1828 Matron Head Cent. N-10. Rarity-1. Small Wide Date. MS-64 BN (NGC).
Conditionally rare for this otherwise readily obtainable die pairing of the 1828 large cent issue. Satiny surfaces are hard, tight, and impressively smooth in the absence of troublesome blemishes. The strike comes up a bit short on stars 6 through 13, which are blunt and lack radial lines. We stress, however, that this is the typical pattern of strike for the die pairing, and all other features are sharply to fully rendered. Frosty medium olive-copper patina overall with traces of faded mint rose color persisting in the protected areas around some of the design elements. New digit punches were used for the date on the 1828 Newcomb-10 cent, the most obvious feature the stylized 8 with a smooth diagonal central stroke. This has often been described as a "Script 8," as opposed to the "Block 8" style on the Large Narrow Date varieties of this issue. Interestingly, the digit 1 on the 1828 N-10 die pairing is from the old set of punches, is larger than the other digits, and is punched over a smaller 1. With at least two dozen Mint State survivors, the 1828 N-10 is not a rarity in high grades. However, the demand from collectors of major varieties is considerable as this is the only die pairing of the Small Wide Date Guide Book listing. This NGC-certified Choice Uncirculated example is clearly a significant representative of the variety that would do justice to the finest cabinet.
PCGS# 36907. NGC ID: 225J.

Estimate: $6500