offered Proof 1838 Cent Newcomb-11 1838 Modified Matron Head Cent. N-11, 13. Rarity-6- as a Proof. Proof-64 BN (PCGS). CAC. Noyes Die State A/A. An endearing Proof with softly reflective mirrors in the fields of both sides that give the piece a jewel-like aesthetic quality. The central devices stand out nicely from the fields with bold strike detail and a lightly frosted finish. The portrait also has an extensive series of sharp die finishing lines over much of the neck and face. Both sides are awash with warm autumn-orange and olive-brown toning with subtle iridescent undertones of pink and blue. This is the final year from which Middle Date Proofs are known, and there was seemingly a flurry of production, all from one die pair. Howard Newcomb reported that the N-8 variety included "Brilliant Proofs," but Walter Breen questioned that, and none is known today. Breen included a single "N-1" as ex "Miller:922," based on Tom Elder's cataloging of the coin as "A.1," but that is the Twin Leaf N-11 that appeared in our July 2015 Baltimore Auction. Breen listed 10 specimens of the N-11, and estimated that the number known was likely closer to 12 than to the previously thought eight. Today, closer to two dozen have been confirmed than to one dozen. Still, all Proof large cents are rare and this one is no exception. Provenance: From the Alan J. Harlan Collection. Earlier from Superior's Pre-Long Beach Auction of September 2008, lot 67; Ira & Larry Goldberg's Pre-Long Beach Auction of February 2009, lot 714; Heritage's sale of the Gibney Family Collection, April 2021 CSNS Signature Auction, lot 4979. PCGS Population: 3; 3 finer in this category (Proof-65+ BN finest). PCGS# 1811. NGC ID: 272M. Click here for certification details from PCGS.

Estimate:$1

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