1822 Matron Head Cent. N-12. Rarity-4. AU-58 BN (NGC). This scarce and conditionally challenged variety is easily attributed by looking at the reverse, where the tip of the leaf under OF extends to the right side of the upright of the F, further to the right than on any other 1822 die pairing. The 1822 Newcomb-12 is seldom offered, and when it is the example is often well circulated, if not also impaired. Our online archives include only three coins going back to 2015, only one of which is Mint State, the other two a VF-30 and a coin in a VF Details--Cleaned PCGS holder. Clearly this near-Mint survivor represents a fleeting bidding opportunity for advanced large cent variety enthusiasts. It is a satiny example with good gloss to surfaces that exhibit faded down mint color in golden-brown intermingled with warm antique copper patina. Well centered in strike and otherwise sharp, softness to the high points of Libertys portrait is largely attributed to light rub that helps explain the AU-58 numeric grade from NGC. Faint carbon spots and some wispy marks are more prevalent on the reverse, but none are singularly distracting. Attractive in hand, and sure to see spirited bidding. PCGS# 36745. NGC ID: 2259.
