Owner Comments:
NGC graded MS 61 BN, EAC AU55
Variety: N-8, Large Letters, EDS
This coin is a bit splotchy and unevenly toned, especially on the obverse. There is no discernible cartwheel luster. On a positive note, there are no significant contact marks, but there are a few tiny ones. The 61 grade seems appropriate to me.
This coin was removed from its NGC holder prior to my purchase in a November 2006 Bowers & Merena auction, but I have the NGC insert and have positively matched the coin to the insert, thanks to earlier Superior auction photos from their September 2004 sale of the Ron Adam collection. I resubmitted to NGC, who body-bagged it as "improperly cleaned" (and mis-identified the variety as N-6). The obverse has developed some of that unnatural color indicative of cleaning. It looked better when I submitted it.
The Bowers & Merena catalog description says:
1829 Large Cent N-8 Rarity-1 AU-55.
Mottled brown and olive brown with smooth, frosty surfaces. Close to Mint State sharpness but there are some minor marks. Early die state.
Removed from an NGC holder graded MS-61 Brown. The NGC insert is included.
Ex: Ron Adam; Superior, 9-5-2004, lot 853.
I believe the consignor to the B&M auction was Tom Reynolds. I believe this coin matches the following entry for an 1829 N-8 cent I saw on his web site:
Brown with choice, frosty surfaces. Some very minor circ. marks. EDS. Removed from an NGC holder graded MS61 Brown. A+
The Superior catalog description says:
1829 N-8 R1 NGC graded Mint State-61 Brown
Glossy dark chocolate, the reverse a few shades lighter than the obverse, with underlying frosty mint luster in the protected areas. Virtually flawless, just a hint of friction on the highpoints. The only mark is a tiny diagonal nick on the earlobe. Sharp EDS. EAC grade AU55