1818 Matron Head Cent. N-10. Rarity-1. MS-64 RD (PCGS).This is a lovely near-Gem, the surfaces frosty in texture with dominant mint red color. The lightest steel-brown iridescence is reserved for the high points, and both sides are fully Choice in quality with only a few scattered carbon spots, the most significant of which is on the reverse at the letter M in AMERICA. In his cataloging for this coin when offered as part of Ira & Larry Goldbergs sale of the Ralls Collection in January 2014, Bob Grellman described it as, "An impressive cent, the reddest 1818 N-10 your cataloger has seen in over 50 years of examining large cents." A gorgeous coin worthy of the strongest bids. Noyes Die State B/B. Undoubtedly from the famous Randall Hoard, the source for most Mint State large cents dated 1816 to 1820 in numismatic circles. The hoard is believed to have contained about 15,000 Uncirculated cents from that narrow five-year period. The 1818 N-10 and 1820 N-13 are the two most plentiful varieties from that hoard, although few examples of either die marriage combine Choice Mint State quality and full Red color, as here. Outstanding! From the Collection of Thaddeus A. Tatum III. Earlier ex Gordon Wrubel; Dr. Philip W. Ralls; Ira & Larry Goldbergs sale of the Ralls Collection, January 2014, lot 716.
