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

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

February 2020 Pre-Long Beach U.S. & World Coin Auction #115

Lot Description: Lot 947 1855 N-9 R1 Italic 55 with Knob-on-Ear PCGS graded MS64 Brown, CAC Approved.Choice lustrous light steel brown with underlying mellowed mint red showing in the fields and protected areas. Satiny mint frost covers this cent, even the highpoints of the devices, and the eye appeal is outstanding. The best identifying mark, and it is barely visible, is a speck of darker toning at the junction of the forelock and front edge of the coronet. MDS, die state e. The "Knob" break at the top of the ear is fully formed and sticks out quite a bit, and the branch under the Y is outlined by die cracks but has not yet started to rise. A wonderful example of this very popular "Redbook" variety. It appears the folks at PCGS may have been a bit "tight" on this one. Our grade is MS64, tied for CC#3 honors in the Grellman census. The attribution and Matthews Collection provenance are noted on the PCGS label. PCGS population 4; 5 finer: 3 in 65, 1 in 65+, 1 in 66. Value $900 - UP Ex Steve Ivy Auctions 8/12/1983:1257-Douglas F. Bird, 1997 EAC Sale, lot 433-John MacDonald-Denis Loring 1/1999-Robert E. Matthews Collection-Matthews Estate (EAC Sale lot ticket included).