1864 2C Small Motto PR66 Red PCGS....

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$105,750.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

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Description

1864 Small Motto Two Cent Piece, PR66 Red
Sole Finest Certified Example

1864 2C Small Motto PR66 Red PCGS. Housed in a green label holder, this specimen exhibits rich golden-red color. The strike is exacting, producing a strong degree of design definition, with the shield in particular displaying outstanding details. The surfaces are lustrous, further adding to the visual appeal.

Variety: Small Motto. The FS-401 Cherrypickers' variety number is for the business strike equivalents.

Population Data (4/14): PCGS shows only this single example in PR66 Red, and none are finer. PCGS has certified a total of three Small Motto proofs in Red, in PR64, PR65, and this PR66 piece. NGC has graded only one proof Red example, a PR64 coin. NGC shows a single PR66 as numerically finest, a Red and Brown coin.

Heritage Commentary: The single finest certified Small Motto proof example designated as Red, this piece has been off the market since Mr. Gardner acquired it in 2000, making this auction appearance a rare opportunity for an advanced collector to add this exceptional specimen to a prized collection.

As an indication of the popularity of the 1864 Small Motto proofs, Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth place the issue at number 77 on the list of 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. They write, "Today, the 1864 Proof 'Small Motto' Two Cent piece is represented by a mere handful of pieces and ranks as one of the rarest major varieties in all of American numismatics." They rank the coins "Extremely Rare."

The Professional Edition of the Guide Book, fifth edition, states there are only 20-30 known surviving examples. Few of the survivors retain red surfaces, as evidenced by the data from the two major grading services.

Provenance: Superior Galleries (10/2000), lot 4165.(Registry values: P6)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 274S, PCGS# 3626, Greysheet# 2712)

Weight: 6.22 grams

Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin & zinc

View Certification Details from PCGS