1861 1C PR(PCGS#2256)

February 2025 Showcase Auction - U.S. Coins

Commissaire-priseur

Stack's Bowers

Numéro du lot

1012

Grade

PR66

Prix

13 200

Description du lot

Struck during an era before the Mint started recording the number of Proof minors produced each year, the exact number of Proof cents delivered in 1861 can only be guessed at. "Such estimates vary widely, and I have seen numbers as low as 100 and as high as 1,000," notes Dave Bowers in his reference on the Indian series. Writing in his 2014 <em>Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide</em> Rick Snow puts forth probably the best guesstimate at somewhat less than 1,000 pieces produced. The actual number distributed, however, was likely far fewer. As Snow observes:<p><em>Of the reported 1000 pieces minted, only 134 pieces were sold by April 30. With the onset of the war, sales probably slowed to a trickle throughout the rest of the year. The remaining pieces may have been destroyed or released into circulation.</em><p>One thing is certain, the 1861 is one of the scarcest Proof Indian cents, and also one of the most poorly made. One can imagine our delight, therefore, at being able to present this exceptionally well produced and preserved Gem. It is fully struck with semi-reflective fields supporting softly frosted motifs. Pretty tan-apricot color overall with surfaces that are so smooth that they approach numismatic perfection. A gorgeous coin fit for inclusion in the finest Proof type or date set.