Lot 734
1847 N-18 R5 Large 7 over Medium 7 MS62. Lustrous light olive and sea green mixed with hints of light bluish steel overtone in protected areas. A frosty, very attractive cent. Would be choice if not for a splash of reddish brown toning on the lower half of the E in ONE. The entire date was repunched on this variety, and the initial impression of the gang punch (all 4 digits held together as a unit) was slightly higher than the final, strongly punched date. The result is what has long been called a "Large 7 over Medium 7." Of course the punches used were the same size, but lightly punched numerals always appear smaller than heavily impressed ones due to their beveled edges (same for the N-2 "Large 7 over Small 7" variety). Older standard coin catalogs used to contain a separate listing for the "Large over Medium" variety, but that changed decades ago. Another interesting feature of this variety is the uniform "moonscape" appearance of the entire portrait of Ms Liberty. This curious feature is consistent on all the known examples of 47N18, and it is always found on the 1846 N-16 variety as well. Perhaps it was caused by a finely rusted head punch or hub that was employed in the preparation of the two varieties. Regardless of how it happened, every example of the two varieties in a grade high enough to show such things has this feature. Rare LDS, die state d, with strong rim cud breaks from under the 1 to star 1 and another from star 4 to star 5. An important cent, especially for collectors of rim cuds. Tied for CC#3 of the variety but finest of the late state.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.
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| Realized $3,450 |
