NNP

1842 1C Small Date, N-1, R.7 as a Proof, PR65 Red NGC. Our EAC Grade PR65. This amazing Gem Red proof offers brilliant orange mint color on both sides, nearly as bright as the day it was made with only slight mellowing on each side. A hint of pale blue appears at the upper obverse and delicate light bluish-brown on the reverse. A few trivial toning spots will aid in future identification of this piece. Variety: The 1842 N-1 and N-2 cents are the only Small Date varieties, and proofs are known only of N-1. The die lumps below the 1 and 4 in the date are clearly visible on this early die state cent. Population Data (3/15): NGC lists six proof 1842 cents including PR63 Brown, two PR64 Red and Brown, two PR65 Brown, and PR65 Red. Seven PCGS submissions are all Brown, including PR63, four PR64, PR65, and PR66. This is the sole Red proof of the date, and one of just 26 for the Braided Hair type at both services combined. Heritage Commentary: In his late-date proof census, Denis Loring records nine proofs of 1842 N-1 that he has personally examined. Five other older listings are likely duplicates of the nine, suggesting an upper limit to the number of proofs known. Among those, the present PR65 Red NGC coin, with an equivalent EAC grade, is clearly the finest known. Provenance: Lorin G. Parmelee (New York Coin & Stamp Co., 6/1890), lot 1137; Peter Mougey (Thomas L. Elder, 9/1910), lot 225; Dr. Henry W. Beckwith (S.H. Chapman, 4/1923), lot 98; William Festus Morgan (J.C. Morgenthau, 6/1932), lot 328; B. Max Mehl; T. James Clarke; later, Bowers and Merena (8/1999), lot 32.