The 1836 is the scarcest date of the entire type from 1831-1838 and is decidedly underrated in high grade. — David W. AkersProoflike fields on both sides show a measure of cartwheel luster beyond their reflectivity. It is attractively toned in violet, pale blue, and gold, a pleasing and sharply defined example. Stars 4 and 7 are soft at centers, but other design elements are very well struck. Scrutiny reveals some evidence of minor handling, some light marks and trivial hairlines, but only a short scratch outside the olive leaves below the wingtip at left requires mention. The obverse shows several interesting die cracks, including a vertical crack from B of LIBERTY to Libertys chest and a more delicate crack that floats above her cap before connecting stars 8 and 9 and arcing to the rim. Stars 12 and 13 are joined to the rim by another fine crack. The reverse appears perfect.This specimen is the finest circulation strike listed in the Rea-Koenings-Haroutinian census, only surpassed by three Proof examples, one of them in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. The other Mint State examples listed on the census are all in grades of MS-60 through MS-63, making this one a standout.
