Deep steel brown patina on the high points contrasts against the fields, which exhibit significant faded red on both sides. Upon close inspection, the surfaces have a light satiny texture and very few marks, all of which are very tiny. The luster is pleasing and the eye appeal is superb.This early die state corresponds to Grellmans Die State-b. However, the dies were slightly worn and the fields are gently flowlined at the periphery as a result. Still, the small lumps under the first 1 and 4 of the date, as described by Grellman, are visible. The extra spikes on star 13 and the point from the upper throat remain strong, and the fine crack described as extending from star 8 to the hair is just beginning.This is the finest known example, called CC#1 by Noyes and illustrated in his 2012 reference work. On an associated attribution card, specialist Bob Grellman likewise referred to this piece as CC1. PCGS has graded two 1841 cents at this level, but they are two different die varieties, leaving this one the finest of this Newcomb number. PCGS has never certified an example of this date at a higher grade.
