NNP

1839 1C Booby Head, N-13, R.2, MS65 Red and Brown NGC. CAC. The origin of the term Booby Head apparently predates the Silly Head term by several years, appearing in Edward Cogan's October 1859 priced catalog of the W.C. Tripler Collection. The Newcomb 13-die pair is one of nine Booby Head varieties that were created from seven very similar obverse dies. The reverse die was used first for N-15, then for N-13, and here displays prominent die cracks through TED STAT. A series of small lumps on the obverse rim from 11 o'clock to 2 o'clock are likely small flanges that were folded over during striking, although they appear almost identical to small rim breaks. Both sides are fully lustrous with bluish-brown toning and considerable original orange mint luster. The present piece from the Eric P. Newman Collection easily ranks within the Condition Census for the variety and is likely the second or third finest known example. Our EAC grade MS64. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15072, realized $8400. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.