NNP

1852 1C N-24, Low R.8, PR64 Brown PCGS. Our EAC Grade PR60. Satin luster resides on the sharply defined devices of this pleasing proof, showing fully mirrored fields. The obverse displays medium reddish-brown color tinged with iridescent overtones. The deep chocolate-brown reverse also displays iridescent toning. Careful examination reveals microscopic hairlines, mostly on the obverse. Variety: The 1852 N-24 cent is a proof-only variety, of which only three examples are known. Population Data (3/15): PCGS shows four proof 1852 large cents, one each in PR64 Brown, PR65 Brown, PR65 Red and Brown, and PR65 Red. NGC reports one PR65 Red. These five submissions represent just three known proofs. Heritage Commentary: A significant population of proof Braided Hair large cents exists for the years 1840 through 1849 and 1854 through 1857. However, those dated 1850 through 1853 are extremely rare, if they exist at all. Denis Loring lists just over half a dozen proofs of 1850 N-11, no proofs of 1851, three proofs of 1852 N-24 (offered here), and none for 1853. Past auctions have included proofs of 1852 N-8, but Loring and Grellman consider those pieces to be prooflike circulation strikes. Provenance: Dr. George P. French; William Festus Morgan (J.C. Morgenthau & Co., 6/1932), lot 377; Floyd T. Starr (Stack's, 6/1984), lot 722; Robinson S. Brown, Jr. (Superior, 9/1986), lot 1332; R. Tettenhorst; Denis W. Loring; Robinson S. Brown, Jr. (4/1999); Daniel W. Holmes; consigned to the J.R. Frankenfield Sale (Superior, 2/2001), lot 1737, then bought back; Daniel W. Holmes (Goldberg Coins, 1/2011), lot 531.