1873 Indian Cent. Close 3. Snow-1b, FS-101. Doubled LIBERTY. MS-64 BN (PCGS).A richly original, conditionally rare example of this fabled Indian cent variety. Satiny surfaces are boldly toned in a blend of antique copper, both sides also revealing more vivid cobalt blue undertones that are a bit more pronounced on the obverse. That side of the coin also retains blushes of original rose-orange color here and there around the periphery. Smooth and inviting with an overall sharp strike. One of the leading varieties in the popular and widely collected Indian cent series of 1859 to 1909, the 1873 Doubled LIBERTY was discovered by Walter Breen in 1957. Breen reported on his discovery the following year in an article entitled "Blundered Dies of Colonial and U.S. Coins" that appeared in issues No. 2 and 3 of Q. David Bowers and James F. Ruddys <em>Empire Topics</em>. At that time the only confirmed example was the discovery specimen in Breens personal collection. Thanks to the efforts of cherrypickers and other variety enthusiasts, approximately 300 examples of the 1873 Doubled LIBERTY are known in current numismatic circles, the vast majority of which are worn to one degree or another. Mint State coins remain rare with Rick Snow (2014) accounting for fewer than 20 such pieces. One of the leading highlights in the remarkable ESM Collection, this impressive near-Gem is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into another advanced Indian cent cabinet.From the ESM Collection. Earlier ex Chiro Collection.
