1840 Braided Hair Half Cent. Second Restrike. B-3. Rarity-6+. Small Berries, Reverse of 1840. Proof-66 BN (PCGS). The counterpart to the original Proof 1840 half cent that we are also offering in this sale, this is an exquisite Gem of the Second Restrike issue for the date. Rich copper-brown patina blankets surfaces that also reveal iridescent cobalt blue undertones as the coin dips into a light. The strike is full throughout, the rims are broad and squared off, and the fields are decidedly reflective - all evidence of an outstanding Proof strike from the 1850s United States Mint. The die file marks along the reverse border outside the letters RICA in AMERICA are diagnostic for the Breen-3 attribution, parallel striae (a.k.a. die polish lines) slanting up to the right in the field on that side confirming that this specimen was struck from an early state of the die. According to Breen (1983), these striae are "from the grinding wheel used after hubbing." Of post-production features there is little in evidence, and nothing to report that could even remotely be considered distracting. Virtually pristine in hand, this is a significant absolute and condition rarity - and also a simply beautiful coin - that would grace any advanced collection with its presence. From the Rockford Collection, Part 2. Ex Troy Wiseman Collection; Boulder City NV Collection; Ira & Larry Goldbergs Pre-Long Beach Auction of February 2020, lot 611.
