Fred 2 Book

LOT 654 1853 N-29 R3 PCGS graded MS61 Brown. Lustrous light bluish steel brown with traces of very faded mint color in some protected areas on the reverse. The surfaces are satiny and there is just a hint of friction on the highest points of the devices. The only mark is a spot of light reddish toning at the dentils over star 10. LDS, die state c. The earlier die lines are gone, the fields are flowlined, and a low spot caused by grease on the die created strike weakness on the shoulder and lower curls. This low spot is often seen on examples in the late die state, and it is mentioned in the 2021 edition of the Grellman reference. Our grade is AU58. The attribution is noted on the PCGS label. 406047.61/36940223

LOT 656 1853 N-31 R4+ EF45+. Frosty light to medium brown. Sharp and very attractive. Would rate a slightly higher grade except for a faint nearly vertical hairline scratch in the field behind the portrait. The only other marks are a couple small ticks on the rim over the I in UNITED and a spot of reddish brown toning right of the mouth. E-MDS, die state b early. The die lines over RI are a bit dull but still clearly visible. A nice example of this tough variety, tied for CC#6 for the variety in the Grellman census.

From the Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

From the Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

LOT 657 1853 N-32 R5- EF40. Perhaps slightly sharper but there is a nick on the chin. Otherwise quite nice with smooth surfaces are trivial contact marks. Glossy medium brown with frost in protected areas. E-MDS, die state a late or b early. Remnants of the early die lines at the neck and throat are still visible close to the jaw, and the die line at the end of the wreath stem is clear. Comes with a nice provenance.

Ex Wismer (misattributed as A-8) Fred Clymer 1994-Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

LOT 655 1853 N-30 R1 AU58. Glossy light to medium brown with lighter golden tan faded down from mint color in protected areas on the obverse and darker steel brown on the highpoints. No spots or stains, just a few trivial contact marks including two tiny ticks under star 4, a very tiny hairline scratch near the dentils over star 9, and a small nick on the forehead. EDS, die state a. The tiny die lines from the dentils at star 13 are clear and there is a shallow low spot (caused by lubricant on the die) that covers much of the neck up to the jaw.

LOT 658 1853 N-32 R5- EF40. At least 5 points sharper with smooth, attractive surfaces, but there are two rim bruises: one between stars 10 & 11 and another at TA in STATES. The only additional marks are a thin diagonal nick close under the eye and a light nick close under star 7. Glossy brown blending to olive brown in protected areas. MDS, die state c early. The die line at the tip of the wreath stem is faint, nearly gone, but the vertical lines inside the wreath are strong. A decent example of this tough variety.

Ex Chris McCawley 1/2002-Evan L. Kopald (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 5/2006-Daniel W. Holmes, Jr., McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldbergs 1/30/2011:579-Fred H. Borcherdt Collection (includes the Holmes collection envelope)

From the Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

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