1812 1C Large Cent Classic Head Small Date S-290 PCGS MS65BN (CAC)

This is a gorgeous GEM Early Large Cent. We bought it from our Regency 58 sale because we had trouble imaging it and we though that is why it sold kind of cheap. be assured, this coin is no dud-it is a real MS65!

Here is the description from the sale:

A gorgeous GEM 1812 Small Date among the finest KNOWN for the variety, ranked as CC# 1 in both the Del Bland and Noyes census listings. There are two Red Book varieties for the date, Large and Small Date, each represented by two different die marriages. The S-290 is a Rarity-1. This one is struck from Breen’s die state V, the latest for the variety. Die wear is seen on both sides, evidenced by heavy flow lines, especially around the legends and die lapping lines at ITED STA. The advanced die state resulted in areas of striking weakness, but in the overall scheme of this GEM this is very minor. The surfaces are frosty lustrous and very smooth. A rich brown patina with steely brilliance and accents of original red that can be seen when rotated in a light. The surfaces have a few tiny, microscopic ticks, but free of any serious issues of any kind. The eye appeal is truly stunning!

Ex Mal Varner, who discovered this coin in a 1973 coin show; A-Mark Coin Co.’s Admiral Worthington S. Bitler sale, March 1973, lot 244; Douglas M. McHenry; Superior’s Robinson S. Brown, Jr. Collection sale, September 1986, lot 429; Tony Terranova; R.E. “Ted” Naftzger, Jr., February 1992; Eric Streiner; Jay Parrino (The Mint); Superior’s February 8, 9, 10, 1999 Auction, lot 2157; Superior’s sale of the Allan J. Kollar Collection, May 2005, lot 1040; American Numismatic Rarities’ C.L. Lee Sale, September 2005, lot 52; Heritage, September 2007, lot 101 (as PCGS MS65 RB); Flambeau Collection; Joseph O’Connor; Cardinal Collection; Stack’s Bowers’ January 2013 Americana Sale, lot 13024 (as PCGS MS65 RB); Anthony Terranova; Legend Numismatics; our consignor.

PCGS 2, NGC 1, CAC 3. This coin has been in our consignor’s collection for a decade. The only other MS65 BN example to sell since then was the Pogue coin that had a darker toning spot at ME in AMERICA. This coin has a more even look, much more pleasing overall, and should bring more. The current PCGS Price Guide value is $55,000. There is only a single 1812 cent graded by PCGS higher than the current coin, the Large Date S-288 in MS66 BN from The Pogue Collection, which realized $105,750. This coin realized $55,800.00. For the type, date, or variety specialist this is an opportunity not to reoccur any time soon.