|
Sale 54
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 1021
1851/81 N-3 R1 PCGS graded MS65 Red & Brown. 51 punched over inverted 18 creating the so-called 51 over 81 overdate. Lustrous bright original mint red fading to light steel brown on the highpoints with 80% of the planchet displaying mint color. The only marks are a collection of very light abrasions in the field between stars 8 & 9 and a small spot of darker toning at the dentil tips right of star 10. Nicely struck EDS, die state a. The obverse fields are covered with strong die finishing lines, strongest around the date where there was an aggressive but insufficient attempt to remove evidence of the inverted date. Strong die lines are also clear around UNITED and AMERICA. The remainder of the fields on both sides are covered with very fine die polishing lines. The inverted 18 is obvious and sharp, with the 8 behind the 5 and the inverted 1 behind the normal 1. Some researchers have speculated that the inverted digits were from smaller punches. I disagree. The punches were of the same size, but they appear to be slightly smaller because of the attempts to remove them from the die. I speculate the entire date was initially punched into the die using a 4-digit logo punch in an inverted position. This inverted impression was delicately made, strongest on the right end where the 1 & 8 are located. The mint worker then realized his error, reversed the logo punch, and properly inserted the date into the die. The die lines in the field around the date are remnants of his insufficient attempt to erase all of his mistake. And the debate goes on. Regardless, this is a fantastic example of the popular 51 over 81 variety, worthy of the finest "Registry" collection of large cents. Called MS65 and tied for CC#1 in the Noyes census, his photo #30892. Our grade is MS65, tied for CC#1 in the Grellman census. Ted Naftzger called this one a "Mint Red UNC-70."
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Ex Roscoe F. Ballard, Abe Kosoff 5/15/47.
|
| |
| Realized $18,400 |
|
