Fred 2 Book

 DISCOVERY COIN

LOT 851 1848 N-44 R5+ G5. Five points sharper but covered with uniform fine granularity. No verdigris and the only notable mark is a dull rim nick over the O in OF. Slightly glossy dark steel brown. Extremely rare terminal die state, die state c, with a very strong die crack from the dentils through ME. This is the discovery coin for the die state. Four more have been discovered since 1990, and the finest of the five is a granular net VG10. 

Ex C. B. 7/1990-Thomas D. Reynolds 8/7/1990-Daniel W. Holmes, Jr., McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldbergs 1/30/2011:328-Fred H. Borcherdt Collection (includes the Reynolds sales envelope which was used as the Holmes collection envelope)

LOT 852 1849 N-19 R5- VF25. Glossy medium brown and light chocolate. Smooth with minor contact marks, just moderately worn. EDS, die state a, before crumbling inside the top of the N in ONE.

From the Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

LOT 854 1849 N-27 R4 VF25. Sharpness VF35 but there are small contact marks scattered over both side plus a larger planchet chip on the rim at the bottom of the reverse. Glossy light to medium chocolate and light olive with hints of reddish brown. MDS, die state b. The spike down from the dentils at star 9 is clear.

LOT 853 1849 N-26 R3+ VF30. Ten points sharper but there are some contact marks including a diagonal scratch between star 2 and the chin and a rim bruise at the second S in STATES. Glossy steel brown and chocolate with steel brown on the highpoints and frosty tan in protected areas. MDS, die state b. The early die lines from the dentils at stars 3-4 are gone and the fields are slightly reflective thanks to a fresh die polishing.

From the Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

From the Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

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