1722/1-H 9 Den, BN MS(PCGS#170195)

1722/1-H 9 Den, BN MS (PCGS#170195)

The November 2012 Baltimore Auction

Lot Description: Great 1722/1-H Nine Deniers 1722/1-H French Colonies Sou, or 9 Deniers. La Rochelle Mint. W-11835. EF-40 (PCGS). 89.0 grains. Superb light brown with glossy surfaces that retain traces of luster. Very bold, well struck, traces of die finish lines still apparent. A little low spot is seen above ON of COLONIES, two tiny nicks on central reverse device at left top L, essentially problem-free, very choice in appearance. The reverse legend is complete and well-centered, just a bit close at MEN. The obverse shows denticles from 6 o'clock to 9 o'clock. Craige called this die pair 17-Q. This is the best of his relatively small collection of 1722/1 overdates, showing more of the underdigit than on most obverse dies, visible to the naked eye. Bob Vlack told your cataloger in July 1993 that he had recorded eight different 1722/1 overdate dies, though Breen notes "3 vars" in his Encyclopediadescription of the overdate variety, Breen-262. This piece is a prime addition to an advanced collection, probably the best 1722/1 overdate to come to market in decades. PCGS# 170195. Provenance: From the Ted L. Craige Collection.