1837 Modified Matron Head Cent. N-12. Rarity-3. Head of 1838. MS-63 BN (PCGS).

Satiny and predominantly smooth-looking surfaces exhibit dominant steely-brown iridescence to both sides. Traces of faded mint color in rose-apricot are more prevalent on the obverse, which side also has a few trivial contact marks scattered about. Peripheral detail is a bit soft, but the strike is considerably sharper in and around the centers. "Accessory E" under the letter E in AMERICA, another errant letter punch hidden within the wreath similar to that seen on the 1837 N-10 cents, and an 1832 half cent. The "Accessory E" was discovered and published by Jules Reiver in 1969. These "accessories" are similar to errant date digits seen in the dentils or lower central design elements on certain silver issues, often in Liberty Seated half dollars. While the purpose is undocumented, it is believed that this was a standard practice of some engravers as a test of the softness of the die steel prior to hand-punching the necessary elements. Such features enhance the popularity of die pairings like the 1837 N-12 cent with early copper enthusiasts, and this is certainly an above average example.

PCGS# 1729. NGC ID: 225U.