1840 N-4 R4 Small Date (the so-called 40 over 39 variety). PCGS graded AU-58. Frosty medium brown with very subtle puffs of slightly darker steel brown toning on the obverse and a small but more obvious splash of chocolate toning at S-O on the reverse. The only contact marks worthy of mention are a few dull ticks at the curl over the 0 in the date. Sharply struck E-MDS, die state b, showing well defined rim cud breaks from under the 18 up to the lower point of star 3. In addition the hub defects under the date (which were once considered to be evidence of a "40 over 39 overdate") are strong.
Our grade is AU50. Comes with a nice provenance.
Estimated Value $150-UP.
Ex Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Stack's 1976 ANA Sale 9/24/1976:294-R. S. Brown, Jr., Superior 9/30/1986:910-Walter Dudgeon, McCawley & Grellman Auctions 7/30/1994:188-Dr. Wallace Lee, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior 5/27/2001:1225.
Large Cents
