Fred 2 Book

 VERY LATE N-9 “KNOB”

LOT 711 1855 N-9 R1 Italic 55, Knob-on-Ear F12. A few points sharper with many small nicks scattered over the obverse and a diagonal scratch right of the end of the nose. Glossy medium chocolate brown with smooth surfaces. Very late die state, state g early, with just a dimple remaining between the big knob and the branch under the Y. The two sections of the knob break are nearly closed. About as late as you will ever see. Acquired by Fred in April of 2009 with the comment on his envelope “1st one seen.” 

From the Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

 PROOFLIKE N-10

LOT 712 1855 N-10 R1 Italic 55 MS64+. Slightly mellowed mint red fading to bluish steel brown with a third of the planchet showing mint color. Sharply struck with reflective fields on both sides and just a few trivial marks. A tiny tick on the front edge of the neck and two specks of darker toning in the dentils under the wreath ribbon are the best identifying marks. Not a proof strike but sharp and really attractive. VEDS, die state a early. 

Ex the Philadelphia Collection, Ed Hipps 2012-Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

LOT 713 1855 N-10 R1 Italic 55 AU55. Glossy light brown and golden tan with mint frost in the fields and protected areas. A choice cent with great eye appeal, just a touch of friction from mint state. LDS, die state e, with lightly flowlined fields and subtle swelling inside the top of the E in ONE. 

From the Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

69 Photos of all lots can be found at www.earlycentsauctions.com