1817 N-8 R2 MS63. Very lustrous light to medium bluish steel brown with 15% of the mint color showing on both sides. The surfaces are satiny and offer excellent eye appeal. Close to gem except for a reddish chocolate spot at the top of star 12, a microscopic speck of carbon resting against the forehead, a barely visible scuff over the 8 in the date, and a tiny speck of fine carbon nestled against the leaf below the E in UNITED. Late die state with the "Finger Mouse" break on top of the head fully developed. The slightly rough depression in the field below star 5 is fully developed as well, a result of uneven die wear. Called MS61 and tied for CC#3 overall in the Noyes census, his photo #28778. Bland says MS60+ and tied for CC#5. However, this piece is listed as the finest known of the late die state with the full "Finger Mouse" break in both census lists.
Removed from a PCGS slab graded MS64RB (PCGS label included, and it shows the attribution and Naftzger provenance).
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
Ex Moskovitz-Quality Sales Corp., 2/1977:1282-Jack Collins, Bowers & Ruddy 1/25/83:562 (via Jon Hanson)-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldbergs 2/1/2009:33, The Northwest Collection.
Test Category 1
