229 / 280
227
Finest 1802 S-239
269
1802 S-239 R3. PCGS graded MS-64 Red & Brown.
Choice lustrous mint
red fading to golden tan with steel brown toning on the highpoints, at least
25% of each side displaying faded mint color giving this cent superior eye
appeal. Henry Hines, who once owned this coin, considered it to be a candi-
date for “the most perfect 1802 cent,” and it’s easy to see why he felt that way.
Finding an identifying mark presents quite a challenge; a tiny tick under the
right edge of the second S in STATES will have to suffice. LDS, Breen state V,
with a slightly raised internal cud between two die cracks along the profile.
This internal cud does come a bit higher in the latest state, but it is clearly
raised on this example. This beautiful cent is plated to illustrate the variety
in
Early American Cents
,
Penny Whimsy
, and in the 1991 Noyes reference.
Graded AU55 Choice and CC#1 in the Noyes census, his photo #20241
(although he listed it as MS65+ in his 1991 reference). Bland says AU55 and
tied for CC#1.
Our grade is MS63
. The attribution and Naftzger-Reynolds
provenance are listed on the PCGS Secure label.
Pop 1; none finer at PCGS
for the variety. The only example graded Red & Brown at PCGS
(PCGS #
36327)
Estimated Value.............................................................................. $20,000-UP
Ex David Proskey-Henry C. Hines-Dr. William H. Sheldon 4/19/1972-R. E.
Naftzger, Jr., 2/23/1992-Eric Streiner 7/1992 (Naftzger collection envelope
included).