^Lot 1 1816 N-5 R3 MS64

1816 N-5 R3 MS64. Choice light bluish steel brown with nearly a third of the mint red remaining, mostly on the reverse. Great luster and eye appeal. A strong glass reveals a faint diagonal hairline scratch through star 3 and a couple small planchet voids on the chin and jawline, as struck. Nicely struck E-MDS. The repunching under the N in CENT is clear and the die lines on the neck are sharp. Called MS65 and tied for CC#1 in the Bland census. Noyes says MS61 and tied for CC#4, his photo #20720. Removed from a PCGS slab graded MS64RB (PCGS label included, and it shows the attribution and Naftzger provenance).
Estimated Value $3,000-UP.

Provenance: Ex Howard R. Newcomb, J. C. Morgenthau 5/15/1945:492-Floyd T. Starr, Stack's 6/13/84:73-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldbergs 2/1/2009:8. The Naftzger collection envelope also lists earlier owners as David Proskey-Dr. George P. French, but this is unverified, The Northwest Collection.