1857 Braided Hair Cent. N-4. Rarity-1. Small Date. MS-64 RD (PCGS). CAC. A truly captivating example displaying glowing shades of tangerine, pink, and dipper steel blue across each side. These colors are emphasized by vibrant satiny luster that gleams under a light source and tumbles at a tilt. Friction is virtually absent and the eye appeal remains superior. The reverse die shows considerable fatigue around the central denomination, which is sure to draw considerable interest from die state specialists. This example is among the finest survivors from this popular, terminal issue. Just 4 other events have been recorded by PCGS at the MS-64 RD level, several of which may represent duplicate submissions. Only 1 coin ranks finer at MS-64+ RD, stressing the truly elusive nature of full Red examples of this issue. Perhaps most significantly, it is tied with just one coin as the only two examples to receive approval by CAC across all grades in the Red category. This is clearly an exceptional quality cent that would do equally well in an advanced type, Newcomb variety set, or PCGS Registry Set.
