Variety Equivalents: Breen 1830

Notes:
In 1992, Wright noted: "At least two, possibly up to six true Proofs of this variety have been traced, and the MS examples often come prooflike".  Wright considers the Dupont coin to be Mint State and not a Proof.  This variety may have been represented in the Randall Hoard; Breen stated the possibility as fact.

This was the only use of the obverse and reverse dies.

Images courtesy of Superior Stamp & Coin

ex - Tom Reynolds, October 27, 1987 - March Wells - Superior Stamp & Coin's "Pre-Long Beach" sale, February 7-8, 2000, Lot 1866, "AU-50".

Recent appearances:
PCGS graded AU-58 and Del Bland graded VF-30 net.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "Benson Collection, Part I", February 16, 18-20, 2001, lot 439, illustrated, where it was described as follows: "Newcomb-9, Rarity-2...Sharpness of About Uncirculated-50 but there are areas of fine corrosion on the reverse and the face has been lightly smoothed. Cleaned and retoned to a pleasing, glossy darkish steel color with traces of red, mostly on the reverse. The obverse of the coin is generally pleasing in appearance and strike, with some hints of lighter colors in the devices. Boldly impressed by the dies, the stars all show radial lines, and Liberty's curls are crisply defined. Liberty's cheek shows the faintest trace that it was touched up a bit, notable in the slight change in surface quality as compared with the surrounding devices. On the reverse, there are a couple of minor low areas where fine corrosion exists. A bit mottled in color, with lighter faded red around the wreath, and darker in the open fields. Still and all, a decent example of this date. Ex: Ira S. Reed, 12/15/44 as "Unc." at $40.", sold for $604.00

Sources and recommended reading:
"The Cent Book 1816-1839" by John D. Wright

"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen

Relevant collector organizations:
Early American Coppers Club