^Lot 57 1839 N-4 R1 Silly Head MS65

1839 N-4 R1 Silly Head MS65. Lustrous mix of bright mint red and frosty steel brown, nearly half the original mint color remaining on both sides. A spot of reddish brown carbon in the dentils over star 10 is the only defect worthy of consideration. Sharply struck MDS with radial lines in all the stars. The short dash at the dentil tips between the 3 & 9 is gone and the one right of the 9 is weak. A wonderful example of the "Silly Head" type, one of the very best of the type regardless of the die variety. Called MS66 choice and tied for CC#1 in the Noyes census, his photo #21476. Bland says MS65+ and tied for CC#1. A solid winner either way. Removed from a PCGS slab graded MS65RB (PCGS label included, and it shows the attribution and Naftzger provenance).
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.

Provenance: Ex Dr. George P. French, B. Max Mehl 1929 FPL, lot 588-T. James Clarke 10/54-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldbergs 2/1/2009:449, The Northwest Collection.