1821 Matron Head Cent. N-2. Rarity-1. MS-63 RB (PCGS).An extraordinary coin, among the very finest known for this key date issue among middle date large cents. Rich orange mint color, barely faded in the fields but still essentially full with ample luster and modestly reflective tendencies. Scattered tiny spots are seen, more responsible for the RB designation than any actual brown, the most notable are under the letter F in OF on the reverse and atop Libertys head on the obverse. The strike is excellent and shows generous detail on both sides. Only very minor evidence of handling is seen, including a minor horizontal nick under the letter C in CENT. The surfaces are lively and the eye appeal is outstanding. This piece is a treasure from Boston, off the market for long intervals and solidly in the Condition Census for the 1821 N-2 die pairing. About 1981, a building in Boston was renovated or razed, revealing a cornerstone from its initial construction in 1821. Within the cornerstone were no less than seven cents, placed inside when they were brand new and preserved ever since. All seven were sold in New England Rare Coin Galleries sale of October 1981, lots 58 through 64, each graded Mint State and aside from some spotting retaining abundant mint color. As noted in Q. David Bowers <em>American Coin Treasures and Hoards</em>, where the Boston Cornerstone Find is described on pp. 96-97, "adding to their appeal was the appreciation of the 1821 cent as the second scarcest of the late [sic] date large cents." Most of the seven pieces have remained off the market since the 1981 NERCG sale and, indeed, the present example is making only its third auction appearance since its rediscovery in the Boston cornerstone. The 1991 Noyes census cites this coin as tied for CC#4, and Wright likewise names this coin among the four best of the variety. This date is well recognized as a challenge above EF, and those collectors lucky enough to have fully AU pieces in their cabinets are few in number. This lovely Choice Uncirculated example, with a storied past and most of its original color, would be a highlight in any large cent collection. From the Collection of Thaddeus A. Tatum III. Interred in a cornerstone in Boston in 1821, then rediscovered ca. 1981. Ex New England Rare Coin Galleries sale of October 1981, lot 60; private collector; our (American Numismatic Rarities) Robert Michael Prescott Collection sale, January 2006, lot 35.
