1824/2 N-1 R1 Overdate 4 over 2 PCGS graded MS64 Brown, CAC Approved. Frosty uniform light steel brown with nearly 10% of the mint red remaining. Virtually flawless, close to gem. A tiny spot of carbon or crud nestled against the left side of star 10 and a faint hairline scratch on the temple right of the eye are the only notable defects, and they are entirely trivial. MDS, prior to any crumbling in the dentils at star 2 or stars 3-5. The inner circle segments are weaker than on the preceding example, showing from star 2 to star 9.5 but missing from star 1 to star 2. The overdate feature, however, remains obvious. Called MS65 Choice and CC#1 in the Noyes census, his photo #35811. Bland says MS63 and tied for finest known honors with the preceding lot (but a side-by-side comparison shows this one is the superior example). John Wright (author of the authoratative reference on the cents of 1816-1939) calls it MS65 and agrees this is the finest of the variety. In fact, he mentions this coin on page 107 where it is called "The Whaaaaat Cent" in response to the runaway price it realized in a bidding battle during the 1971 auction of the Masters collection.
Our grade is consistent with the slab grade. The attribution and Fitzgerald provenance are noted on the PCGS label.
Population 1; none finer. Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Ex Louis Helfenstein, Lester Merkin 8/14/1964:100-Stack's (privately)-Frank H. Masters, Rare Coin Company of America (RARCOA) 5/14/1971:220-Garry Fitzgerald collection (comes with the Fitzgerald collection pillbox).
U.S. Colonial and Copper Coins,
Large Cents
