TNA HOF Collection Pt 1

THE HELFENSTEIN-NAFTZGER N-26

LOT 1301 1849 N-26 R3+ AU55. Very close to mint state with just a hint of rub on the highest points, but there are some barely visible hairline scratches in the field right of the main curl. These marks are not visible to the unaided eye. Frosty steel brown and light chocolate with traces of faded mint color on the reverse. A puff of slightly darker olive brown toning right of the hair bun is a good identifying feature that doesn’t require a strong glass. MDS, die state b. The earlier die lines at the dentils near star 3 are mostly gone. Softly struck on the tip of the coronet and star 5 (as usual for this variety). Tied for CC#4 in the Grellman census. Comes with an important provenance.

Ex Louis Helfenstein, Lester Merkin 8/14/1964:250 (as N-21)-Willard C. Blaisdell 9/1976 (via Del Bland)-R. E. “Ted” Naftzger, Jr. (via William C. Noyes)- Fred H. Borcherdt Collection (includes the Merkin auction lot envelope/Naftzger collection envelope)

LOT 1302 1849 N-27 R4 AU55. Frosty chocolate and olive brown with hints of very faded mint color in protected areas, mostly on the reverse. Satiny luster covers the fields and protected areas on both sides and this piece has nice eye appeal. A tiny tick off the left end of the eyelash is a good identifying mark, but you need a good glass to see it. MDS, die state b, with a spike down from the dentils at star 9. A sharp, attractive example of this tough die variety, tied for CC#6. 

LOT 1303 1849 N-28 R3 EF45. Glossy medium brown and light chocolate. Light wear and minor marks. A light diagonal scratch above the N in ONE is the only notable defect. EDS, die state a, with strong die lines around ONE CENT. 

Ex Ken Wolfgram 6/1983-Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

Ex Nick Gampietro, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldbergs 1/31/2010:657-Fred H. Borcherdt Collection

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