 1836 B-1. Rarity-5+. Original. Proof-64 RB (PCGS). Highly reflective surfaces show light brown color with underlying orange and violet, with rich golden color close to the original mint red shade becoming plain under a good light. An unquestioned original striking, with no trace of the bulge in the lower left obverse that is visible on the "first restrike" coins struck later from the identical die pair. Careful examination under a glass reveals some light hairlines, more visible in the reverse fields than on the obverse but still not a serious distraction. Two spots under the ear of Liberty serve as identifiers, area of discoloration at rim under 1 of date, nick on Liberty's jawline and another at mid-throat, scattered lintmarks here and there including a curled one between last date digit and lowest curl. An extremely sharply struck specimen that retains good mirrors and pleasing visual appeal. Only about 50 specimens of this date—either original strikes as here or the later restrikes from the same dies—are known in total, making this a key issue for half cent collectors. Considering the very basic rarity of the date, to say nothing of its importance as a Proof coin from the 1830s, this seems like an undervalued classic compared to the steep price appreciation of many other market sectors in recent years.
PCGS Population: 4; 3 finer within the designation (Proof-65 RB finest).
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