1823 Matron Head Cent. Private Restrike. Copper. MS-65 BN (PCGS). CAC.This gorgeous example exhibits iridescent undertones of lilac blue and salmon pink to dominant golden-copper patina. Predominantly satiny in texture, yet with subtle semi-reflective tendencies evident in the fields as the coin dips into a light. Sharply struck for the type with strong eye appeal, a few swirls of slightly deeper color in the left obverse field are noted solely for accuracy. The scarcity and key date status of the regular issue 1823 Matron Head cent resulted in the creation of this private restrike from discarded U.S. Mint dies for distribution to collectors. The obverse die is from the 1823 N-2 pairing, and here we see the full development of the breakage over stars 4 to 7, which has progressed through several stages. The reverse die is the one used to strike the Sheldon-293 variety of the 1813 Classic Head cent. While not official U.S. Mint products, these Restrike 1823 cents are from original dies and thus have their place within any extensive cent cabinet. They are widely collected, come in several stages of die failure, and are known in two metals (copper and silver). As a solidly graded and aesthetically pleasing Gem, the present example numbers among the finest certified and belongs in an advanced collection. Noyes Die State I/E.PCGS Population: 10; 6 finer in this category (all MS-66 BN).
