1840 Braided Hair Cent. N-8. Rarity-1. Large Date. MS-65 RD (NGC). OH.Satiny medium orange surfaces retain nearly full mint color with only the lightest bluish-brown iridescence evident at isolated viewing angles. Sharply struck in virtually all areas with only a couple of well concealed spots at Libertys forehead and within the wreath below the letter E in AMERICA. The Braided Hair type, which began in the twilight of 1839, was the last major motif in the large cent series. However, adjustments were made, and the earlier dates, as here, have the head smaller, more finely executed, and at a different angle in relation to the date. Newcomb-8 is one of 13 varieties for the 1840-dated issue. This Gem has not been rated by Noyes, Bland, or McCawley-Grellman. Mark Borckardt grades this specimen as MS-65 by EAC standards.
