This is a visually impressive coin not only for the quality, as is the case with nearly every coin in the D. Brent Pogue Collection, but even more so for the dramatic striking error. Such pieces were never intended to be released into circulation, but this one evaded quality control that would have undoubtedly resulted in its destruction. It was clearly saved early on as a curiosity and as a result, it is beautifully preserved. The fields of the struck area of the planchet glow with deep faded red while the devices, open fields and unstruck planchet have toned to blended olive and steel. The obverse field is slightly prooflike while the coin overall is pleasantly lustrous.This is a rare variety and few Mint State coins are known. Though the PCGS records indicate a healthy number of coins graded at this level, they include all 44 die varieties of this year. This is one of the finest survivors of the Newcomb-34, called CC#2 in the Grellman Census, and CC#1 by Noyes. Remarkable in every respect, this mint error stands out against the backdrop of this magnificent collection, one focused on perfection, or at least as close to it as the quality of surviving early American coins would allow for. In this case, this coins lack of perfection is among its prime attractions.
