1837 Modified Matron Head Cent. N-10. Rarity-7 as a Proof. Head of 1838. Proof-63 RB (NGC).An exquisite specimen of this exceedingly rare Proof variety. The surfaces show an impressive array of colors ranging from rose-violet mint color to the bright blue that highlights the right obverse and dominates the reverse, with golden stripes across the obverse and blushes of similar color elsewhere. The strike is superb, with only star 8 appearing a trifle soft; the stars on the right show absolute maximum definition. The hair and bust are fully realized, as are all but a few denticles atop the obverse. The letters in the reverse legend show significant evidence of multiple striking. The fields are nicely mirrored and of beautiful quality, with the grade undoubtedly being fully in the Gem category if not for a few tiny ticks right of star 6 and a minor reverse dig at the left ribbon end below the wreath. The color is rather spectacular, far nicer than the brown tones seen on the Starr specimen. Today, at least five and perhaps as many as eight are known, the uncertainty coming from ancient offerings in sales like Bushnell and Cleneay with coins that have not been positively traced to more recent known appearances. When that rarity is figured against the price that a piece like this is likely to realize, the idea of value comes to the fore -- of course, not many people think of Proof large cents as bargains, but compared to many coins that cost the same or more money, they might well be! This piece is of superlative quality, a beautiful specimen that would undoubtedly bring a sophisticated copper specialist great pride, especially considering its inclusion in some of the greatest large cent cabinets of all time.Ex Thomas L. Elders sale of the Peter Mougey Collection, September 1910, lot 196; Henry Chapmans sale of the Clarence Bement Collection, May 1916, lot 376; S.SH. Chapmans sale of the Henry Beckwith Collection, April 1923, lot 89; J.C. Morgenthau and Co.s sale of the William Festus Morgan Collection, June 1932, lot 291; J.G. Macallister; T. James Clarke; R.E. Naftzger, Jr.; Eric Streiner; Legend Collection of Proof Large Cents; our (American Numismatic Rarities) Haig A. Koshkarian Collection sale, March 2004, lot 325; Heritages sale of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part II, October 2014, lot 98056.
