1886 Indian Cent. Type II Obverse. Snow-PR2. Repunched Date. Proof-65 RD Cameo (PCGS).Both sides of this appealing Proof cent exhibit warm olive undertones to dominant pinkish-rose color. The surfaces are smooth and readily uphold the validity of the Gem grade assigned by PCGS. Also setting this coin apart from the majority of Proof 1886 Type II cents extant is the finish, which has bold contrast between satiny devices and reflective fields. Expertly produced and carefully preserved, this coin is perfect for an advanced Proof Indian cent collection.Two different obverse hub varieties were used to produce Indian cents in 1886. On Type I pieces, the lowest feather in Libertys headdress points between the letters I and C in AMERICA, while on Type II pieces, the lowest feather points between C and A. The Type II Obverse Proofs were likely struck during the middle of the year or later after most silver Proof sets had already been sold. As such, this is the scarcer of the two obverse hub varieties of the issue with Rick Snow (2014) providing an estimated mintage of just 1,750 Type I coins from a total mintage of 4,290 Proofs for the year. This is a generally poorly produced issue by Proof standards, and most survivors have minimal reflectivity in the fields and some even have rounded edges that suggest only a single impression from the dies. A remarkable strike and condition rarity, this Condition Census Cameo Proof is a leading highlight of the ESM Collection and is worthy of the strongest bids.From the ESM Collection. Earlier from Heritages sale of the Palm Beach Collection, January 2004 FUN Signature Sale, lot 4398; Heritages FUN Signature Sale of January 2008, lot 2698; Heritages Summer FUN Signature Auction of July 2015, lot 3014.
