The Midwest Summer Sale

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Lot Title:	1856 J-181 Cent PCGS PR-63BN
Lot Number:	172
Description:	Snow-1, Judd-181 are equivalent attributions for which faint repunching of the upright in “5” can be found under magnification, and on the reverse, the denomination is tilted slightly counterclockwise, relative to the wreath. According to their own website (pcgscoinfacts.com), "PCGS has certified only 8 examples of Judd-181, the finest of which is a Proof-64 Red and Brown example”. Thus, PCGS considers the present PF-63 BN to trail the census leader by a mere point in numeric quality, overlooking highly subjective color evaluations. Specialist Rick Snow considers the Snow-1 die-marriage to correspond to the “probable prototype” for the future regular-issue small cent, which would thus enlist it as a true pattern, although of course, all 1856 small-cents are considered pattern pieces regardless of Snow (or Judd) attribution. Probably fewer than a dozen exist in any grade. Impressive sharpness immediately greets the viewer who prudently places a loupe on each side, and although the rims are not squared off as one might expect of a proof striking, the lettering on the reverse has been brought up to an astonishing level of relief. So precise is the detail that the edge of the letters for ONE CENT actually elevate upward beyond the common plane, rendering an amazing 3-D effect. One might say that these letters have an “embossed” appearance. The apparent sharpness undoubtedly receives assistance from some intriguing glossy texture that may be the result of the preservative Blue Ribbon being layered across the surface, and the net visual effect is that of glassy smooth sienna-brown patina. Suitors are advised that this should not necessarily be confused as the tactile “feel” of the surface, since any potential anomalies could be undetectable beneath the layer. That said, a noticeable streak of color shift, possibly an as-struck planchet inconsistency, suddenly ejects upward from “1” in the date, and subtly passes through the eagle's torso and into the field above. Trivial other planchet anomalies also show up under examination, attributable possibly to past storage mechanisms. References - The Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide, 3rd Edition - http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/148710
PCGS #:	11792
Certification:	06629193
Estimate:	$17,000-$19,000
Lot Status:	Bidding has been closed for this lot.
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Hammered Price:	-
Price Realized:	-

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This lot may contain an item not certified by ANACS, PCGS, or NGC. While Scotsman Auction Co. is typically conservative in our descriptions of items not certified by one of these companies, we cannot guarantee our grading estimation will match their grade. We highly recommend that collectors seeking items certified by a third-party grading service only bid on items that have already been certified. No lot can be returned because of a variance in judgment with regards to grade.