1870 2C, RD PR(PCGS#3644)

1870 2C, RD PR (PCGS#3644)

The August 2010 Boston Rarities Sale

Lot Description: 1870 Two-Cent Piece. Proof-66+ RD (PCGS). CAC. Secure Holder. Rich olive-orange color blankets both sides and brightens to more of a reddish-orange sheen as the coin dips into a light. This piece is fully original in color, and it is also fully struck with razor-sharp definition to even the most intricate elements of the design.<br />     According to Jeff Ambio in an as-yet unpublished manuscript on Two-Cent pieces, the proof 1870 has an extant population of only 440-540 coins from an approximate mintage of 1,000+ pieces. Such an estimate means that this issue suffered a much higher rate of attrition than most other proof Two-Cent pieces. Most survivors grade no higher than Proof-64 or, at best, Proof-65 Red and Brown. Full Red Gems are very scarce, and coins that grade Proof-66 or finer are nothing short of rare. The present example with a + designation as part of the grade is the single finest certified at PCGS.