1865 Indian Cent. Proof-64+ RD (NGC). Pale pinkish-tangerine in hue with scattered accents of bronze and olive hues. Sharply struck with satiny devices and reflective fields on each side. An area of deeper patina is noted at Libertys jawline. Just 6 coins have been certified finer by NGC. Most 1865 Proof cents are attributable as Snow-PR2, as is the present piece. Specialist Rick Snow (2014) asserts that these dies likely accounted for the 500 examples that the Mint struck in February and March, 1865, for inclusion in the years silver Proof sets. This die marriage is readily attributable by looking at the obverse, on which side a loupe will reveal minor repunching to the digit 1 in the date and a tiny diamond-shaped die chip on Libertys neck at the junction with the ribbon. Given the scarcity of this issue in todays market, it is probable that only a small number of additional Proof 1865 cents were produced for individual sale, perhaps from the Snow-PR1 and/or Snow-PR3 die pairings. With full Red specimens in the minority among survivors, the rarity and significance of this beautiful em should be obvious.
