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sharpness of AU-50, a few minor rim bruises. A spectacular specimen of this first United
States cent issue, exhibiting exemplary color and surface quality that will make this
piece appeal to serious connoisseurs. Rich and lustrous dark steel with beautiful golden
undertones on the smooth, hard surfaces. The sharpness is magnificent, with abundantly
detailed hair and facial features despite the fact that the strike has left the absolute
center of the obverse a trifle soft. The shallow clash marks around Liberty's head, often
the first thing to go when wear is applied, are still bold and readily visible to the
unaided eye. The noted rim bruises are each truly minor, and many will see grading this
coin less than About Uncirculated as a disservice; we have little doubt that grading
service and most contemporary collectors will grade this piece higher than we do.
Collectors unaccustomed to handling raw Chain cents should remember that a thin wire rim
surrounds the obverse on high grade specimens like this, thus drawing a rim bruise is
somewhat easier on this variety. A single tiny bruise is visible above B of LIBERTY,
others are even smaller at 2:00 and just right of the date at 5:00. On the reverse, a tiny
bruise right of D of UNITED and another above TE of STATES are the most readily noted,
with smaller ones over R of AMERI and at precise 6:00 are noted. These bruises are
described for the benefit of those who cannot do lot viewing, but it important to
underline that each of these bruises is truly minor and each will almost certainly
disappear in a certified holder -- they are that minor and should not be used as an excuse
to not pursue one of the very nicest AMERI cents we have ever seen. Active in the copper
community for nearly 20 years, this cataloguer has seen his share of nice ones. A very
slight diagonal scratch from the obverse rim at 9:00 diagonally downwards into the left
obverse field is noted, and the only contact marks worth mentioning is in the right field
in front of the lips. A single pit is present at Liberty's jawline, and a single hairline
from above 3:00 runs to Liberty's lips. Without seeing this specimen in hand, it is hard
to understand how incredibly attractive it is. The surfaces, color, sharpness, and overall
aesthetic impression must rank this very high among the known specimens. This piece, off
the market since 1988, has not been photographed for the Noyes photo project. No one needs
to be convinced how desirable a Chain AMERI is -- it's the first U.S. cent, a distinctive
variety, and famous for its importance for over 150 years. No one who views this coin will
need to read our impression of how pleasing it is, as they will see in-hand that this is
an exceptional prize to be cherished, an example fit for the most finicky collector. We
are delighted to return it to the marketplace after two decades and are certain that even
a high price paid will not take away the sweetness of its acquisition.From Superior's
session of Auction '88, July 1988, Lot 15. The original lot ticket accompanies this lot.
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