1849 Braided Hair Cent. N-18. Rarity-6. Proof-65+ RB (NGC). CAC.We are delighted to once again be offering this incredible 1849 Proof cent, having offered it over nearly a decade ago in 2009. Accents of deep steel-blue are backlit by radiant peach and orange coloration across each side. The surfaces are nearly pristine, free from all but the most trivial imperfections under magnification. Sharply struck, as expected, and lightly reflective throughout the fields. A truly exceptional specimen. <p>The Newcomb-18 variety is a Proof-only variety and shares a reverse die with several other Proof issues. When Walter Breen wrote his study of Proof coins, he suggested that "there may be more than a dozen around in all," and enumerated seven or eight examples. The more recent and actively updated data kept by Denis Loring suggests that the number of N-18 specimens may be just a little higher. The present example is surely among the finest survivors from these dies, ranking as the numerically finest example certified at either NGC or PCGS. More recently this piece had been part of the renowned Adam Mervis Large Cent Collection, which further speaks to its superior quality and eye appeal.NGC Census: 1; none finer in any category.Earlier from our (Stacks) sale of January 2009, lot 84; our (Stacks) sale of July 2009, lot 187; Heritages sale of the Adam Mervis Large Cent Collection, January 2014, lot 2326.
