1847 Braided Hair Cent. N-42. Rarity-6. Proof-66 BN (PCGS). CAC.；This spectacular Gem offers a blend of visual magnificence and technical merit that is undeniably exceptional within the scant population of Proof large cents. The dark bronze and espresso patina that dominates the complexion erupts in a vibrant showcase of cobalt, magenta and citrus iridescence surrounding the devices on each side. The fields are thoroughly glossed and reflective, delicately contrasting the more satiny and matte-like luster that blankets the design elements. Sharp, square rims accompany other relics of a deliberate strike to reinforce the Proof status of this lovely piece. The surfaces remain effectively pristine, with a microscopic hairline down from Libertys eye and a rim blemish on the reverse at 10 oclock both nearly too insignificant to mention. This thoroughly enchanting specimen is certainly among the finest and most important survivors of the Proof Braided Hair cent series. <p>The Proof issue of 1847 is among the rarest of all the Proof Braided Hair cents. Discernible by a diagnostic die scratch that appears on the coins rim above TED in UNITED, the Newcomb 42 die variety is the only confirmed Proof die pairing. The coins from four other die pairs suspected to be Proof by Breen and Newcomb have since been proven to be prooflike circulation strikes from fresh dies. The actual quantity of Proof coins struck in 1847 is not known, but the estimated population is believed to be somewhere between 13 and 15 specimens, an infinitesimally small number compared to the well over 6 million coins struck for circulation. Fortunately for large cent enthusiasts, the few remaining examples are generally well preserved, with most certification events clustered around the Proof 64 level. At the Gem Proof level, however, this is a tremendous rarity with the present coin being the only piece granted the Proof-66 grade by PCGS in any color designation.
