1855 1C N-9, Knob on Ear, BN MS(PCGS#403958)

1855 1C N-9, Knob on Ear, BN MS (PCGS#403958)

September 2021 Pre-Long Beach U.S. & World Coin Auction #123

Lot Description: Lot 433 1855 N-9 R1 Italic 55, Knob on Ear PCGS graded MS64 Brown.Frosty medium steel brown with traces of mint red showing on both sides, particularly on the obverse. The surfaces are satiny but a thin layer of oxidation limits the mint luster. The only notable marks are two very light hairline scratches left of star 11 and a spot of very fine carbon on the right top of the N in UNITED. MDS, die state d late. The "Knob" break below the T in LIBERTY is strong and cracks are just starting to outline the area below the adjacent Y where the knob is expanding. A great example of this very popular "Redbook" variety, but it needs a proper brushing to bring out the underlying mint luster. Our grade is MS62. The attribution and COL Ellsworth Collection provenance are noted on the PCGS label. PCGS population 5; 5 finer: 3 in 65, 1 in 65+, 1 in 66. Estimated Value $1,000 - UP Ex Stack's Bowers 2015 ANA Sale, lot 138-John McBride 6/20/2020-Colonel Steven K. Ellsworth Collection (lot ticket included).