1818 Matron Head Cent. N-10. Rarity-1. MS-64 BN (NGC). CAC. Warm olive-brown patina, both sides retain traces of faded rose-rose mint color that are most pronounced at the borders. This is a pleasingly bold example in terms of striking detail with a generally smooth, frosty texture throughout. One of the most popular Matron Head cent varieties for Mint State type purposes, the 1818 Newcomb-10 comprised the majority of coins in the famous Randall Hoard. This hoard, which contained thousands of large copper cents mostly dated from 1817 through 1820, was rumored to have been found beneath a railroad platform in Georgia some time after the Civil War, but before 1869. Supposedly hidden in a small keg (or multiple kegs), the hoard was named for John Swan Randall of Norwich, New York, who purchased the coins after they had changed hands several times since their discovery. After Randalls death in 1878, the coins that remained were offered at auction by Edward D. Cogan. The most readily available variety from the Randall Hoard is the 1818 N-10, as above, followed by the 1820 N-13. Over the years, even as late as the 1970s, it was not unheard of to find groups of Randall Hoard cents offered by coin dealers. However, as the 20th century came to a close, examples were usually found as individual pieces.This premium Choice Mint State example undoubtedly traces it provenance to the Randall Hoard, and it is certainly among the finer cents found therein. A coin that will be just right for a high grade type, date or variety set. PCGS# 1600. NGC ID: 2253.
