| Description: |
Highly reflective surfaces show light brown color with underlying orange and violet, with
rich golden color close to the original mint red shade becoming plain under a good light.
An unquestioned original striking, with no trace of the bulge in the lower left obverse
that is visible on the "first restrike" coins struck later from the identical
die pair. Careful examination under a glass reveals some light hairlines, more visible in
the reverse fields than on the obverse but still not a serious distraction. Two spots
under the ear of Liberty serve as identifiers, area of discoloration at rim under 1 of
date, nick on Liberty's jawline and another at mid-throat, scattered lintmarks here and
there including a curled one between last date digit and lowest curl. An extremely sharply
struck specimen that retains good mirrors and pleasing visual appeal. Only about 50
specimens of this date—either original strikes as here or the later restrikes from the
same dies—are known in total, making this a key issue for half cent collectors.
Considering the very basic rarity of the date, to say nothing of its importance as a Proof
coin from the 1830s, this seems like an undervalued classic compared to the steep price
appreciation of many other market sectors in recent years.PCGS Population: 4; 3 finer
within the designation (Proof-65 RB finest).
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