1812 Classic Head Cent. S-288. Rarity-3. Large Date. MS-65 RB (NGC).With Mint Stare survivors of the Classic Head cent type as a whole scarce in numismatic circles, the fact that this 1812 S-288 has been certified as a Red and Brown Gem by NGC is particularly significant. Both sides exhibit an overall smooth satin texture with mottled toning in glossy charcoal-copper. Considerable rose-orange color is also evident, especially in the protected areas around the peripheral devices. The strike is nicely centered despite the absence of denticulation on the reverse, which feature is due to the advanced die state. The tops of the letters STATES OF AM in the reverse legend are lost in the border, but otherwise all design elements are boldly to sharply defined. Breen Die State III, with clashmarks inside the wreath and heavy flowlines on both sides.When this coin made its auction debut in Heritages January 2014 sale of the Dean Oakes Collection, it was a newcomer to the census of high grade 1812 S-288 cents. The EAC grade assigned by the cataloger of that collection is MS-63, which places this coin in the running for title of finest known for this die pairing.From Heritages sale of the Oakes Collection of Large Cents, January 2014, lot 5127.
