NNP

1844/81 1C N-2, R.2, MS64 Red and Brown NGC. Our EAC Grade MS63. Satin luster visits both sides of this lovely cent, with faded mint red and delicate blue-steel toning. The strike is a trifle blunt as usual, although there is no evidence of wear on either side. Variety: 1844 N-2 is the popular blundered date variety, where the engraver first entered the date upside down, then corrected his mistake. The original date numerals are visible under the 844. Grellman Die State a. Population Data (3/15): This is the only Red and Brown example that NGC has attributed as N-2. For all varieties NGC reports five MS64 Red and Brown and one MS64 Red, with none finer in either color designation. Heritage Commentary: The 1844/81 blundered date cent carries a separate listing in the Guide Book, heightening demand for the variety. The slightly finer Naftzger coin was graded MS64 Red and Brown PCGS and considered tied for finest known in Bob Grellman's census. This is only the second auction appearance of this example in 27 years. Provenance: T. James Clarke; James O. Sloss; R.E. Naftzger, Jr.; Abe Kosoff (10/1959), lot 223; Loye Lauder (William Doyle Galleries, 12/1983), lot 438; Philip Benedetti; Denis W. Loring; Herman Halpern (Stack's, 3/1988), lot 563; John B. MacDonald (via Denis W. Loring); Wes Rasmussen; Jeff Gresser; American Numismatic Rarities (8/2004), lot 106.