1849 Braided Hair Cent. N-18. Rarity-6. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). CAC.

We are delighted to offer this incredible 1849 Proof cent rarity. A fully struck Gem, both sides exhibit plenty of vivid mint orange color beneath an overlay of iridescent autumn-brown patina. The fields are appreciably reflective under a strong light and the surfaces are smooth and inviting, as befits the assigned grade. For provenance purposes we mention a tiny nick on the leaf under the letters UN in UNITED, a tiny chip on the front edge of the coronet (as made), and a barely visible toning spot between the upper left points of star 6. Truly a lovely specimen. The Newcomb-18 variety is a Proof-only variety and shares a reverse die with several other Proof cents. When Walter Breen wrote his study of Proof coins, he suggested that "there may be more than a dozen around in all," and enumerated seven or eight examples. The more recent and actively updated data kept by Denis Loring suggests that the number of N-18 specimens may be just a little higher. The present example is surely among the finest survivors from these dies. Most recently this piece had been part of the renowned Dan Holmes Collection, a testament to its superior quality and eye appeal.

PCGS# 400589. NGC ID: 226Y.

PCGS Population: 4; with a single Proof-65+ RB finer in this category. CAC Population: 3; 0.

From our (Stack's) Anderson-Dupont Sale, September 1954, lot 931; Willard C. Blaisdell, September 1976, via Del Bland; R.E. "Ted" Naftzger, Jr., February 1991, via J. R. Grellman; Gary Ruttenberg; Denis Loring; Robinson S. Brown, Jr., April 17, 1999; Ira & Larry Goldberg's sale of the Dan Holmes Collection, Part IV, January-February 2011 Pre-Long Beach Auction, lot 367.

Estimate: $ 25000