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1886 1C Type Two PR66 Red PCGS. As the only example graded by PCGS at this level (10/02), collectors

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:45.00 - 60.00 USD
1886 1C Type Two PR66 Red PCGS. As the only example graded by PCGS at this level (10/02), collectors
1886 1C Type Two PR66 Red PCGS. As the only example graded by PCGS at this level (10/02), collectors requiring the "top of the pop" for their Registry Sets will surely have to face fierce competition for this coin. The overall rarity of this proof issue at the Gem Red level is well known: the 1886 Type Two is one of the most conditionally challenging dates in the entire proof Indian Cent series. The present representative displays outstanding eye appeal and rich, even, cherry-red coloration. Fully struck in virtually all areas with a smooth, Gem quality sheen. The Variety 1 and Variety 2 designations that PCGS uses for the proof 1886 Indian Cent may be confusing to some collectors. These designations indicate a design change, not two distinct varieties. Hence, the correct terminology is Type One and Type Two. The design change by Mint Engraver Charles Barber slightly altered the placement of the feathers in Liberty's headdress relative to the ICA in AMERICA. The Type One design, in use starting with the 1864 L on Ribbon delivery, has the last feather pointing between the IC in AMERICA. The Type Two, which would continue in use through the end of the series in 1909, has the last feather pointing between the CA. The rarity of the proof 1886 Type Two stems not from the combined mintage for this issue (which is actually quite high for the series), but rather from the way these coins were distributed and ultimately stored. Prior to 1878, the Mint struck a certain number of proofs for distribution in sets and as singles. Approximately 1,000 coins were produced each year, and those coins that remained as unsold were destroyed. Some of these leftover proofs were also illegally placed into circulation. Minor proof issues were not carried on the books in the same manner as business strikes, so we do not know exactly how many coins were struck during this era. We are also ignorant on the number of proofs sold, spent, and destroyed. Beginning in 1878 and continuing beyond the end of the Indian Cent series, Philadelphia dealer David U. Proskey, as well as some others, began buying the Mint's entire stock of unsold minor coins. Many of the coins bought by Proskey remained in a huge hoard that was later passed to Wayte Raymond and F.C.C. Boyd. Raymond's coins were sold to various dealers in the early 1940s, among whom was Charles French. The latter's Troy, New York firm French's listed these proofs in ads in The Numismatist at this time. The Boyd part of the hoard was sold to Tatam Stamp and Coin of Springfield, Massachusetts. As a result of this distribution process, many post-1877 proof Indian Cents remained in the original Mint wrappers for anywhere from 30 to 60 years. These wrappers imparted iridescent blue, purple, and magenta toning to the surfaces. Although beautiful to behold, such coins typically receive a Brown color designation from one of the leading grading services. For a proof 1886 Type Two Cent to survive in Gem full Red is truly remarkable, and it suggests that its pedigree must trace back to a caring collector rather than the aforementioned hoard.Ex: FUN Signature Sale--The Joshua Collection (Heritage, 1/2001), lot 6290, where it realized $57,500.From the Joseph P. Gorrell Collection. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.