 1821 N.1 (High R-6 as Proof). Close Date, Large 'T' in LIBERTY. Proof-65. Splendidly reflective light brown fields highlight devices of diamond-sharp quality, meticulously struck to impart nearly medallic perfection. A glass reveals double striking on the reverse, most visible in the leaves comprising the left side of the wreath and in several letters of the legend. Boldly squared rims testify to the care with which this extraordinary coin was struck. This magnificent coin is undoubtedly the finest of perhaps 12 Proofs known. The late Walter Breen traced these 12 Proofs back to the greatest historical collections of the past, including those of T. James Clarke. Dr Thomas Hall, Virgil Brand, Atwater, Floyd Starr, Peter Mougey, Harold Bareford, Carl Würzbach and others.
The present glittering example was undoubtedly among these but brings no specific attribution with it. The late Howard Rounds Newcomb decreed what many collectors have characterized as unrealistic criteria for recognition of Proof status, but the present coin passed all of Newcomb's stringent tests. NGC has certified one Gem Proof, and one as PR-66. Given the equivocal attitude of the grading services toward early Proofs, such Proof recognition and the assigned grade add up to a significant tribute indeed. This fabulous Proof's appearance at auction offers an historic opportunity to today's collectors that may not occur again for years. NGC PF66BN.
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