 1829 N.6 (R-6). The obverse is Proof-63 and essentially full red. The reverse is Proof-60 with only a delicate degree of light fading over plenty of mint color. A limited number of surface hairlines are visible on the obverse. The reverse fields reveal a somewhat greater degree of disturbance, however both sides enjoy wonderful reflectivity. There is no trace of collar ridges as seen on the 1821 Proof Cent in this sale. The edge is sharper than that seen on business strikes, but not as defined as that seen on the 1821 Proof. The strike is generally sharp on the stars and Liberty's curls, although a couple of stars are lacking their radial centers. Others are bold and complete. Identifiable by a minor speck on the chest tip of Liberty, and a minor toning speck within the top points of star five. Another is present at the left upper point of star eight, as well as on the reverse between the 'TE' of STATES.
Perhaps a dozen or so of these exist. Why these were coined is uncertain as Proofs seem to have been struck on a hit or miss basis during the first several decades at the Philadelphia Mint. Thankfully for collectors, a limited population are known and provide memorable historic evidence of the quality that can be produced by a screw press under conditions that were far less than ideal.
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